September in Song
“Do you remember” the name of the band who had a hit song titled “September” that began with those lyrics?
Earth, Wind, and Fire
Although several theories about the significance of the date have been suggested, the songwriter Maurice White claimed he simply chose the 21st due to how it sounded when sung.
On September 1st, 1939, this European dictator ordered the invasion Poland, inciting the conflict that became World War II.
Adolf Hitler
Great Britian and France declared war on Germany on September 3rd, 1939 and by the end of 1941 the conflict involved virtually every part of the world until 1945 and it is the largest and bloodiest war in human history.
This British mystery writer, best known for her detective novels featuring characters Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple, was born on September 15th, 1890.
Agatha Christie
Over the course of her career, she wrote 66 novels and 14 short story collections and was dubbed “the Queen of Crime”. She is listed by the Guiness Book of World Records as the best-selling fiction writer of all time—her novels have sold over two billion copies worldwide.
Speleology is the study of these natural chamber or series of chambers in the earth or in the side of a hill or cliff, often containing stalactites or stalagmites.
What are caves?
Researchers in this field look at how caves form, change, and support life. This field combines geology, biology, and water science.
This rich blue gemstone, famously set in Princess Diana’s/Princess Katherine’s engagement ring, is September’s birthstone.
Sapphire
Sapphire is actually the mineral Corundum, which has two primary gem varieties: ruby and sapphire. Rubies are red due to the presence of chromium, and sapphires exhibit a range of colors depending on what transition metal is present.
Released in 1979, “September Morn” became an enduring hit for this king of pop romance, known for his ballads such as “Sweet Caroline”, “You Don’t Bring Me Flowers”, and “Forever in Blue Jeans”.
Neil Diamond
When he was asked to perform on short notice at a dinner at the White House honoring Prince Charles and Princess Diana in 1985, “September Morn” was one of the two songs he chose.
On September 16th, 1620, this ship departed Plymouth, England for America with 102 passengers and a small crew.
The Mayflower
After a 66-day journey, on November 21st, the ship landed on Cape Cod, in what is now Provincetown, Massachusetts.
Born on September 5th, 1929, this comedian and actor, known for his deadpan and stumbling delivery style, is perhaps best known for his two tv series that share his name.
Bob Newhart
Beginning his career as a stand-up comedian, he transitioned his career to acting in television. He received numerous accolades, including three Grammy Awards, an Emmy, and a Golden Globe.
Pomology is a branch of botany that studies the cultivation and growing of this nutritious (and often sweet) element of our diet.
What is fruit?
Specifically this discipline aims to improve the quality and yield of fruit while promoting sustainability.
September has two birth flowers: the morning glory and this starlike flower which bloom in a wide variety of sunset hued colors (not mums).
Asters
The aster flower has a wide range of symbolic meanings, including patience, faith, love, valor and wisdom. Asters come in shades of purple, pink, white and blue, and the exact meaning of the flower can also vary depending on which color you're looking at.
This group, perhaps best known for their 1965 hit “My Girl”, had a hit with the song “Papa Was a Rolling Stone” in 1972, which begins with the lyric, “It was the third of September”.
The Temptations
The song rose to the top of the US pop charts, becoming the group’s last #1 pop hit. The song is listed in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s list of the 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll, along with “My Girl” and “Just My Imagination (Running Away with Me).”
On September 3, 1783, the Treaty of Paris was signed which ended this American war.
The Revolutionary War
Based on a1782 preliminary treaty, the agreement recognized U.S. independence and granted the U.S. significant western territory.
Known for her bold, distinctive voice showcased on hits like “Crazy” and “I Fall to Pieces”, this country star was born on September 8th, 1932.
Patsy Cline
Cline has been cited as one of the most celebrated, respected, and influential performers of the 20th century. She was the first female performer inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1973.
Pharology is the study of these tall structures with a bright light at the top built near water to guide ships and warn them of danger.
What are lighthouses?
The discipline derives its name from Pharaos, the lighthouse of Alexandria, which was constructed in 246 BCE.
