catnipoflife

This Day in History: December 11, 1816

Indiana, The Hoosier State

Christened in 1800, “Indiana” means Land of the Indians or Land of Indians, named so for the Indian tribes that lived there when white settlers arrived. Various American Indian tribes are a significant part of Indiana history, including the Miamis, Chippewa, Delawares, Erie, Shawnee, Iroquois, Kickapoo, Potawatomies, Mahican, Nanticoke, Huron, and Mohegan. To honor the people to whom the land originally belonged and from whom it had been obtained, it was Indiana, land of the Indians. Indiana was admitted to the United States as the 19th U.S. state on December 11, 1816.

Source: awakenings2012.blogspot.com

The Hoosier State may boast a rich basketball and motorsports tradition, but it also offers the non-sports fan a surprising number of sightseeing opportunities. From the Indiana World War Memorial to the Madison Historic District, to the Angel Mounts scattered throughout the southwestern corner of the state, there are many sites you don’t want to miss.

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Mississippi: Where History Runs Deep

This Day in History: December 10, 1817

Mississippi, The Magnolia State, The Bayou State, The Eagle State

In Mississippi, culture and history run as deep as its mighty river. Soar over landmarks where Civil Rights movements were waged, Civil War battles were lost and the Blues were born. The Magnolia State is also a land of seductive landscapes and endless creativity, giving us literary geniuses such as William Faulkner and Tennessee Williams, plus musical legends Muddy Waters and Elvis. Take flight on this journey over a land of hospitality, beauty and complexity.

On December 10, 1817, Mississippi was the 20th state admitted to the Union.

Source: awakenings2012.blogspot.com

Mississippi is the Birthplace of American Music – whether it is Charley Patton and Son House’s interpretations of the Delta Blues, Elvis Presley and Rock ‘n’ Roll from Tupelo or Jimmie Rodgers the Father of Country Music from Meridian – America’s musical tradition was born and refined in the culture and struggles of Mississippi.

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When Awakenings was first conceived, the word ‘blog’ seemed like a word from a foreign language since I had no clue of its meaning. Thus, it began with an incorrect description. Check out my first post … you will get the gist of the confusion. The blog is the stage, the blogger is the person behind the scenes.

Source: awakenings2012.blogspot.com

Today, yet another milestone has been reached! To all followers and friends of Awakenings from around the world…Thank you for your support of Awakenings!

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This Day in History: December 7, 1787

Delaware,The First State; The Diamond State; Blue Hen State; Small Wonder

State Motto: “Liberty and Independence”

Delaware was the 1st of the 13 original states to ratify the United States Constitution on December 7, 1787. Prior to that date, it was the only colony to be claimed by Sweden, Holland and England. There is some even earlier evidence that Egyptian explorers found their way to the state. Today, Delaware has become a farming and industrial state. At one time the center of this country’s flour industry, it is today the leading producer of chemicals in the United States and, because of its corporate laws, more corporations are headquartered in Delaware than in any other state. The capital of Delaware is Dover.

Source: awakenings2012.blogspot.com

A Bit of Trivia…Delaware was the home of the first American beauty pageant. The first bathing beauty pageant in which contestants competed for the title of “Miss United States”, a predecessor of the Miss America pageant, took place in Rehoboth Beach in 1880 as a way to attract business during its summer festival. Inventor Thomas Edison was one of the three judges of the beauty contest. It was not until the 20th century when beauty pageants began to become a regular occurrence.

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This Day in History: December 7, 1941

The numbers of those who remember the sights, sounds, smells of world war, our veterans of WWII, are dwindling. Those who did survive returned home never to be the same, never to lose the memory of the horrors of war. Today, thoughts reflect back upon one of the defining moments in American history…a day that will live in infamy!

Source: awakenings2012.blogspot.com

Relive the day through the words of someone who was there. One of the few remaining survivors…Jim Carter, Navy airplane mechanic on Ford Island in 1941.

