West Virginia Flag
West Virginia became the thirty-fifth state of the United States in 1863. It seceded from Virginia in 1861. Its nickname is the Mountain State, and the capital is Charleston. The state ranks forty-first in area and thirty-fifth in population. Today much of its income comes from farming and coal mining. Children can visit a website at: West Virginia. Idea: Since Charleston is the capital, children could learn to dance the Charleston.
Great Seal
Congress adopted the Great Seal in 1782. The seal, housed with the State Department, is used to authenticate federal documents. Three committees contributed their ideas until the final choice was made. The seal has at least five symbols that have thirteen of that object. For example, the eagle holds thirteen arrows. Children can learn more at: Great Seal.
Last Great Buffalo Hunt occurred in 1882. Bison can weigh up to a ton and stand six feet high at their shoulders. The bison became almost extinct, but today bison can be found in preserves or on ranches. Children could learn more at: Buffalo.
Ice cream soda was invented in Philadelphia in 1874 by Robert M. Greene. It was created to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of the Franklin Institute. Idea: Children could make ice cream sodas.
Caroline Willard Baldwin became the first woman to obtain a doctor of science degree in 1895. She graduated from Cornell University. She wrote an article, A Photographic Study of Arc Spectra, for the Physical Review journal. She then taught physics at the California School of Mechanical Arts.
Annette Curtis Klause (born Bristol, England, 1953) writes books for young adults. Her works include The Silver Kiss and Blood and Chocolate.
First Day of Summer
Summer solstice is today. Today is the longest day in the northern hemisphere and the shortest day (start of winter) in the southern hemisphere. Children can learn more at: Summer Solstice.
Flag of Greenland
Greenland celebrates the longest day of the year, a national holiday. Greenland is a part of the Danish monarchy, but it is self-governing. According to the CIA World Factbook, Greenland is a little more than three times the size of Texas. Because it is located so far north, most of the country is permafrost. Greenland has the world’s second largest ice cap. About 57,000 people live in the country, mostly along the southern coast. The economy is based on fishing, mining, and tourism.
New Hampshire Flag
New Hampshire became the ninth state of the United States by ratifying the Constitution in 1788. It was named after the English county Hampshire. The capital is Concord, and its motto is “Live Free or Die.” It ranks forty-fourth in area and forty-second in population. Mt. Washington is the tallest peak in New England. Martin Pring traveled its coast in 1603, and Samuel de Champlain explored the area in 1604. Children could visit an Internet site at: New Hampshire.
Robert Kraus (born Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 1925; died Kent, Connecticut, August 7, 2001) was a cartoonist, publisher, and writer of children’s books. His books include Leo the Late Bloomer and Boris Bad Enough. Children can learn more at: Robert Krauss.
Jean-Paul Sartre (born Paris, France, 1905; died Paris, France, April 15, 1980) was a philosopher and writer. He received the 1964 Nobel Prize in Literature.
Henry Ossawa Tanner (born Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 1859; died Paris, France, May 25, 1937) was one of the first African-American artists to have major exhibits.