While it became a federally recognized holiday in 1894, the first Labor Day was observed in this large US city on September 5, 1882, with a parade.
New York City
A decade later, 23 more states had adopted the holiday, and on June 28, 1894, President Grover Cleveland signed a law making the first Monday in September of each year a national holiday.
“See You in September”, recorded by this group, peaked at #3 on the Billboard charts in 1966.
The Happenings
Their remake of the Tempos’ 1959 hit exceeded 1 million sales and earned them a gold record.
This country that borders the southwestern United States celebrates their Independence Day on September 16th.
Mexico
Mexican Independence Day commemorates the momentous day when priest Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla called on Mexicans to rise up against the colonial government of Spain on September 16, 1810. Father Hidalgo gave his famous grito battle cry in the town of Dolores, and his powerful speech rallied the people behind the movement. But this was only the beginning of the struggle for freedom, as Mexico wouldn’t gain full independence from Spain until 1821.
Born September 8th, 1913, this 1936 Olympic track star won four gold medals in Berlin, Germany, and destroyed Hitler’s Aryan-superiority propaganda campaign.
Jesse Owens
While Jesse Owens was the first American athlete to win four gold medals in a single Games, he accomplished an even more impressive feat the year before, when he set five new world records and tied another during the Big Ten Track and Field Championships in Michigan, all while nursing an injury that nearly led to him withdrawing from the competition hours before it began.
Pogonology is the study of this, which is comprised of hair that grows on a person's chin, cheeks, jawline, and neck, most commonly seen on adult men.
What are beards?
The word comes from the Greek root pogon, meaning "beard", and ology, meaning "the study of". Experts in this area explore how beards reflect social status, masculinity, politics, and fashion across different time periods.
September is to sign up for this at your local, FREE resource for books, movies, newspapers, and MORE. Lincoln offers eight branches and two traveling vehicles for you to patronize!
What is a library card?
Beyond providing access to entertainment and educational resources, libraries support life-long learning and community connection. Check out some of these upcoming programs at the Lincoln City Libraries!
“September When it Comes” is a duet recorded by this iconic country star and his daughter Rosanne.
Johnny Cash
Rosanne is the eldest daughter of Johnny and his first wife, Vivian. She is a singer and songwriter, known for her 1981 breakthrough hit, “Seven Year Ache”, which topped the country charts and reached the Top 30 of the US pop charts.
On September 14th, 1901, this president succumbed to his injuries after he was shot in the abdomen eight days earlier, becoming the third US president to be assassinated.
William McKinley
McKinley initially appeared to be recovering, but his condition deteriorated rapidly when he developed gangrene. He was succeeded by his vice-president, Theodore Roosevelt.
This president of the United States, who is rumored to have once gotten stuck in the White House bathtub, is the only president to have a birthday in September.
William H. Taft
Born on September 15th, 1857, Taft was also the only man to serve as both president of the US and a Supreme Court chief justice. After serving as president from 1909-1913, he was appointed to the Supreme Court by President Harding in 1921, on which he served until just before his death in 1930. To Taft, the appointment was his greatest honor; he wrote: “I don’t remember that I ever was President.”
Campanology is the study of these hollow, cup-shaped metal objects that make a ringing sound when a piece inside hits the side.
What are bells?
Campanologists study the history, casting and tuning of bells, as well as the art of ringing them.
The last full week of September is designated as an awareness week for this cute marine mammal known for their sleek thick fur and playful curiosity.
Sea Otters
Here are some other fun facts about sea otters: 90% of the population lives in coastal Alaska. They are considered a keystone species, which means that their populations affect health of the entire ecosystem. They have the densest fur of any mammal, due to the fact that they don’t have a blubber layer to keep them warm in the chilly waters of the Pacific Northwest. They eat up to 25% of their bodyweight daily. They are considerably larger than their river dwelling cousins, weighing 45-90 lbs. The otter is one of the few species that has been observed using tools and exhibiting playful behaviors in adults. A group of resting otters is called a raft; otters are social creatures and like to rest together by wrapping themselves in sea kelp to keep from floating away. Researchers have observed concentrations of over 1000 otters floating together.