Once Upon a Time in May
Where in Europe?
We Learned it in School
Who Am I?
American Legends
100
This famous horse race, known as “the most exciting two minutes in sports,” has been run every May since long before television.
What is the Kentucky Derby?
100
This European country is home to the iron tower that appeared on countless postcards and travel posters from the 1950s and ’60s.
What is France?
100
This classic phrase described the basic skills every child was expected to master, even though only one of the words actually started with the right letter.
What are the Three R’s (reading, ’riting, ’rithmetic)?
100
This creative dreamer brought a cheerful mouse to life and later built a theme park where “dreams come true.”
Who is Walt Disney?
100
This mighty worker raced a steam drill through a mountain and proved that heart and strength could outmatch a machine.
Who is John Henry?
200
This May observance began as Decoration Day, when families placed flowers on soldiers’ graves after the Civil War.
What is Memorial Day?
200
This country contains the ancient arena often shown in old history books as a symbol of the Roman Empire.
What is Italy?
200
This daily classroom ritual began with a hand over the heart and was spoken before lessons even started.
What is the Pledge of Allegiance?
200
I was the relaxed singer with the smooth-as-silk voice who often appeared in a cozy cardigan. Families welcomed me into their living rooms on calm Sunday evenings, and my Christmas specials became a holiday tradition. I sang hits like “’Til the End of Time” and “Catch a Falling Star,” always with a gentle smile and an easygoing charm.
Who is Perry Como?
200
This backwoods legend, known for his coonskin cap, was said to “grin down” a bear with nothing but courage.
Who is Davy Crockett?
300
This May 1937 tragedy was captured on film and remembered for the announcer’s emotional cry that became part of history lessons for decades.
What is the Hindenburg disaster?
300
This country is known for snowy mountains, cowbells, and postcard views of chalets tucked into green valleys.
What is Switzerland?
300
This chart hung on many classroom walls, showing boxes of elements arranged in neat rows and columns.
What is the periodic table?
300
This glamorous 1940s movie star, known for her flowing red hair and confident smile, became famous for her dancing and her unforgettable role in “Gilda.” She lit up the screen with elegance and was one of Hollywood’s most recognizable leading ladies of her era.
Who is Rita Hayworth?
300
This towering figure of the rivers could swing oars like twigs and was rumored to carve river bends with his strength.
Who is Mike Fink?
400
This May 1922 dedication unveiled the quiet marble chamber where a seated Lincoln became one of America’s most visited monuments.
What is the opening of the Lincoln Memorial?
400
This tiny independent city‑state, surrounded by a larger country, is home to St. Peter’s Basilica and the Pope.
What is Vatican City?
400
This library system, printed on tiny cards in long wooden drawers, helped students find books long before computers.
What is the Dewey Decimal System?
400
I was the tall, soft‑spoken fellow with the unmistakable drawl, often playing the everyman who tried his best to do the right thing. You might remember me standing on a bridge on Christmas Eve, lassoing the moon for the girl I loved, or riding across the West in quiet determination. My career stretched from heartfelt dramas to patriotic service in World War II.
Who is Jimmy Stewart?
400
This wild rider could lasso the wind, tame storms, and turn the open plains into his playground.
Who is Pecos Bill?
500
This May 1881 founding by Clara Barton became a familiar symbol of help and relief during wars and disasters.
What is the founding of the American Red Cross?
500
This country features the stone arch that older generations remember seeing in newsreels during the divided‑city years after World War II.
What is Germany?
500
This science topic traced food from the mouth to the stomach and beyond, often shown with a cutaway diagram.
What is the digestive system?
500
This charming TV hist, known for sweaters, kindness, and a gentle neighborhood where everyone was welcome. He often spoke directly to the camera as if he were talking only to you, making every viewer feel like a neighbor.
Who is Fred Rogers?
500
This giant of the seas could wring out a whale and once used a ship’s mast as a toothpick in classic tall‑tale fashion.
Who is Old Stormalong?
