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.
United States capital was established temporarily in New York in 1788 by the Constitutional Convention. The city remained the capital until August 12, 1790. The capital moved back to Philadelphia before it finally moved to Washington, DC. The United States capital actually resided in nine locations before remaining in Washington, DC.
First Successful Transcontinental Flight Started in 1911. Calbraith Perry Rodgers left Sheepshead Bay, New York, on September 17, 1911. After making 70 stops, mostly crash landings, he landed in Pasadena, California, on November 5, 1911. Although the trip took 50 days, Rodgers was flying for only 3 days, 10 hours, and 14 minutes. About all that was left of the original plane was the drip pan and the vertical rudder.
Earl Lloyd in 1950 became the first African American to play for the NBA. He played for the Washington Capitols at a game held in Rochester, New York. He went on to play 560 games in nine seasons. He then became the first African American assistant basketball coach and was head coach for the Detroit Pistons. Children could learn more at: Earl Lloyd.
Shirley Chisholm
Shirley Chisholm was the first Black woman to be elected to the House of Representatives. Representing the 12th congressional district from New York, she was elected in 1968, and she served until 1983. She also ran unsuccessfully for President in 1972. Chisholm died in 2005. Children can read Shirley Chisholm: The Story of the First Black Woman in Congress, by Alicia D. Williams. Older children can read a biography of her at: Shirley Chisholm.
Museum of Modern Art in New York, New York, opened its doors in 1929. Children could view some of the artworks online at: MoMA.
Holland Tunnel began operating in 1927. Named after its designer, Clifford Milburn Holland, the tunnel connects New Jersey and Manhattan; it runs under the Hudson River. It was the first American underwater tunnel. The designers had to build gigantic fans that would remove carbon monoxide, generated by the cars, from the tunnel. Currently about 90,000 vehicles use the tunnel per day. The tunnel was designated a United States National Historic Landmark on November 4, 1993.