Who Was John Adams?

       John Adams was second President of the United States. He was born at Braintree, Mass., October 10, 1735 (O. S.). He graduated at Harvard at the age of twenty, and had serious intentions of entering the ministry; but his opposition to the Calvinistic theology induced him to seek another profession. He studied law; was admitted to the bar in 1758, and obtained an extensive practice. Early in life he advocated the rights of the American colonies with ability and enthusiasm, and was soon recognized as the chief legal adviser of his party. A series of resolutions offered by him in a meeting at Braintree in reference to the Stamp Act were adopted by forty other towns in the State, and he was retained, with others, as counsel by the people of Boston in their effort to procure from the Governor and Council an order to reopen the courts of law. In order to withdraw him from the cause of the colonists, he was offered, in 1768, the position of advocate-general, which he refused to accept. Drawn at first to the defense of the popular cause as a lawyer, he became one of the most intrepid leaders of the patriots. At the same time, he exhibited moderation on many important occasions. He was elected, in 1770, to the Legislature of Massachusetts, and was chosen as one of the five delegates from that State to the First Continental Congress, which assembled in Philadelphia in the autumn of 1774. He was re-elected in 1776. While a member of that body he used his pen vigorously in support and defense of the cause of the patriots, and also rendered eminent services as an orator and debater. On the 11th of June, 1776, he was appointed, with Jefferson, Franklin, Sherman, and Livingston, to prepare a declaration of independence. In the debate which followed he took a very prominent part. "John Adams,'' said Jefferson, "was the ablest advocate and champion of independence on the floor of the House. He was the Colossus of that Congress." While a member of that body he acted as chairman of twenty-five committees, and also served as President of the Board of War, which was appointed in 1776. Sent as a Commissioner to France in 1777, he was afterward associated with Franklin, Jay, and Laurens to negotiate a treaty with England. In this they succeeded. A treaty of peace between that country and America was signed in November, 1782.

       Adams subsequently served as Minister to England for three years, during which time his Defense of the American Constitution appeared. He became Vice-President of the United States in 1789, and was a zealous supporter of the policy of Washington and of the principles of the Federalists. In 1796 he was nominated for the Presidency by that party, and was elected over Thomas Jefferson, the Republican Candidate, who, having received the next highest number of votes, became, as the law then existed, Vice-President. Adams retained the Cabinet of Washington, although he was not on good terms with two members of it, Timothy Pickering and Oliver Wolcott. Apprehensions of a war with France having caused the American Government, in 1798, to organize a new army. Washington was made general-in-chief. He succeeded, in opposition to the wishes of Adams, in having the next highest command conferred on Alexander Hamilton. Mr. Adams soon after nominated one Murray as Minister to the French Republic without consulting any member of his Cabinet. By this act he alienated many of his warmest friends and opened the way for other measures which rendered his administration very unpopular. The feelings of hostility were increased against him by the passage of the ''Alien and Sedition Laws" He was again nominated for President in 1800, but was defeated by Jefferson. He retired to private life, disliked and censured by both Federalists and Republicans. As time has passed on, however, the recollection of his rare talents, lofty patriotism, and great services rendered to his country when the cause of liberty was in imminent danger, have reinstated him in the public esteem, and caused him to be regarded as one of the greatest and most patriotic of the founders of American independence. He died July 4, 1826. 

This four minutes about The Declaration of Independence,

taken from The HBO special. John Adams address.

This free article may be printed and used in a classroom environment. It is reproduced here for extended reading and research into the life stories of American Girl Felicity Merriman. Students may also use the material above in the development of lapbooks/notebooks for home school, private school or public school assignments.

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Who Was Alexander Hamilton?

