August 5, 1858
Julia Archibald Holmes Reaches Pike's Peak
In 1858, when Julia Archibald Holmes became the first woman on record to reach the summit of Pike's Peak, she did so wearing bloomers, a short dress and moccasins and called the outfit her "American costume." Julia, her husband, and two others began their trek up the high peak in Colorado on August 1. Four days later, they had reached the top of the mountain, 14,110 feet high. Many people told Holmes she couldn't make it. What's the biggest challenge you've faced?
Here's what Julia Holmes had to say: "I have accomplished the task which I marked out for myself . . . Nearly everyone tried to discourage me from attempting it, but I believed that I should succeed."
Nowadays there is special clothing and gear to help make it easier to accomplish physical challenges, but the belief that you can make it is better than any kind of gear you can have. That goes for all sorts of challenges, not just climbing mountains. Have you ever done something that others said you wouldn't be able to do?
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Today In US History
August 4, 1901
Jazz Giant Louis Armstrong Was Born
Louis Armstrong, was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, on August 4, 1901 (according to the most recent research), in the poorest section of town. He overcame poverty to become one of the most important people in the history of music.
Louis Armstrong was called "the single most important figure in the history of jazz" by Billboard magazine, a publication that tracks the recording industry. The jazz magazine Down Beat agreed. Why is Armstrong so important in the history of this American musical art form called jazz?
No one before Armstrong had ever played the trumpet the way that he did. He was one of the first great soloists of jazz music. The solos he played were as interesting and innovative as any music written at the time. Rather than follow notes on a page, he improvised, playing what was in his head instead. This type of playing laid the foundation for all jazz to come.
Armstrong also pioneered a type of singing. Do you know what it was called?
The new style of singing that Louis Armstrong pioneered was called "scat." Scat singing is a lot like improvising on a musical instrument. Instead of singing real words, with scat one sings nonsense words to the melody. Armstrong became as famous for his scat singing and gravelly voice as his trumpet playing. He recorded many songs with another jazz great and scat singer, Ella Fitzgerald.
In addition to all of his accomplishments, Louis Armstrong holds the record for being the oldest artist ever to have a Number 1 record. He accomplished this when he was 63 years old with his version of the song "Hello, Dolly," from the musical of the same name. What is even more extraordinary is that he reached Number 1 in 1964 by toppling the Beatles from the top of the charts! Louis Armstrong had come a long way from his poor Louisiana beginnings.
Jazz Giant Louis Armstrong Was Born
Louis Armstrong, was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, on August 4, 1901 (according to the most recent research), in the poorest section of town. He overcame poverty to become one of the most important people in the history of music.
Louis Armstrong was called "the single most important figure in the history of jazz" by Billboard magazine, a publication that tracks the recording industry. The jazz magazine Down Beat agreed. Why is Armstrong so important in the history of this American musical art form called jazz?
No one before Armstrong had ever played the trumpet the way that he did. He was one of the first great soloists of jazz music. The solos he played were as interesting and innovative as any music written at the time. Rather than follow notes on a page, he improvised, playing what was in his head instead. This type of playing laid the foundation for all jazz to come.
Armstrong also pioneered a type of singing. Do you know what it was called?
The new style of singing that Louis Armstrong pioneered was called "scat." Scat singing is a lot like improvising on a musical instrument. Instead of singing real words, with scat one sings nonsense words to the melody. Armstrong became as famous for his scat singing and gravelly voice as his trumpet playing. He recorded many songs with another jazz great and scat singer, Ella Fitzgerald.
In addition to all of his accomplishments, Louis Armstrong holds the record for being the oldest artist ever to have a Number 1 record. He accomplished this when he was 63 years old with his version of the song "Hello, Dolly," from the musical of the same name. What is even more extraordinary is that he reached Number 1 in 1964 by toppling the Beatles from the top of the charts! Louis Armstrong had come a long way from his poor Louisiana beginnings.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Today In US History
August 3, 1923
Calvin Coolidge Became President
President Harding died unexpectedly while in office, so the vice president, Calvin Coolidge, stepped up. Coolidge succeeded to the presidency on August 3, 1923. He went on to win the next election and therefore served as president of the U.S. for six years. In this photo Coolidge wears a black armband in mourning for Harding. While he mourned the man, he set out to rebuild his government. These were years of prosperity for the United States. On what did Coolidge focus his efforts?