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This Day in History: December 3, 1818

Illinois, The Prairie State, Land of Lincoln, The Corn State, The Garden of the West

Illinois State Motto: “State Sovereignty, National Union.”

The most familiar nickname for Illinois is The Prairie State since most of the state was at one time mostly covered with prairie grasses. Second in line would be Land of Lincoln for Illinois is the state where Abraham Lincoln began his political career serving four terms in the Illinois General Assembly. Illinois was also where Lincoln lived when he became President of the United States in 1861. “Land of Lincoln” became the Official State Slogan of Illinois in 1955. Another nickname is The Corn State because the region of the country referred to as the Corn Belt is centered in Iowa and Illinois. The old nickname The Garden of the West came about because of the rolling prairies of Illinois and the miles of cultivated fields that made Illinois one of the leading producers of corn and later, soy beans, in the United States.

Source: awakenings2012.blogspot.com

After the American Revolution, Illinois became a territory of the United States. It achieved statehood on December 3, 1818 becoming the 21st state to join the union. Illinois is often noted as a microcosm of the entire country.

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In the past few months, Awakenings has featured How the Apple Orchards Spread, Cherries & Apples, Apple time!, Legend of the Apple, Yummy… Dessert!, APPle, AppLE, APPLE-licious!, and ‘Dipped’ Apples. Of course autumn is apple season! Apple pie is even one of the American Classics. How bout dem apples! Yum-yum-yum-yummy!

December 1 is…Eat a Red Apple Day

Source: awakenings2012.blogspot.com

Do you know how to eat an apple? The average person discards roughly 30% of each apple. Learn how to eat an apple like a boss!

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Pumpkins, pumpkins, pumpkins everywhere, especially in scrumptious fall dessert recipes! First thought, of course, is pumpkin pie. Next is maybe pumpkin ice cream or pumpkin cupcakes. Then, there is always pumpkin cheesecake. Nope! None of these. There are numerous variations/usages for pumpkin with today being no exception. It is absolutely the perfect addition for today’s celebration!

November 30 is…National Mousse Day

Source: awakenings2012.blogspot.com

Have a mousse of a day! So many variations, the choices are endless. Basic Pumpkin Mousse, Frozen Pumpkin Mousse with Walnut-Toffee Crunch, EASY Spicy-Sweet Pumpkin Mousse, Sweet Potato Mousse with Gooey Praline Sauce, No-Fuss Sweet Potato Pumpkin Mousse & MORE!!!!! The mousse is not limited to pumpkin. Check out the savory, as well as the sweet, and of course, there is always CHOCOLATE!

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For the establishment of the modern holiday, we can thank President Franklin Roosevelt. On November 26, 1941, President Roosevelt signed the bill officially establishing the fourth Thursday in November as Thanksgiving Day. Of course, Thanksgiving had already been celebrated since the 17th century but not without deviation and considerable controversy. Roosevelt admitted his mistake returning the holiday to November’s fourth Thursday.

Source: www.awakenings2012.blogspot.com

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving Day! Did you know there are two sides to this holiday? One is celebration with a holiday feast often referred to as Turkey Day. The other is a celebration of gratitude known as thankfulness. 

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This Day in History: November 21, 1789

One of the thirteen original colonies, North Carolina has a long an interesting history. On November 21, 1789, North Carolina became the 12th state to join the union.

North Carolina is home to mysteries, giant industries, and coastal beauty. It’s where gold was first found in America, and where an entire colony of settlers vanished. A state where golf rules the land, NASCAR rules the road, and college basketball holds court over them all. It’s where tobacco became king after the cotton industry went up in smoke, and where a 12-second flight sent shockwaves around the world. Experience the history of the Tar Heel State.

Source: www.awakenings2012.blogspot.com

Along with Old North State and Land of the Sky, discover why North Carolina is nicknamed The Tar Heel State. Nestled in the Appalachians it is no wonder North Carolina is beauty amplified!

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