       Alexander Hamilton was an American orator, statesman, and general, was born in the West Indies, on the island of Nevis, January 11, 1757. His father was James Hamilton, a Scottish merchant, and his motlier the daughter of a French Huguenot named Faucette. After passing some time in a counting house in Saint-Croix he was sent by his friends in 1772 to New York, where the following year he entered King's College. He very soon became connected with the popular cause, which be promoted by speeches and pamphlets of remarkable ability. At the age of nineteen he became captain of an artillery company, and served at the battles of Long' Island, White Plains, Trenton, and Princeton with great credit In March, 1777, he was promoted to the rank of lieutenant-colonel, and was appointed aide-de-camp to Gen. Washington. of whom he soon became the especial confidant. He rendered efficient services to the commander-in-chief in devising means to sustain the arm and in planning campaigns. He gained distinction at the battle of Monmouth, June, 1778. Two years later he married Eliza, daughter of Gen. Schuyler, and in 1781 retired from Washington's staff. He participated in the siege of Yorktown, where he captured a redoubt by assault in October, 1781. After the surrender of the British army at that place, retaining his military rank, but declining to receive any pay, he devoted his attention to the study of law, and in 1782 was chosen a member of the Continental Congress from New York. He resigned as a member of Congress the year following and began practicing law in New York City.

       "Hamilton," says Chancellor Kent, "by means of his fine melodious voice and dignified deportment, his reasoning powers and persuasive address, soared above all competition; his preeminence was at once universally conceded."

       Hamilton made strenuous efforts to protect the Tories from persecution and to promote anti-slavery measures. He became a member of the New York Legislature in January, 1787, and a member of the Convention which met at Philadelphia in May of that year to form a Federal Constitution. In that capacity he advocated with rare ability the policy-- of which he was the author-- of forming a firm and durable union of the States. He signed the new Constitution in September, 1787. It differed materially from the one that he had proposed, but he used his influence to obtain its ratification by the people of the State of New York. He afterward contributed some political treatises remarkable for the clearness of their style and the profound knowledge of statesmanship which they evince to the New York Gazette and The Federalist in defense of the Constitution.

        Hamilton became the first Secretary of the Treasury in 1789, when the financial affairs of the nation were in an almost desperate condition. Among the measures which he devised were a funding system and a national bank, and the bill to establish the latter was passed by Congress in 1791. He also urged the encouragement of domestic manufactures and the enforcement of a protective tariff. He succeeded in restoring the public credit, and trade and industry rapidly revived.

       Hamilton became the recognized leader of the Federal party, and resigned the office of Secretary of the Treasury, January 31, 1795, m order to resume the practice of law. He was offered, but declined, the position of Chief-Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States.

       When hostilities with the French Directory were anticipated, the army was reorganized in 1798, and Washington agreed to accept the position of general-in-chief provided Hamilton should be placed second in command. Hamilton was appointed inspector-general, with the rank of major-general, and became commander-in-chief in December, 1799, upon the death of Gen. Washington. The army was soon after disbanded, and he returned to the practice of law. In September of the same year many prominent Federalists, including Hamilton, censured President Adams for sending envoys to France. The course pursued by them caused a rupture in the Federal party, which was defeated in 1800, when Jefferson and Burr were respectively elected President and Vice-President of the United States.

       In 1804, Hamilton assisted in defeating Burr, who was a candidate for the office of Governor of New York. Burr challenged him, and a duel was fought between them at Weehawken, where Hamilton received a mortal wound, of which he died July 12, 1804. His death created a profound sensation, and was generally and deeply deplored. His eldest son had been killed in a duel two years previously.

       "Virtue so rare, so pure, so bold," says Fisher Ames in speaking of Hamilton, "by its very purity and excellence inspired suspicion as a prodigy. His enemies judged of him by themselves. So splendid and arduous were his services they could not find it in their hearts to believe that they were disinterested." And the celebrated Talleyrand once said that "I have known nearly all the marked men of my time, but I have never known one on the whole equal to Hamilton." 

Ten Facts About Alexander Hamilton

This free article may be printed and used in a classroom environment. It is reproduced here for extended reading and research into the life stories of American Girl Felicity Merriman. Students may also use the material above in the development of lapbooks/notebooks for home school, private school or public school assignments. 

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Who Was Thomas Jefferson?