Coolidge focused on business. During the Coolidge years, people in the U.S. invented all kinds of new products and industries. His policies allowed businesses to mass-produce and distribute these new innovations to the public. New production meant new jobs and more Americans with money to spend. And spend they did, more than ever before. Americans became consumers. Vacuum cleaners, washing machines, cars, radios and clothing practically flew out of stores. Does this sound familiar? The advertising industry took off as a result of all this buying. This theater commercial makes fun of all the new products and ads like this one trying to sell a metal corset (a girdle) that won't rust. Ouch!
Those who purchased vast amounts of goods (what one critic called an "empire of things") were getting out of hand. Some Americans were getting into debt with new credit plans. In reaction to all this buying and debt, the Thrift Movement tried to educate Americans about the importance of saving and spending wisely. President Coolidge became a symbol of New England simplicity and thrift and appeared in widely seen photos like this one.
Calvin Coolidge Became President
President Harding died unexpectedly while in office, so the vice president, Calvin Coolidge, stepped up. Coolidge succeeded to the presidency on August 3, 1923. He went on to win the next election and therefore served as president of the U.S. for six years. In this photo Coolidge wears a black armband in mourning for Harding. While he mourned the man, he set out to rebuild his government. These were years of prosperity for the United States. On what did Coolidge focus his efforts?
Coolidge focused on business. During the Coolidge years, people in the U.S. invented all kinds of new products and industries. His policies allowed businesses to mass-produce and distribute these new innovations to the public. New production meant new jobs and more Americans with money to spend. And spend they did, more than ever before. Americans became consumers. Vacuum cleaners, washing machines, cars, radios and clothing practically flew out of stores. Does this sound familiar? The advertising industry took off as a result of all this buying. This theater commercial makes fun of all the new products and ads like this one trying to sell a metal corset (a girdle) that won't rust. Ouch!
Those who purchased vast amounts of goods (what one critic called an "empire of things") were getting out of hand. Some Americans were getting into debt with new credit plans. In reaction to all this buying and debt, the Thrift Movement tried to educate Americans about the importance of saving and spending wisely. President Coolidge became a symbol of New England simplicity and thrift and appeared in widely seen photos like this one.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Today In US History
August 2, 1924
Novelist, Essayist, and Playwright James Baldwin Was Born
"He turned back to the window, looking out. 'All that hatred down there,' he said, 'all that hatred and misery and love. It's a wonder it doesn't blow the avenue apart.'" So says Sonny in Sonny's Blues, a short story by novelist, essayist, and playwright James Baldwin. Baldwin had a terrific gift for showing us human emotion.
Born the eldest of nine children on August 2, 1924, James Baldwin grew up in the poverty of Harlem, New York. He went on to become a major figure in both American literature and the civil rights movement. Have you or your family read any of his books?
Baldwin wrote his first and most famous novel, Go Tell It on the Mountain published in 1953, about one day in the lives of members of a Harlem church. It was inspired by his experience as a young preacher. Following in his father's footsteps, Baldwin stepped onto the pulpit when he was only 14 years old. About this time, Baldwin met a famous poet named Countee Cullen. Cullen was Baldwin's middle school French teacher. We all have people in our lives that help us somehow get to the places we want to go. Cullen, a leader of the Harlem Renaissance (African American expression through the arts), did this for James Baldwin.
Cullen opened up a new world of literary and artistic possibilities for Baldwin and other black youths in Harlem, dedicating the last years of his life to the education of children. The French that Cullen taught Baldwin to speak came in handy too. Baldwin moved to Paris in 1948 and there wrote more famous works such as the essay collection Notes of a Native Son in 1955 in which he argued against being classified as a "Negro writer." He "commuted" between France and the U.S. the rest of his life, exploring issues of race and identity in his writing. Baldwin found writing to be a meaningful way to explore and share ideas. Try it. What ideas will you explore?
Novelist, Essayist, and Playwright James Baldwin Was Born
"He turned back to the window, looking out. 'All that hatred down there,' he said, 'all that hatred and misery and love. It's a wonder it doesn't blow the avenue apart.'" So says Sonny in Sonny's Blues, a short story by novelist, essayist, and playwright James Baldwin. Baldwin had a terrific gift for showing us human emotion.
Born the eldest of nine children on August 2, 1924, James Baldwin grew up in the poverty of Harlem, New York. He went on to become a major figure in both American literature and the civil rights movement. Have you or your family read any of his books?
