What does the weather look like for 2021? Will spring come soon? Some folks rely on the shadow of that famous groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil. Others rely on their favorite weatherperson. For 229 years, many have turned to “The Old Farmer’s Almanac” for its weather forecasts, astronomical charts, tide charts and practical information like the current postal rates and holidays. Founded in 1792 by Robert B. Thomas, it is the oldest continuously published periodical in North America, and it still sports the same yellowish paper cover it started with, with vignettes of the four seasons and portraits of Benjamin Franklin and the founder.
In 1921, “The Old Farmer’s Almanac” was 129 years old. What “New, Useful and Entertaining Matter” do we find in that Meekins’ issue? The weather, the stars and the tides are all there and “recent” comet sightings and solar eclipses; informative articles like “Care of the Farm Engine” and “Disease Prevention on the Poultry Farm” and, for those travelling, “Motor Taxi Cabs in Boston” full of tips on how not to get stiffed in charges. There are pages of “poetry, anecdotes, riddles, charades and conundrums” and for those faithful “OFA” readers, the answers to all of those from 1920. King Arthur Flour and Ridgeways Tea have full page advertisements, too.
Did your family keep a copy of “The Old Farmer’s Almanac”? Do you? Share below.
Posted to Facebook 4/15/2021