       Thomas Jefferson was an American statesman, and the third President of the United States, was born at Shadwell, Virginia, April 2, 1743. After graduating at William and Mary College he read law under Judge Wythe, was admitted to the bar m 1767, and practiced law with extraordinary success. He was elected a member of the Virginia House of Burgesses in 1769, and in 1773 united with Patrick Henry and other leaders of the patriotic party in the formation of the Committee of Correspondence for uniting the colonies in action, and for disseminating information among them. He was a staunch and able supporter of the advanced views of the patriot party, and in June, 1775, took his seat in the Continental Congress, where in the next year he was appointed, with Franklin, Adams and others, on a committee to prepare a declaration of independence, and was himself designated as chairman of such committee. At the request of his colleagues he drafted what is since known as the " Declaration of American Independence," which was reported to Congress June 28, and unanimously adopted by that body July 4, 1776. He subsequently resigned his seat in Congress, as well as the appointment of commissioner to France, served for some time in the Virginia Assembly, where he effected numerous valuable reforms, and in 1779 was elected Governor of Virginia. He was twice appointed Minister Plenipotentiary to negotiate a peace with England, but in both instances was prevented by circumstances beyond his control from accepting the position. He was re-elected to Congress in 1783, was sent as Minister Plenipotentiary to Europe in 1784 by Congress to form treaties with different powers, and in 1785 was chosen to succeed Benjamin Franklin as Minister at Paris. Jefferson formed while in France a strong and enduring predilection for the people of that country as opposed to those of England. Returning to America in 1789, he became Secretary of State in the Cabinet of Washington.

       The struggle between the two great parties, the Federalists and the Republicans, now commenced. Hamilton, at the head of the former, favored a United States Bank and the observance of a strict neutrality between England and France, while Jefferson, as leader of the latter, bitterly opposed the financial measures of Hamilton and advocated assisting the French with men and arms. The disputes between these two rival statesmen at length grew so stormy that Jefferson resigned his office, December 31, 1793.

       At the dose of Washington's second term Jefferson was nominated for President by the Republicans. John Adams was elected, but Jefierson, having received the next highest number of votes, became, as the law then stood, Vice-President of the United States. He was elected President in 1800, was re-elected in 1804, and withdrew to private life in 1809, after a successful and prosperous administration of eight years. He was one of the principal founders of the University of Virginia, at Charlottesville, near his residence at Monticello, of which institution he became the rector. He died on the same day with John Adams, July 4, 1826, the fiftieth anniversary of the promulgation of the Declaration of Independence.

A Mini Biography of Thomas Jefferson.

This free article may be printed and used in a classroom environment. It is reproduced here for extended reading and research into the life stories of American Girl Felicity Merriman. Students may also use the material above in the development of lapbooks/notebooks for home school, private school or public school assignments.

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Who Was Samuel Adams?

       Samuel Adams, one of the most eminent of American patriots and orators during the early days of the nation; born in Boston in 1722; graduated at Harvard in 1740. He early distinguished himself as a political writer of great ability. He was in 1765 elected from Boston a member of the General Assembly of Massachusetts, to which position he was successively reelected for nine years. He was one of the first men of prominence who favored American independence. On account of the prominent part he took in organizing measures of resistance to the British Government, he was one of the two popular leaders who were excepted from the general pardon offered in June, 1775. Elected in 1774 to the Continental Congress, he was in 1776 one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, and afterward served as State Senator, member of the Convention which ratified the Federal Constitution, Lieutenant-Governor and Governor of his native State. A s an orator he was ardent, luminous, and eloquent. Died in Boston, October 2, 1803. 

Pilot for series Liberty Kids - The Boston Tea Party

This free article may be printed and used in a classroom environment. It is reproduced here for extended reading and research into the life stories of American Girl Felicity Merriman. Students may also use the material above in the development of lapbooks/notebooks for home school, private school or public school assignments.

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Who Was Patrick Henry?

       Patrick Henry was an American orator and patriot; born in Virginia. May 29, 1736. He was the son of John Henry, who was a native of Scotland, and a nephew of Robertson the historian. Having twice failed in mercantile pursuits, he studied law, was admitted to the bar, and ruse to distinction in 1763 by his speech against the clergy, who attempted under an old statute to enforce the payment of their salaries in tobacco. Having been elected to the House of Burgesse in 1765, he at once became the champion of the cause of the colonies, acquired a very high reputation as an orator, and introduced against the Stamp Act a series of resolutions which he succeeded in having passed in May, 1765. From that time until the declaration of independence he kept steadily in advance of the most ardent patriots, and by his unsurpassed powers of oratory caused the adoption of many measures which at the time were regarded by other leaders in the cause of liberty as violent and premature, but which were proved in time to be wise and prudent. He was elected to the Continental Congress in 1774, and gained yet higher distinction as an orator, He was chosen Governor of Virginia in 1776, and was reelected to the same office in 1777, 1778, 1784, and 1785. He is regarded as one of the greatest American orators. Died June 6, 1799. 

