Peaches
National Eat a Peach Day is today! Peaches are high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They can be eaten raw or cooked in a variety of ways. The three top states in order of peach production are: California (475,000 tons), South Carolina (67,400 tons), and Georgia (24,800 tons).
Model of John Fitch’s Steamboat
Steamboat, invented by John Fitch, successfully worked in 1787. Fitch demonstrated his steamboat on the Delaware River before members of the Constitutional Convention. Children could learn more at: John Fitch.
Nat Turner in 1831 led a short-lived slave rebellion in Virginia. A slave, Turner believed he had visions from God to lead the insurrection. Around 56 free people were killed, but up to 200 slaves died. Within two days the battle was over, but Nat Turner himself was not caught until October 30, 1831. He was tried, found guilty, and hanged on November 5, 1831. Older children could read a concise account of the rebellion at: Nat Turner. Nat Turner’s Slave Rebellion was not the only uprising. Children can read more about other slave uprisings at: Slave Rebellions.
Althea Gibson
Althea Gibson, in 1950, became the first African American (of either sex) to compete in an international tennis competition. She received an invitation to play at the United States National Championships (now the U. S. Open) in Forest Hills, Queens, New York. She lost in the second round, but that event was just the start of her groundbreaking career in both tennis and golf. Children can learn more at: Althea Gibson.
Ray Bradbury (born Waukegan, Illinois, 1920; died Los Angeles, California, June 5, 2012) was an author. One of his most famous works is Fahrenheit 451. His other works include The Martian Chronicles and The Illustrated Man. One of his greatest short stories is “A Sound of Thunder.” Older children could learn more at: Ray Bradbury.
Claude Debussy (born St. Germain-en-Laye, France, 1862; died Paris, France, March 25, 1918) was a composer and musician.
Will Hobbs (born Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 1947) has written at least 20 novels for young adults. He received the 1998 Edgar Award for Ghost Canoe. Other books include The Maze and Beardance. Young adults could visit his website at: Will Hobbs.
The Spirit of ’76
Archibald M. Willard (born Bedford, Ohio, 1836; died Cleveland, Ohio, October 11, 1918) was a painter. Perhaps his most famous works is The Spirit of ‘76.
State of Franklin came into being in 1784. Eight counties of then eastern North Carolina seceded from the state and formed their own government that was to be Franklin, the fourteenth state. However, the federal government over time did not recognize the territory, and in 1788 the land returned to North Carolina. Today the counties are part of eastern Tennessee. Children can learn more at: State of Franklin.
Horseshoe Patent
Horseshoe improvement was patented by Oscar E. Brown in 1892. He received patent number 481,271. His horseshoe incorporated an upper shoe and a lower shoe so that the horse experienced less discomfort when the lower shoe needed replacement. Children could view the patent at: Horseshoe Improvement.
Washington Monument and Repairs
East Coast earthquake occurred in 2011. The 5.8 magnitude earthquake was centered in Louisa County, Virginia, but its effects were felt as far north as Quebec and as far south as Atlanta, Georgia. Experts believe one-third of the country’s population experienced the earthquake. No lives were lost, but damages did occur. Washington, DC had significant damage, including the Washington Monument (now reopened) and the National Cathedral. Older children could learn more at: East Coast Earthquake.
Melvin Berger (born Brooklyn, New York, 1927) has written over 200 books for children. His works include Germs Make Me Sick! and Is a Dolphin a Fish?
Edgar Lee Masters (born Garnett, Kansas, 1869; died Melrose Park, Pennsylvania, March 5, 1950) was a writer. One of his most famous works is Spoon River Anthology, which children will find, along with some of his other works, at: Project Gutenberg.
Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry (born South Kingston, Rhode Island, 1785; died at sea on August 23, 1819) was a naval commander. During the Battle of Lake Erie in 1813, he stated, “We have met the enemy, and they are ours.”
Flag of Ukraine
Ukraine celebrates Independence Day. It seceded from the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics in 1991. Located in eastern Europe and bordering the Black Sea, the Ukraine has an area a bit smaller than the area of Texas. Most of the country is covered with fertile, flat land. Agricultural products include grains, sugar beets, and sunflower seeds. Over 44 million people live in Ukraine, and Kyiv is the capital.