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This Week in Stuff Named After Crotches

Crotch Island - Crotch Island remains a working quarry of famous Maine Pink Granite. The irregular pink stones paving the area around JFK's Eternal Flame at Arlington National Cemetary were quarried on Crotch Island.

George Robert Crotch [1842-1874] - A little known entomologist, Crotch nevertheless had profound effects on the field, corresponding with and earning mention from such heavy hitters as Darwin himself, and inspiring memorialization by the California Academy of Sciences. He was struck down by tuberculosis at the tender age of 32.

William Duppa Crotch [1831 or 32 - 1903] - Brother to George Robert, W.D. also found his calling in entomology, and also apparently corresponded with Darwin. He must not have been as good as his brother, however, in that there's no Wikipedia entry on him. He eventually gave up on bugs in favor of Norwegian Lemmings.

William Crotch (II) [1775-1847] - This other William Crotch, also English, made his mark as a composer. Considered a child prodigy, Crotch was having his compositions played publicly by age 14. His most famous composition is the oratorio Palestine (1812). He seems to be the most famous Crotch, and more can be found about him here and here.

Crotch Lake - Found in southeastern Ontario, Crotch Lake is a popular destination for fisherpeople and tourists alike. Home to many lodges and campsites, Crotch Lake has even inspired a book, Tales of Crotch Lake, by Harry George, Jr. Amazon.com's list of key, but statistically improbable, phrases for this title includes "sucker minnows," "boat dog," and "fish home." Sounds idyllic. Although, according to Darren's Outdoor Page, "the water [of Crotch Lake] was very warm and did not taste good at all." Be warned.

And that's all for This Week in Stuff Named After Crotches.

Labels: celebrities, crotches, music, science

posted by dan @ 11:48 AM