 Dr. Ralph Green re-enacts Patrick Henry's Speech

"Give me liberty or Give me death."

Read a written version of that same speech here.

This free article may be printed and used in a classroom environment. It is reproduced here for extended reading and research into the life stories of American Girl Felicity Merriman. Students may also use the material above in the development of lapbooks/notebooks for home school, private school or public school assignments.

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Words and Phrases in Hawaiian To Use When Traveling

       For those of you who wish to learn some phrases and words in the language of the islands, it is useful to remember that the vowel sounds of the Hawaiian are uniform, and never vary except as long and short sounds. A has the sound of a in father. E has the sound of a in fate or of e in vein. I has the sound of e in me, or of i in pin. O has the natural sound of long o in own, and u that of oo in good . In a word, the vowels contain the sound they bear in most of the continental languages of Europe. With this explanation, the learner may proceed to the pronunciation of words.

       The articles he (a or an), with ke and ka, (the), and na, the sign of the plural, are prefixed to all nouns, except such as express a thing or things in general, or where a possessive pronoun precedes the noun. 

• Hawaiian Pronunciation Guide with Moana's Auli'i Cravalho

       Below is a list of simple words or phrases that you might use when traveling to Hawaii on vacation if you wish to converse in a bit of Hawaiian, which is polite. However, all natives speak fluent English!

English (Ka Beritania) Word or Phrase - Hawaiian (Ka Hawaii) 

1. The flower. - Ka pua.
2. The tree. -  Ka laau.
3. A river. - He muliwai
4. The ocean. - Ka moana.
5. A house.  - He hale.
6. The fire-place. - Ke kapuahi.
7. The fire.  - Ke ahi.
8. Bread.  - Berena.
9. Fish.  - Ia.
10. The body.  -  Ke kino.
11. Cloth, clothes. - Lole, na lole.
12. Native cloth.  - Kapa
13. Cotton prints. - Kaliko.
14. Shoes.   - Na kamaa.
15. Breakfast.  - Aina kakahiaka.
16. Dinner.  - Aina awakea.
17. A hog.  - He puaa.
18. A chicken.  - He moa keiki
19. A man.  - He kanaka.
20. A husband, or male.  - He kane.
21. A woman, or wife.  - He wahine.
22. A girl, or daughter  - He kaikamahine.
23. A boy, or son.  - He keiki kane.
24. A child or offspring.  - He keiki
25. A grandparent. - He kupuna.
26. Ancestor. - Kupuna kahiko
27. White.  - Keokeo
28. Black, or dark blue - Eleele.
29. Blue. - Uliuli.
30. Brown. - Hauliuli.
31. Purple. - Poni.
32. Green. - Omaomao.
33. Yellow. - Lenalena.
34. Red. - Ulaula.
35. Grey. - Ahinahina.
36. Speckled. - Kikokiko.
37. Spotted. - Kaliko.
38. Striped. - Onionio.
39. Money. - He moni.
40. A minute. - He minute.
41. An hour. - He hora.
42. A week. - He hebedoma, he pule.
43. A month. - He malama, mahina.
44. A year. - He makabiki.
45. Morning. - Kakabiaka.
46. Noon. - Awakea.
47. Evening. - Ahiahi
48. Night. - Po.
49. A ship. - He kiakolu
50. A canoe. - He was.
51. A hotel. - He hale hotele.
52. A church. - He hale pule, luakini.
53. A store shop. - He hale kuai.
54. A hospital. - He hale mai.
55. A theater. - He hale keaka.
56. I am hurt. - Ua eha au. 
57. I am sick. - Ua mai au.
58. Who is that? - Owai kela?
59. Where are you going? - E hele ana oe mahea?
60. What is the price? - Heaha ke kumukuai?
61. Hello or goodbye. - Aloha
62. Native dance. - Hula
63. Bathroom. - Lua.
64. Taxi. - Kaomi

Learning History With Julie Albright and Ivy Ling

"Meet Julie" cover

       Julie Albright is a young girl growing up in San Francisco, California in 1974–75. Her six book series, written by Megan McDonald and illustrated by Robert Hunt, focuses on various changes and societal upheavals in American society during that time period: divorce, feminism, gender equality in school sports, environmentalism, and the disability rights movement. The America's Bicentennial celebration is also emphasized later in the series. Julie was released September 10, 2007 and is the first character portrayed from a divorced family by American Girl.  A short independent film about Julie was uploaded on American Girl's YouTube account, starring Jolie Ledford in the title role.

