Missed your weekly fact? Scroll down to see a record of curated facts by Bailey M.

12/5-11

15 years ago this Tuesday, something very amazing happened. On December 6, 2007, the writer of all your favorite fun facts, Bailey M., was born. That’s right, this Tuesday is the birthday of yours truly. If you see me, send a birthday wish my way!

11/28-12/4

Monday the 28th is National French Toast Day! Believe it or not French Toast was NOT invented in France. It originated in the Roman Empire in the 5th century AD where it was called “Pan Dulcis” but it wasn’t the same as today’s delicious breakfast bread! A man in the year 1724 AD by the name of Joseph French dubbed it “French Toast” after his own last name.

11/19-27

Last Thanksgiving there were 1.4 million turkeys eaten but 2.8 million turkeys were purchased with the other half being saved for Christmas.

11/12-18

Monday the 14th is National Pickle Day! In America there are around 9 pounds of pickles eaten per American citizen (about 2,987,100,000 pounds) per year.

11/7-11/11

This Wednesday is the thirty third anniversary of “World Freedom Day.” After WWII, Allies claimed different parts of Germany: the United States, France, and Britain claimed East Germany and the Soviet Union claimed the West. The European country split into East and West in 1949. Two decades later, an actual wall was built up overnight, physically dividing the areas. The Berlin Wall stood for years and became a symbol of the Cold War. In the 1980s, U.S. President Ronald Reagan addressed tensions with Soviet Union General Secretary Mikhail Gorbachev. At the end of the ‘80s, the new leader of East Germany reduced border restrictions which was a catalyst for the wall’s demise and Germany’s reunification in 1990.

10/31-11/4

On November 1st, 1800, John Adams became the first ever president to live in the white house with his wife Abigail Adams.

10/17-21

In the eighth century, Pope Gregory III designated November 1 as a time to honor saints. Soon after, All Saints Day came to incorporate some of the traditions of Samhain. The evening before All Saints Day was known as All Hallows Eve which in the ninth century was renamed Halloween. However In the late 1800s (almost 1200 years later), there was a move in America to mold Halloween into a holiday more about scares, pranks and costumes but more importantly community togetherness. At the turn of the century, Halloween parties and Trick or Treating for both children and adults became the most common way to celebrate the day.