Nat Turner’s Slave Rebellion – 1831

 Events
Aug 222024
 

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.

National Candy Corn Day

 Events
Oct 302024
 
National Candy Corn Day

National Candy Corn Day

National Candy Corn Day is today! George Renninger of the Wunderlee Candy Company invented the treat in the late 1800’s. Candy corn is made from corn syrup, sugar, confectioner’s wax, and food coloring. About twenty million pounds of candy corn are sold each year. Today the top two manufacturers of candy corn are Brach’s and Jelly Belly.

Ballpoint Pen Was Patented in 1888

 Events
Oct 302024
 
Ball Point Pens

Ball Point Pens

Ballpoint pen was patented in 1888 by John J. Loud of Weymouth, Massachusetts. He received patent number 392,046. A lawyer, inventor, and tanner, he developed the instrument so that he could write on his leather products. Fountain pens, then the most used type of pen, could not write on leather. Loud’s ballpoint pen, however, was not successful when used on paper. Laszlo Biro created a commercially successful ballpoint pen in 1943. Children can view Loud’s patent at: Ballpoint Pen Patent.