• "And the Tiara Goes To" A Julie Albright Movie
• The Teacher's Guide to The Big Break (PDF)
• Look up the meaning of the name, Julie
• See my pinboard for the Julie Albright doll 

      Ivy Ling, Julie's best friend, is a Chinese American girl living in San Francisco. Good Luck, Ivy by Lisa Yee focuses on Ivy's conflict with her love of gymnastics and family traditions and responsibilities, and its "Looking Back" section discusses Chinese-American history. The Ivy doll debuted with Julie and was the first Best Friend doll to be released at the same time as the main character. 

• Meet Author Megan McDonald who wrote Julie's Books
• Read her kid review here
• Meet Author Lisa Yee who wrote Ivy Ling's Books

"Good Luck, Ivy" cover.

Living In The City By The Bay, Yesterday and Today:

• Foundsf - community history links, photographs, stories
• Earthquake history of the Bay Area
• Welcome to San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf
• A Rare Look at the Tunnels Under San Francisco
• Golden Gate Park
• 10 Secrets of the Golden Gate Bridge
• A mapped introduction to San Francisco's many varieties of Victorians
• Cable Car Rides: here and here and here
• Places for parents and kids to visit in the Bay Area
• Josh shares 24 things to do in San Francisco
• 7-Hour San Francisco Food Crawl by Fung Bros.
• Tony Bennett "I left my heart in San Francisco..." - This makes me weep, people. I lived in this beautiful city for several years. My second child was born there.

Our Crafty Artifacts for the Julie and Ivy American Girl Dolls:

• Sew Groovy Textile Art for A Doll House
• Chinese New Year's Dresses for 18inch Dolls
• Vinyl Clip Art Records for Doll Crafts
• Craft Mid-Century Modern Sofa Tables
• DIY Doll Sized Jiffy Pop
• Make Polaroid Photos for Your Doll's Camera
• Make Doll School Cafeteria Lunch Trays
• Sew Bohemian Bags for Your Dolls
• Craft a vintage tape recorder for those 1960s and 70s dolls - uses tape cassette stickers
• Here is a simple button craft to decorate Julie's bedroom walls with...

Themes found in Ivy Ling and Julie Albright American Girl Books:
Helping Children of Divorced Parents:

• Remember Me: Children's Voices After Separation
• What Parents Need to Know from Kids About Divorce (Cope)
• How Could Divorce Affect My Kids?

True American Beauty:

• Developing confidence and social skills through pageants
• Student wins Miss Black USA, redefines beauty
• Contrasting Crowns: Redefining Beauty and Disability
• Beauty Redefined: How Self-Objectification Hurts Girls and Women

Learning About Chinese America: Civil Rights, Culture, Everyday Life

• Growing Up Chinese American by ilikeweylie
• Asian Americans for Equality and The Building of Confucius Plaza Protests
• 1970s footage of China Town, San Francisco and here and here 
• Old Chinatown, San Francisco Early 1900's
• San Francisco's Chinatown in 2013 by World Travels and Adventures
• The beloved traditions of Lunar New Year by CNN and Chinese New Year becomes more popular in the United States
• Americans Celebrate Chinese Lunar New Year in Washington, D.C.
• Asian Americans Try To Speak Their Native Language
• 'Art by Day, Magic by Night' at the Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis (photos by sherhardap) and Description here

The Endangered Species of California:

• Six California Animals Among Top 10 Endangered Species Act Success Stories
• Endangered Species Act (ESA) Milestones in the 1970s
• Endangered species in California
• Facts About the Endangered Species Act of 1973

America's 200th Birthday:

• ABC news coverage of the Bicentennial Center - Harry Reasoner
• Bicentennial , 1976 the 200th Birthday of USA
• The Fourth of July, Bicentennial Parade
• Gettysburg PA Bicentennial Parade 1976

Equal Rights for Young Girls in American Schools, 1970s:

• Who was Edith Green? and the Education Amendments of 1972
• Learn about gender equity for girls in school & community sports, (Title 9)
• Iowa Girls 6-on-6 basketball: title 9 Brings Change to Girls High School Sports

"Feel Good'' Disco, Folk, Country and Rock Music etc.. from The 1970s: Listen and guess which genre is which! These songs played on the radio when I was small daily.

