Map of Erie Canal
Erie Canal started operating in 1825. Construction began on July 4, 1817. It joined the Atlantic Ocean (via the Hudson River) and Lake Erie. Approximately 363 miles long, it had 36 locks. Previously goods had to be shipped by wagon and pack animals. The canal cut transportation costs by 95 percent. Children can view an excellent video at: Erie Canal.
Saturn and its Rings
Four new moons of Saturn were reported by astronomers in 2000. That made a total of 22 moons at the time. Since then the number has risen to 145. Children can participate in some great activities regarding Saturn and space in general at: http://saturn.jpl.nasa.gov/kids/.
Hillary Rodham Clinton
Hillary Rodham Clinton (born Park Ridge, Illinois, 1947) is a lawyer, politician, and former First Lady. She was the Democratic nominee for the 2016 Presidency. She was Secretary of State from 2009 to 2013. Before that she was a US senator from New York from 2001 to 2009. She is the wife of William Clinton, forty-second President of the United States; therefore, she was First Lady from January 20, 1993 to January 20, 2001. She graduated from Wellesley College and Yale Law School. Older children could visit a website at: Hillary Clinton.
Mahalia Jackson (born New Orleans, Louisiana, 1911; died Evergreen Park, Illinois, January 27, 1972) was a gospel singer. Eight of her records sold more than one million copies each. She never sang where liquor was served.
Steven Kellogg (born Norwalk, Connecticut, 1941) writes and illustrates books for children. He illustrated among other works The Day Jimmy’s Boa Ate the Wash, published in 1980. He has written and illustrated over 90 books, including the Pinkerton series. Children could visit his website at: Steven Kellogg.
Charles Pinckney (born Charleston, South Carolina, 1757; died Charleston, South Carolina, October 29, 1824) represented South Carolina at the Constitutional Convention. During the Revolutionary War, he was captured and detained on a British prison ship. He was South Carolina’s governor from 1789 to 1792 and from 1796 to 1798. He served in both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. Older children could learn more at: Charles Pinckney.
Eric Rohmann (born Riverside, Illinois, 1957) writes and illustrates books for children. He received a 1995 Caldecott Honor Award for Time Flies and the 2003 Caldecott Medal for My Friend Rabbit. Children can visit his website at: Eric Rohmann.
Halloween is four days away! Are costumes ready? Is candy purchased? Children might want to read Room on the Broom, written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler. They could also visit the PBS website at: https://pbskids.org/games/halloween/.
Children could answer this Halloween riddle: What is a witch’s favorite subject in school? Check back tomorrow for the answer!
Flag of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines celebrate Independence Day. Located in the Caribbean, the one large island of St. Vincent and the fifty smaller Grenadines islands gained their freedom from the United Kingdom in 1979. However, they are still part of the British Commonwealth. The total area of the country is about twice the size of Washington, DC. Banana production and tourism provide many of the local jobs. About 103,000 people live there, and Kingstown is the capital.
Flag of Turkmenistan
Turkmenistan celebrates Independence Day. It separated from the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics in 1991. Slightly larger than the state of California, Turkmenistan borders the Caspian Sea. Two important agricultural products are cotton and wheat. Over five million people live in Turkmenistan, and Ashgabat is the capital.
Liberty Bell
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was founded in 1682 by William Penn. The City of Brotherly Love was originally laid out in a grid system with many parks. Today Philadelphia is the sixth largest city in the United States. Children can learn some “Philadelphia Firsts” at: Philadelphia Firsts.
First essay of the Federalist Papers was published in 1787 in a New York City newspaper. John Jay, James Madison, and Alexander Hamilton wrote the essays to persuade people to adopt the new Constitution. The last of the 85 essays was published April 4, 1788. Children can read or listen to someone else read the Federalist Papers at: Project Gutenberg.
New York City subway began operating in 1904. The mass transit system was the first in the world to be built underground. Today about 5.4 million rides occur on the subway every workday.
Franklin, Spectacle Owl Chick, at National Aviary
National Aviary was designated Honorary National Status in 1993. Located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the aviary was founded in 1952. It experienced difficult financial times, but now it seems to have a strong foundation. It is presently the custodian of around 500 birds, many of which are endangered or threatened. It is also home to the adorable Wookiee, a two-toed sloth. Features include the Wetlands, Condor Court, and Penguin Point. Children can learn more at: National Aviary.