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.
Flag of Uruguay
Uruguay celebrates Independence Day. It became free from Brazilian rule in 1825. Located on the southeastern coast of South America, the country is about the size of the state of Washington. The country’s rolling plains and mild climate allow ranchers to raise a great deal of livestock. Over three million people live in Uruguay, and Montevideo is the capital. Children can learn more at: Uruguay.
Matthew Webb in 1875 became the first person to swim the English Channel. He started in Dover, England, and finished near Calais, France, less than 22 hours later. Since then, at least 1,831 athletes have successfully completed the swim, which is 21 miles at its narrowist point.
Lassen Volcanic National Park
National Park Service celebrates its birthday; it was created in 1916. Congress created the government agency through the National Park Service Organic Act. A part of the Department of the Interior, the National Park Service supervises 401 locations, with 59 of those sites national parks. Over 280 million people visit the national parks each year. Children could visit the National Park’s website, particularly the kids section (WebRangers) at: http://www.nps.gov.
Voyager 2
Voyager 2 made its closest approach to Saturn in 1981 and to Neptune in 1989. Launched August 20, 1977, Voyager 2 investigated Saturn’s atmosphere. It also researched Neptune’s atmosphere and checked out one of Neptune’s moons, Triton. The spacecraft continues to travel and send back data. Children can keep up to date with that data at: http://voyager.jpl.nasa.gov/
Model of John Fitch’s Steamboat
Steamboat patent was received by John Fitch in 1791. He demonstrated his invention before some of our Founding Fathers on August 22, 1787. Robert Fulton went on to make a more practical steamboat. The proliferation of trains made steamboats less useful. Children can learn more at: Steamboat Patent.
Amendment Nineteen to the Constitution was adopted in 1920. It gave women the right to vote. Women’s Equality Day has been celebrated in the United States since 1973. A presidential proclamation in that year recognized women’s right to vote. Children could read Jean Fritz’s excellent book, You Want Women to Vote, Lizzie Stanton? Children could also learn more at: Women’s Equality Day.
Thomas FitzSimons died in 1811 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His exact date of birth is unknown. He was a delegate from Pennsylvania to the Constitutional Convention. Once wealthy, he contributed to the Revolutionary War. However, by 1805 he was bankrupt. Children can learn more at: Thomas FitzSimons.