• 'Hooked On A Feeling' by Blue Swede
• 'Love Train' by The O'Jays
• Cat Stevens sings his 'Peace Train'
• 'Come and Get Your Love' by Redbone
• 'Take Me Home, Country Roads' by John Denver
• 'You're So Vain' by Carly Simon (sings in a 2000 something concert an old favorite from the 70s)
• Bob Marley and the Wailers sing 'Three Little Birds'
• 'Bad, Bad Leroy Brown' by Jim Croce
• 'September' by Earth, Wind and Fire
• 'It Never Rains in Southern California' by Albert Hammond
• The Temptations sing 'Papa Was a Rollin' Stone
• 'Rock The Boat' by The Hues Corporation 
• Charlie Rich sings 'The Most Beautiful Girl' and 'Behind Closed Doors'
• 'Kung Fu Fighting' by Carl Douglas
• 'Dancing Queen' by Abba 
• Edison Lighthouse 'Love Grows'
• Johnny Nash sings 'I Can See Clearly Now'
• The Spinners sing 'Rubberband Man' 
• 'Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree' by Tony Orlando and Dawn
• 'The Night Chicago Died' by Paper Lace
• Mac Davis sings "Baby Don't Get Hooked On Me'
• Carole Kings sings 'You Make Me Feel Like a Natural Woman'
• Boston sings 'More Than A Feeling'
• Electric Light Orchestra sings 'Livin' Thing'
• 'Rhinestone Cowboy' by Glen Campbell
• KC and the Sunshine Band sing 'That's The Way'
• Al Green sings 'Let's Stay Together'
• Theme from 'Shaft' by Isaac Hayes
• 'Rock Your Baby' by George McCrae 
• 'What's Goin' On' sung by Marvin Gaye
• Chicago sings 'Saturday in the Park'
• Van McCoy & Pan's People 'Do the Hustle'

Ivy Ling's book:

• Good Luck Ivy

Julie Albright's books:

• Meet Julie
• Julie Tells Her Story
• Happy New Year, Julie!
• Julie and the Eagles
• Julie's Journey
• Changes for Julie
• The Tangled Web
• The Puzzle of the Paper Daughter
• The Silver Guitar
• Lost in The City
• Message in a Bottle

Fan Pics for Julie Albright and Ivy Ling Dolls from YouTube:

• Opening American Girl Doll Ivy Ling
• American Girl Julie's Groovy Bathroom Playset Review
• Julie Albright Doll Review by American Girl Spirit

Learning History with The Maryellen Larkin Doll

"Maryellen" cover

      Maryellen Larkin is the fourteenth Historical Character by American Girl, representing the 1950s. She was released on August 27, 2015, and is the first exclusive BeForever character. Hailing from Daytona Beach, Florida, Maryellen is an enthusiastic and imaginative girl, longing to stand out but often feels lost in the shuffle of her big, busy family. Her favorite TV shows include Davy Crockett and The Lone Ranger, and she dreams up episodes where she gets to be the hero. Maryellen has strawberry-blonde hair with bangs up in a ponytail and green eyes. All three of her books, written by Valerie Tripp, were released on August 27, 2015.

       A short film based on her stories, with newcomer Harlie Galloway playing the title character, was uploaded on the video sharing site YouTube in November 2015 as part of American Girl's venture into digital content and independent film production. In addition to the short, a direct-to-video special entitled An American Girl Story - Maryellen 1955: Extraordinary Christmas, starring Alyvia Alyn Lind as Maryellen Larkin and was released by Amazon to Prime subscribers on November 25, 2016.

