Cathie and Bob Jung, CB 33 November 2002.

We had promised to visit Cathie and Bob in America a long time ago. But we didn’t get to it until last summer, when we were able to free up enough time to keep that promise. In August, we packed our suitcases and travelled to Old Mystic, Connecticut, to visit this heart-warming couple.
As they have enough space in the house, with almost all there children now living elsewhere, we were invited to stay with them, and we had a fantastic week together. It took us a short while to get accustomed to the time difference first though, before we could start our scouting tours around the area.

Photo: Cathie on her couch, in full splendour.

The airplane took us from Schiphol Airport to Boston, where Cathie and Bob picked us up. Since the attacks of September 11th, last year, security measures on the airports have increased enormously. After an uneventful 1.5 hour drive to Old Mystic, we were kindly received into their beautiful home, deeply hidden within the green and yet situated along the water as well.
Cathie and Bob, whenever they receive international guests, have the nice habit of hoisting the flag of the country of their visitors. During our entire stay, the Dutch tricolour gave an extra festive touch.

Old Mystic has a long tradition in fishing and shipping. In the historic harbour, you can still admire the last whaler. Touring the harbour on board of the old steamer “Sabino”, gave us ample opportunity to admire and get acquainted with the beautiful surroundings. And the sun did her utmost, making it all truly enjoyable.
The area is rich with a large variety of fish. As it is freshly supplied to the various fish restaurants, they are a pleasure to dine in.
The area has many historic houses and the Victorian influences are still clearly noticeable everywhere. Houses are designed spacious and the outsides are finished with cedar. Summers are nicely warm, and the winters are generally mild. The average American family owns more than one car, which is quite understandable with the distances they have to cover. Consequently, houses in the area have more than one garage.

Since the 11th of September last year, the American flag is seen everywhere, even more than before, and the feeling of unity and determination is enormous.
The terrorist attacks have left deep wounds that can still be felt everywhere. On one of the nights we were at a fish restaurant that also had a band playing that evening. The first thing they played was the national anthem, which was received with a standing ovation.
Since the middle of this year, Bob, who was a surgeon, retired. In the meantime he has transferred his practice and said farewell to all the people he worked with. His big passion –besides corsets- is everything hat has to do with (steam)boats. It didn’t come as a surprise that his farewell was celebrated aboard a big boat, rented especially in his honour. Cathie and Bob will still have to get used to their new freedom, as working 80 hours a week was no exception to Bob.

The area that Cathie and Bob live in, used to belong to the Indians. Many place names still refer to and reflect Indian influences. The world’s biggest casino is located in this area and is owned by these native Americans. Compensating the loss of their territories, they may run the casino without having to pay taxes. Of course we visited the casino, although more accurately, it is a city that you are allowed to gamble in. There are hotels, restaurants and theatres in abundance, and if you are interested in finding and admiring the longest limousine on earth, all you have to do is stand in front this casino for an evening. You will wish for another pair of eyes.

The backside of Cathie and Bob’s house.

America is only about 200 years old and probably because of that, many things of the past have still survived. Houses from the 1870’s can still be admired in perfect condition and full glory. There are severe governmental rules to keep these houses intact and original.

We visited Block Island with Cathie and Bob’s boat. On the island, there are still several Victorian Hotels to be admired in their authentic state. It is actually a perfect setting for a historic corset meeting.
Striking is also that the Americans are very friendly and service-minded. In the shops and restaurants you are always treated correctly and the food and drinks are of decent quality. Price levels however, are higher than in Western Europe. The “Bobcat“ is not only used for boating and fishing (the area is also rich on tuna), but it is also a great setting to take photographs. We didn’t hesitate to make use of the occasion and took several pictures of Cathie. Also take a look at Gallery 5.

In this contribution, the word ‘corset’ hasn’t occurred that much, but of course we discussed the phenomenon a lot with Cathie and Bob. Events from the past passed in review. And we also talked about their first attendance to the LGM meetings.
And then, we also had a lot of talks about the future. In the next Corset Letter, among other things, we will report to you about this.