When a beloved, priceless ($0 on eBay) family heirloom, our 1960 World Book encyclopedia set, finally went to recycling (ground up, I guess) at the DI about a year ago, I was able to save three of my favorite volumes, including the "W-X-Y-Z". For George Washington's birthday lunch break today, I loved opening the book and seeing the pictures --like visiting an old friend. It brought back memories of my school days, when it was my main source of information for essays and research papers I typed on my big black 1930's-vintage Underwood.
"George Washington was born on February 22, 1732, on an estate in Westmoreland County on the banks of Popes Creek, about 30 miles southeast of Fredericksburg, Va. The plantation later became known as Wakefield. Washington's birthday is now determined by the Gregorian or 'New Style' calendar. ... His parents were Augustine Washington and Mary Ball Washington. ... George was the first child of Augustine's second marriage. Three other sons and two daughters soon followed. ... Young George had little schooling in classrooms. ... George was eleven years old when his father died. ... He had two tutors, or private teachers [who] taught young George the arts of war. ..."
"The people of the United States and many other lands call George Washington the 'Father of His Country.' He looked after his country the way a good father would look after his son. ..."
-- The World Book Encyclopedia, copyright 1960, U.S.A., by Field Enterprises Educational Corporation
It's interesting to compare the 1960 version with today's ubiquitous resource.
"George Washington (February 22, 1732 – December 14, 1799) was the dominant military and political leader of the new United States of America from 1775 to 1799. ..." -- en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Washington
I also recall attending the 1964 National Scout Jamboree in Valley Forge, PA.
" 'Strengthen America's Heritage' was the theme for this Jamboree."
-- stadriemblems.com/scouting/blog/?p=42
The jamboree custom patch for that year (pictured on the Stadri blog) featured the famous Commander in Chief kneeling in prayer.
God bless America!
