Did You Know?
Did You Know This Seasoning Repels Insects, Lightens Hair, and Freshens Breath?
Cinnamon was once an extremely expensive commodity. Today, this spice is a staple found in most kitchens around the world. The Food Connection Cinnamon has a long and delicious history. It’s one of the world's oldest spices. In the U.S.—and much of the Western...
Did You Know Why “Kilroy Was Here?”
Depending on your age, you may or may not have heard the phrase, Kilroy Was Here. With Veterans Day just two days away, I thought this might be a good time to share the fascinating story of the mysterious Mr. Kilroy. The Man Most people born between 1913 and...
Did You Know This Spice Was Once More Valuable Than Gold?
Frankincense, Myrrh, and Saffron are all good guesses. But they’re not correct. Try good old Cinnamon. It was one of the rarest spices in the ancient world. What is it? Cinnamon originated in the ancient country of Ceylon—now known as Sri Lanka—an island...
Did You Know This Rooster Did More Than Just Crow?
Recently I saw an article about “Rooster” Andrews and decided to share my Rooster story. “Rooster” William Edward Andrews, Jr., was born in Dallas, Texas, on March 1, 1923. The most popular boy in his high school, he would have attended Texas A&M...
Did You Know Her Life Was Straight Out Of A Movie?
When we go to the movies, we want to be entertained. We don’t care if the plot is over the top and not believable. But in the case of Ella Sheppard, over the top is the way her life really was. Fisk University As mentioned in Did You Know In 1873 This Black A...
Did You Know In 1873 This Black A Cappella Group Performed for the Queen of England?
I love music, especially songs sung a cappella where harmonies can shine. Nothing’s better . . . unless you add an interesting historical background to the mix. Fisk University On January 9, 1866, Fisk Free Colored School opened in Nashville, TN. In only a few...
Did You Know This Famous Actor and Singer Had A Brother Named “Booty?”
Talk about stars that can do it all. Woodward Maurice Ritter certainly fits the bill. And if the name doesn’t sound familiar, that’s because you know him by his nickname, “Tex” Ritter. Early Life Tex Ritter was born on January 12, 1905, in Murvaul, Texas, the...
Did You Know These Four Texas Towns Were Made Famous by a World War 1 National Guard Unit, a Train, a Dice Game, and a Singer?
Have you ever driven through East Texas on Hwy 59, aka future I-69? If so, you’ve probably driven through Timpson and/or Tenaha. The Railroad On March 11, 1875, the Houston East and West Texas Railway Company (HE&WT) was chartered. The narrow-gauge railroad...
Did You Know Not All Full Moons Look The Same?
Astronomy doesn’t usually interest me, but . . . Full Moons By definition, a full moon is when the side of the moon facing the earth is completely lit by the sun. It occurs about every 29.5 days. There are just over twelve complete moon cycles each year....
Did You Know It’s Time To Celebrate?
What am I celebrating, you ask? My website’s fourth birthday, of course. The Stats Four years ago, I started my author’s website and began writing a weekly “Did You Know?” blog. On one hand, it seems like just yesterday. On the other, it seems an eternity ago....