• Meet author Valerie Tripp
• The Making of Maryellen - Behind the scenes
• Maryellen's book listing
• The Teacher's Guide to The One And Only (PDF)
• Learn the meaning of the name Maryellen

 Online Research for Themes Found in Maryellen's Books:

• The History of Polio and Timeline of The Disease Here
• Debbie Reynolds: her life and career in pictures and her biography
• Comic Book History: My Mother Threw Out My Comic Books 
• Timeline: Girl Scouts in History and 100 Years of Girl Scout Uniforms
• Remembering the Alamo and The Alamo in the 1950s and The Alamo official website
• Handwriting for Lefties and Teaching Left-Handers to Write

Our Online Artifacts for The American Girl Maryellen Doll:

1. Vinyl Clip Art Records for Doll Crafts 
2. DIY House Decorating from 1958  
3. Some old technologies make wonderful toys!
4. Decoupage a Spool Canister Set for Maryellen's Diner 
5. Appliances From The 1950s (European)
6. Santa's A Real Doll in 1955 
7. Whatever your child wears...her doll wears too! 
   
8. Soda Fountain/ Ice Cream Parlor Clip Art Pages 
9. Back-To-School jumpers, separates and corduroy jackets in 1956...
10. Craft a Christmas Ham from Paper Mache 
11. Crafting the T.V. dinner for American Girl doll lovers... 
12. DIY 8 Different Soda Fountain Milkshakes for Maryellen's Diner!
13. A Juke Box for a 1950s Doll Diner
14. What is inside Maryellen Larkin's Refrigerator? - listing of accessories, history and links for hand-crafted replacements  
15. Paint pretend Saddle shoes for an 18" doll
    
16. "Bite To Eat Diner" versus "Seaside Diner"
17. Retro Radios from 1950 - original advertising 
    

T. V. Shows that Maryellen loves:

• Patti Page sings Ballad of Davy Crockett, 1955 and Theme song for T.V. show
• Davy Crockett - The Real Frontier Hero
• 'Davy Crockett' TV series filmed in Smokies
• Davy Crockett and Fess Parker from 1955; watch for free here 
• The Lone Ranger 1949 - 1957 Opening and Closing Theme 
• The Lone Ranger collection at YouTube: cartoons, black and white T.V. series, and colorized versions too!

Research Popular Culture of the 1950s in the United States:

• American Bandstand 1950s Dancer Carole Scaldeferri
• Rock n' Roll The Early Days (Documentary) 
• The Women of RockaBilly 
• Voices of Doo-Wop 
• 1950s Commercials and Vintage Commercials 
• The Alberta Story: Marv's Classic Soda Shop 
• Vintage Vending - soda machine mania
• Red lips and Poodle skirts: women's fashion in the 1950s

The Popular "Rock n' Roll" of The 1950s: Jukebox Favorites (most of these are live)

• Buddy Holly & The Crickets sing "Peggy Sue"on Ed Sullivan show, 1957
• "The Leader of The Pack" sung by the Sangri-Las
• Little Richard sings "Long Tall Sally and Tutti Frutti"
• Angels sing "My Boyfriend's Back"
• Elvis Presley - Blue suede shoes, 1956
• Marvin Berry and The Starlighters sing "Earth Angel"
• Chuck Berry sings "Johnny B. Goode" 1958
• Connie Francis sings "Lipstick on Your Collar" 1959 
• Frankie Lymon sings "Why Do Fools Fall in Love"
• Bobby Day sings 'Rockin Robin'
• Ricky Nelson sings "Hello Mary-Lou"
• Fat's Domino sings 'I Hear You Knocking'
• Bill Haley & His Comets - Rock Around The Clock, 1955
• Little Anthony sing "Tears on My Pillow"
• The Everly Brothers sing "All I Have To Do Is Dream"
  

Teen Dance Shows From The 1950s:

• The Original Stroll - February 1958
• Dancing to the Rock and Roll Classics
• "Let's Twist Again" dance and singer Chubby Checker
• Dee Dee Sharp sings and performs 'Mashed Potatoes'
• Real 1950s Rock & Roll, Rockabilly dance teenage style! 
• Rock-A-Beatin' Boogie 

Contemporary Musical Theater About The 1950s: These are parodies folks.

• "Grease" and Review of Grease and movie trailer for Grease
• "Hairspray" and Review of Hairspray and movie trailer for Hairspray

Maryellen Larkin's Books:

• The One and Only
• Taking Off
• The Finders-Keepers Rule
• The Runaway
  

Fan Video Picks for American Girl Doll, Maryellen Larkin:

• Product Designer of Maryellen Larkin's Refrigerator
• Organizing American Girl Doll Maryellen's Closet
• Review on Maryellen Larkin by agwebkinz010

Maryellen Music Video About Maryellen Larkin, 

Part Two (Soda Shop Hop) is here.

