Welcome to our series sharing Unique Holidays: September 26th, 2021. Come and join Charlie and I in our Homeschool Lessons as we study Johnny Appleseed and I think we will surprise David with a Homemade Apple Pie in our Cooking Class. As for Reading Charlie is going to be reading Johnny Appleseed.
This fun picture book has been a favorite for generations. Bursting with energy and perfect for reading aloud at home or in the classroom, Johnny Appleseed is an excellent choice for storytime.
“The brief text combining legend with fact, coupled with the picture book format, makes this life of Johnny Appleseed the most accessible and entertaining one available for young children,” according to School Library Journal.
Steven Kellogg “is ideal as interpreter of this fascinating man. An affectionate portrayal, enthusiastically accomplished,” praised Booklist
A good supplement for units on tall tales, folktales, American History, Apples, and Seasons! And just a fun read-aloud for sharing.
Johnny Appleseed Day honors one of America’s great legends and yes Johnny Appleseed was a real person although he was born John Chapman. Johnny Appleseed was among the American settlers who were captivated by the movement west across the continent.
As Johnny Appleseed travelled west, he sold Apple Trees and seeds to settlers, and planted Apple Trees himself along the way. Johnny Appleseed continued planting and selling Apple Trees for over forty years and with every Apple Tree that was planted, the legend grew.
A Little About the Legend:
- John Chapman (aka Johnny Appleseed) was born on September 26, 1774.
- Johnny Appleseed was a Nurseryman who started out planting trees in Western New York and Pennsylvania.
- During the life of John Chapman, the “West” was places like Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, and Illinois.
- John Chapman was a religious person who was known to Preach during his travels.
- According to legend, Johnny Appleseed led a simple life and wanted little and Johnny Appleseed rarely accepted money and often donated money he received.
- It is believed that Johnny Appleseed died on March 11, 1845, from what was referred to as the “Winter Plague”. The actual date of his death has been disputed.
There is a lot of “legend” in stories written about Johnny Appleseed and by it’s definition, over the years, legends grow bigger than life and it also appears there islink between Johnny Appleseed and very early Arbor Day Celebrations.
Celebrate today with an Apple Dessert for me that would be a Apple Pie. How about you? Don’t forget to include fresh Apples for snacks, and Applesauce or Apple Tarts for dessert. If its possible don’t forget to make plans to plant an Apple Tree.
History and Origin of “Johnny Appleseed Day”:
There is plenty of documentation to support claims for Johnny Appleseed Day on March 11th and on September 26th but we found no one who claims to have created this special day.
Here’s the details on the two dates:
- John Chapman was born on September 26, 1774 and this date is undisputed.
- It is believed Johnny Appleseed died on March 11, 1845 however, his date was not formally recorded and the date of death is disputed.
Here is how we come out on the debate: This Holiday should be celebrated on the day of his birth and Johnny Appleseed’s birth date is undisputed and his birthday coincides with the Season of Apple Harvest. A birth is a more positive day than a death and we think Johnny would agree. Don’t you?
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
