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 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 on 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.
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 Kiev is the capital.
Pompeii with Vesuvius in background
photo courtesy of Kim Traynor
Vesuvius in Italy erupted in AD 79. Clouds of sulfuric acid killed nearby inhabitants, and volcanic ash buried the cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum. The cities were buried and forgotten for centuries. Children could find out how and when Pompeii and Herculaneum were discovered. Older children could visit Vesuvius.
Washington, DC, was burned in 1814 during the War of 1812. Many buildings, including the Capitol and the President’s House, were burned. The president and other statesmen had left the city prior to the battle. Idea: Children could find out how the White House got its name. Children can learn more at: America’s Library.
Potato chips were invented by Chef George Crum in Saratoga Springs, New York, in 1853. According to legend, Crum, a Native American chef at Moon’s Lake House wanted to impress a client. He cut the potatoes into thin slices, fried them, and added salt. Today potato chips are about 35 percent of the snack food market and generate revenues of over sixteen billion dollars annually.
Waffle iron was patented in 1869 by Cornelius Swarthout of Troy, New York. Various forms of waffle makers were around as early as the 1300’s. However, his stove-top waffle maker had a handle and a clasp to keep the iron closed when it was flipped over. General Electric produced the first electric waffle maker in 1911.
Pluto photographed by New Horizons
Pluto was demoted from planet to dwarf planet in 2006. The International Astronomical Union had to either change Pluto’s status as a planet or add many more planets, so Pluto was placed in a different category. Children could learn more at: Pluto.