National Quilting Day
March 21
The website FactRetriever states “Quilt” is derived from the Latin word culcita, which means “stuffed sack.” The earliest depiction of quilting was discovered in Egypt; it was an ivory figurine of a pharaoh wearing quilted clothing, ca. 3400 BC. Quilted clothing was popular in Europe, especially under chain-mail armor for soldiers. It kept the metal from rusting and kept the knights comfy under all their heavy gear. European settlers brought quilting to the Americas, and the earliest-known quilt made in America is from 1704. “Quilting bees” originated in the Midwest United States during the 1800s, where a lack of neighbors and a need for socializing drew women together to finish quilts and make new friends.
Corndog Day
March 21
The corn dog started out as a sausage or hot dog baked or deep fried in a cornmeal breading and served as a sandwich. In the late 1930s or early 1940s, this sandwich became a convenient fair food when the whole meal was put on a stick before being deep fried. Fairgoers could then eat their corn dog while taking in the exhibits. The Texas State Fair sells 630,000 corn dogs per season (which is only 24 days). 630,000 corn dogs equate to 600,000 pounds of wieners, 25 tons of cornmeal mix, 21,000 pounds of oil, 1,500 gallons of mustard and 800 gallons of ketchup.
Today’s Birthdays of Note….
Adrian Peterson – Pro Football – 34 – born in Palestine, Texas
Julio Gallo – Wine Producer – 83 – Antioch, CA
Johann Sebastian Bach – Composer – passed at age 65 – Eisenach, Germany