Learn About Environmental Activism With Kailey Hopkins

American Girl Doll, Kailey Hopkins,
came with only one book, simply titled
"Kailey" by Amy Goldman Koss.

       Kailey Hopkins lives near tide pools in California and is an avid swimmer and surfer. When development threatens to destroy the tide pools she loves and surfs in, she and her best friend engineer a protest to make a difference. Kailey's collection included various beach outfits and accessories. She was the second girl of the year, released in 2003, retired in 2004.

• American Girl Doll: Kailey Review
• Author Amy Goldman Koss
• Products for Character Kailey Hopkins from The Doll Database
• Look up the meaning of the name, Kailey

Our Artifacts for the Kailey Hopkins Doll:

• 12 Fascinating Creatures of The Surf
• Sea Sponges and Their Relatives
• Sharks, Skates and Rays
• Down On The Shore (poem)
• Coral Gardens
• Seals Love Good Company
• Starfish: Native of The Sea
• Why Right Whales Were Named "Right"
• Sea Animals Minus Back Bones
• Blue Whales, Largest Of All Animals
• Whale Sharks 
• Giant Squids 
• The Common Octupus
• Hippocampus, The Sea Horse
• Wadding On The Beach

Themes Associated With Kailey's Story:
Saving Our Shorelines:

• California's Long Beach Department of Parks receives a gold-metal award and About the waterfront at Long Beach Marine Bureau
• How can we save America's vanishing beaches? California shows the way, according to Surfrider report 
• Kids Ocean Day celebrates 25 years of educating youth to keep beaches clean
• The Secret in The Sand Dunes...
• Five Birds That Benefit from Living Shorelines

Learn About Tide Pools:

• Looking for Tide Pool Creatures at Leo Carrillo State Malibu, California 
• Exploring the Tide Pool Creatures! - adventures for kids, descriptions of creatures
• Exploring Tide Pools with Kids
• Best Tide Pools in Orange County
• Tide Pool Trivia
• Exploring for Tide Pool Creatures!
• Kids finding an octopus and other creatures in rock pools

Research How Women Can Make A Difference Through Environmental Activism:

1. Learn About Dana Miller director of Grow Local Colorado.
2. Sylvia Earle pioneered a movement called Mission Blue for ocean exploration.
3. Winona LaDuke is the Executive Director of Honor the Earth and White Earth Land Recovery Project at the White Earth Reservation, Minnesota. A Fight for the People's Land.
4. Climate activist Anna Jane Joyner working with the Western North Carolina Alliance and co-founder of creation care alliance and videos from The YEARS Project.
5. Dr. Bhatt works with many women through the Navdanya Project ("nine seeds") in order to save seeds for biodiversity conservation. This foundation from Dehradun, India.
6. Read about One Plastic Bag, a recycling movement that began with Isatou Ceesay.
7. Theo Colborn, was the Founder and President of The Endocrine Disruption Exchange (TEDX), in Eckert, Colorado. "Our mission is to reduce the production and use of chemicals that interfere with healthy hormone function." TEDX website.
8. Professor Wangari Maathai founded the Green Belt Movement (GBM) in Nyeri, Kenya. 
9. May Boeve helped start a website called 350.org.
10. Katherine Hayhoe, a climate scientist has an interesting website for her research here.
11. Joelle Novey (interviewed) is the executive director of Greater Washington Interfaith Power and Light.
12. Maggie Fox is the President and CEO, Climate Protection Action Fund or ACE. Their mission, "We educate young people on the science of climate change and empower them to take action."
13. Majora Carter is an American urban revitalization strategist and public radio host from the South Bronx area of New York City. Carter founded and led the non-profit environmental justice solutions corporation Sustainable South Bronx from 2001 onward, before entering the private sector in 2008.  Visit the Majora Carter Group.
14. Read Jessica Posner's Story and visit Shining Hope for Communities, Kenya  
15. See film by Bata Bhurji and visit Barefoot College in Rajasthan, India

Crafts for Kailey Hopkins Doll:

• DIY American Girl Doll Surfboard and Boogie Board 
• How to make a no-sew doll bathing suit
• Now Sew Swimsuit Skirtini for your 18" doll