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.