Baldwin wrote his first and most famous novel, Go Tell It on the Mountain published in 1953, about one day in the lives of members of a Harlem church. It was inspired by his experience as a young preacher. Following in his father's footsteps, Baldwin stepped onto the pulpit when he was only 14 years old. About this time, Baldwin met a famous poet named Countee Cullen. Cullen was Baldwin's middle school French teacher. We all have people in our lives that help us somehow get to the places we want to go. Cullen, a leader of the Harlem Renaissance (African American expression through the arts), did this for James Baldwin.
Cullen opened up a new world of literary and artistic possibilities for Baldwin and other black youths in Harlem, dedicating the last years of his life to the education of children. The French that Cullen taught Baldwin to speak came in handy too. Baldwin moved to Paris in 1948 and there wrote more famous works such as the essay collection Notes of a Native Son in 1955 in which he argued against being classified as a "Negro writer." He "commuted" between France and the U.S. the rest of his life, exploring issues of race and identity in his writing. Baldwin found writing to be a meaningful way to explore and share ideas. Try it. What ideas will you explore?
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Today In US History
August 1, 1876
Colorado Became a State
Welcome to the state of Colorado. It's a land with a history of cliff dwellers, gold miners, railroad travelers, and homesteaders. It's a place associated with outdoor adventure, ski resorts, and many successful businesses. Entering the Union on August 1, 1876, the year the U.S. celebrated its 100th birthday, the 38th state is known as the Centennial State. Do you know anyone who lives in Colorado? Do you know who lived there 900 years ago?
Among the early inhabitants were Native Americans, the Anasazi (the "ancient ones," pronounced a-ne-'sa-ze) cliff dwellers. They lived high on the mountainous stone plateaus of Mesa Verde until the late 1200s. Most people believe the Anasazi left because of drought and other extreme conditions, some of which are still mysteries. You can visit the remains of these cliff dwellings today. The Spanish and the French explored the area before the U.S. combined property into the Colorado Territory in 1861. By that time the population of settlers was already growing rapidly. Why?
Gold! The 1858 discovery of gold caused a population boom, just like it did in California 10 years earlier. The miners found other profitable minerals as well and continued to mine for many years. As late as the 1940s, mountain streams in Ouray County ran yellow because of the residue (tailings) from the gold mills. You can see the golden river in this photo. Settlers also discovered Colorado's exquisite natural beauty.
Railroads brought ever more travelers and settlers to Colorado, where many stayed because of the richness of the state's agricultural production and its physical beauty. They rode trains like this one through the Rocky Mountains. Have you visited Colorado? What else do you know about the Centennial State?
Colorado Became a State
Welcome to the state of Colorado. It's a land with a history of cliff dwellers, gold miners, railroad travelers, and homesteaders. It's a place associated with outdoor adventure, ski resorts, and many successful businesses. Entering the Union on August 1, 1876, the year the U.S. celebrated its 100th birthday, the 38th state is known as the Centennial State. Do you know anyone who lives in Colorado? Do you know who lived there 900 years ago?
Among the early inhabitants were Native Americans, the Anasazi (the "ancient ones," pronounced a-ne-'sa-ze) cliff dwellers. They lived high on the mountainous stone plateaus of Mesa Verde until the late 1200s. Most people believe the Anasazi left because of drought and other extreme conditions, some of which are still mysteries. You can visit the remains of these cliff dwellings today. The Spanish and the French explored the area before the U.S. combined property into the Colorado Territory in 1861. By that time the population of settlers was already growing rapidly. Why?
Gold! The 1858 discovery of gold caused a population boom, just like it did in California 10 years earlier. The miners found other profitable minerals as well and continued to mine for many years. As late as the 1940s, mountain streams in Ouray County ran yellow because of the residue (tailings) from the gold mills. You can see the golden river in this photo. Settlers also discovered Colorado's exquisite natural beauty.
Railroads brought ever more travelers and settlers to Colorado, where many stayed because of the richness of the state's agricultural production and its physical beauty. They rode trains like this one through the Rocky Mountains. Have you visited Colorado? What else do you know about the Centennial State?
Friday, July 31, 2009
Today In US History
July 31, 1816
General George H. Thomas, Rock of Chickamauga, Was Born
Born on July 31, 1816, in Southampton County, Virginia, General George H. Thomas was known as "The Rock of Chickamauga." He got the nickname by defending the Chickamauga Creek in northwestern Georgia in 1863 during the Civil War. He then went on to win more battles for the Union. Doesn't he look "rock" solid in this old photograph?
A graduate of West Point, Thomas served in the Mexican War and returned to teach at West Point. When the Civil War began, he remained loyal to the Union. In 1864, he helped General William T. Sherman take Atlanta. Thomas also fought and won conflicts at Franklin and Nashville, Tennessee. This photograph showing the outer line of Union soldiers at the Battle of Nashville gives you an idea of how hard life was for the men living and fighting on the front. The leadership of the "Rock of Chickamauga" often gave soldiers the courage to continue the struggle.
General George H. Thomas, Rock of Chickamauga, Was Born
Born on July 31, 1816, in Southampton County, Virginia, General George H. Thomas was known as "The Rock of Chickamauga." He got the nickname by defending the Chickamauga Creek in northwestern Georgia in 1863 during the Civil War. He then went on to win more battles for the Union. Doesn't he look "rock" solid in this old photograph?
A graduate of West Point, Thomas served in the Mexican War and returned to teach at West Point. When the Civil War began, he remained loyal to the Union. In 1864, he helped General William T. Sherman take Atlanta. Thomas also fought and won conflicts at Franklin and Nashville, Tennessee. This photograph showing the outer line of Union soldiers at the Battle of Nashville gives you an idea of how hard life was for the men living and fighting on the front. The leadership of the "Rock of Chickamauga" often gave soldiers the courage to continue the struggle.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Today In US History
July 30, 1863
Automobile Manufacturer Henry Ford Was Born
Born on July 30, 1863, on his family's farm in Dearborn, Michigan, Henry Ford enjoyed tinkering with machines from the time he was a young boy. His work on the farm and a job in a Detroit machine shop allowed him many opportunities to tinker and experiment. By 1896, Ford had constructed his first horseless carriage, but he wanted to do even more!
"I will build a car for the great multitude," Ford proclaimed. At first the automobile had been a luxury item only for the wealthy. Henry Ford wanted to create a car that ordinary people could afford, and in October 1908, he did it. The Model T sold for $950. In nineteen years of manufacture, Ford lowered the price to $280 and sold 15,500,000 in the U.S. alone.
How did he make the Model T so inexpensive?
Ford invented the modern assembly line. He doubled his workers' wages and cut the workday from nine to eight hours. Ford did this to ensure quality work and allow a three-shift workday. As a result, the company was able to make Model T's twenty-four hours a day!
The automobile altered American society forever, changing where and how we lived. As more Americans owned cars, the organization of cities changed. The United States saw the growth of the suburbs and the creation of a national highway system. Americans were thrilled with the possibility of going anywhere, anytime. Ford witnessed many of these changes during his lifetime. In his later years, he spent most of his time working on Greenfield Village, a restored rural town modeled after his memories of Dearborn during his youth. Next time you are out on the road, try to imagine life without cars. Ask your family and friends how different they think the world would be.
Automobile Manufacturer Henry Ford Was Born
Born on July 30, 1863, on his family's farm in Dearborn, Michigan, Henry Ford enjoyed tinkering with machines from the time he was a young boy. His work on the farm and a job in a Detroit machine shop allowed him many opportunities to tinker and experiment. By 1896, Ford had constructed his first horseless carriage, but he wanted to do even more!
"I will build a car for the great multitude," Ford proclaimed. At first the automobile had been a luxury item only for the wealthy. Henry Ford wanted to create a car that ordinary people could afford, and in October 1908, he did it. The Model T sold for $950. In nineteen years of manufacture, Ford lowered the price to $280 and sold 15,500,000 in the U.S. alone.
How did he make the Model T so inexpensive?
Ford invented the modern assembly line. He doubled his workers' wages and cut the workday from nine to eight hours. Ford did this to ensure quality work and allow a three-shift workday. As a result, the company was able to make Model T's twenty-four hours a day!
The automobile altered American society forever, changing where and how we lived. As more Americans owned cars, the organization of cities changed. The United States saw the growth of the suburbs and the creation of a national highway system. Americans were thrilled with the possibility of going anywhere, anytime. Ford witnessed many of these changes during his lifetime. In his later years, he spent most of his time working on Greenfield Village, a restored rural town modeled after his memories of Dearborn during his youth. Next time you are out on the road, try to imagine life without cars. Ask your family and friends how different they think the world would be.
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