Stories of Christopher Columbus: If Columbus had not discovered America, it is likely someone else would have.  But what makes his story unique is the example he leaves us of the price one man was willing to pay in the name of faith.  He had seen a vision of a new world and knew God intended for him to find it.  We know he was ridiculed for his quest, and the popular story is he was laughed to scorn for saying the world was round; however, scholars and wise men knew the world was round.  Perhaps the laughter was aimed at one man’s profession of faith.  As school children, we memorized the names of the Nina, the Pinta and the Santa Maria, but few of us ever heard “the rest of the story.”  As Columbus’ name becomes villainized in today’s world, it’s time his whole story is told and we realize he is worthy of our gratitude and respect.

The True Story of Christopher Columbus (1892)

The Life of Christopher Columbus From His Own Letters and Journals and Other Documents of His Time (1891)

Stories of the Pilgrims: Following Columbus’ discovery, for over a hundred years, many men came to the new world in search of gold.  But until faith, family and freedom became the focus, our nation did not grow.  The Pilgrim story is so much more than a Thanksgiving Dinner.  Few realize how young this small group was or the difficult circumstances that preceded their voyage and prepared them for their hard life in a new world.  They leave us examples of brotherly kindness and the strength that comes from “looking heavenward”.

The Story of the Pilgrims for Children (1892)

The Argonauts of Faith (1920)

Excerpts from Bradford’s Of Plymouth Plantation (1620-1647)

Stories of American History: How many names from American History do you recognize from school, but don’t really know where they fit into the history timeline?  This wonderful reprint of a 1913 textbook puts the story together.  At the time it was written, few students stayed in school past the sixth grade and educators were concerned that these students needed to understand the moral forces behind America’s greatness before leaving school. This book was written to meet that need.  The focus is on lives and is easy to read and understand.  It’s a wonderful introduction to our history.

Stories of American History (1913)

Stories of George Washington: Abraham Lincoln often referred to a favorite book he read as a young boy:  “The Life of Washington” by Mason Weems.   The impression made deep in his heart was that there was something very uncommon and rare about America and that holding the Union together was worth any cost.  This same book was also the #1 book the citizens of our young Republic were reading.  After you get past the flowery language and the over-the-top hero worship, you find a book filled with nuggets of wisdom, including the idea that private virtue exceeds public virtue, which was the secret of Washington’s greatness.  If you want to read what Lincoln read, now you’ll be able to. 

The True Story of George Washington, Called the Father of His Country, Told for Youngest Readers (1893)

A History of the Life and Death, Virtues and Exploits of General George Washington (1918)

Excerpts from: Recollections and Private Memoirs of Washington, by George Washington Parke Custis (1859)

The True Story of Lafayette: At the end of this gripping story, the author suggests that because of all Lafayette has done for America, we would never forget him in 500 years.  Sadly, few people know his story at all today.  His love of liberty inspires the heart.  We also come to recognize that it isn’t just our form of government that makes our country great.  Lafayette, despite all his efforts, could not duplicate America’s success in France because the populous there was of a different heart.  Lafayette is sure to become a new favorite hero!

The True Story of Lafayette, Called the Friend of America (1899)

Letters to His Wife found in Memoirs, Correspondence and Manuscripts of General Lafayette, published by his family (1837)

Stories of Abraham Lincoln: Was Lincoln a tyrant or a man raised up by God to lead our nation through a treacherous storm?  As you read of the political conflicts of the day, you will come to appreciate more fully the tremendous burden he carried.  Yet, in his own words, he felt God’s hand upon him and knew that he was being guided.  Our nation emerged stronger and prosperity increased in the aftermath of that terrible, bloody war. A man of lesser integrity or vain ambitions never could have seen us through as Lincoln did.

The Story of Lincoln for Children, (1898)

Abraham Lincoln: A True Life (1904)

Abraham Lincoln: His Story (1918)

Selections from The Wisdom of Abraham Lincoln: Being Extracts From the Speeches, State Papers, and Letters of the Great President (1908)

Stories of Ulysses S. Grant and Robert E. Lee: As you read the stories of these two great men, you will see, perhaps through new eyes, the fact that the Civil War was fought by two equally, honorable sides who were passionate about their rights.  Although the slave issue played a prominent role, it certainly was not the only issue.  We have seldom been left with a greater example of honor and humility of heart.  Lee fought as a brilliant general, but relied on his faith for strength: “I am not concerned with results.  God’s will ought to be our aim and I am quite contented that His designs should be accomplished and not mine.”

The True Story of U.S. Grant, The American Soldier, Told for Boys and Girls (1897)

A character sketch from Ulysses S. Grant (1915)

Excerpts from Personal Memoirs of U.S. Grant (1885)

Robert E. Lee, A Story (1920)

A character sketch from Robert E. Lee (1907)

Excerpts from Recollections and Letters of General Robert E. Lee, by his son (1904)

Stories of the American Frontier: A pioneer is “one who goes before, as into the wilderness, preparing the way for others to follow.”  Those rugged, daring men and women who braved unknown territories, for the most part, remain unnamed.  These stories remind us the price that was paid for the comforts of life we now enjoy.   You will see the world they faced through their eyes and words.  You will also be given another face of the Indians.  The stories that are most often told are stories of brutality and fierceness. Lesser told are the stories of their brave and noble chiefs and their words of honor and faith.  Those stories, also, need to be told and remembered. 

A sampling of stories taken from journals, diaries and letters and other sources.

Stories of Historic Americans: This book provides character sketches of our greatest patriots; men like Samuel Adams, Robert Morris, James Otis, and Thomas Jefferson.  They were men of strong passions who often held opposing or unpopular points of view, which adds to the miracle of the founding of our nation.  Through their examples, we are powerfully reminded that character truly matters and we are inspired to live as they did.

Historic Americans (1899)

Stories of the Government: You will take an imaginary trip to Washington D.C. with four young people and their uncle as he explains the purposes of government, the stories behind the institutions and buildings and the symbols of our heritage.  A lot has changed in the hundred years since this book was written, and notations of updates are sprinkled throughout the text.  An unmistakable spirit of patriotism is felt throughout this captivating tour of our nation’s Capitol. Also included is the Story of the Constitution which tells the story of what was going on in England during Revolutionary days.  Civics for Young Americans offers young people the reasoning behind each section of the Constitution.

The Story of the Government  (1894)

Makers of the Flag from America First: Patriotic Readings

Copies of Important Documents
Civics for Young American (1904)

Story of the Constitution (1914) 

Heart Throbs—An American Scrapbook: In 1905, a popular magazine ran a contest, asking Americans to submit their favorite clipping, story, anecdote or selection–something that had touched their hearts. Heart Throbs is the publication of the winners. As you read through what inspired Americans then and what they valued, you can’t help but wonder what the 2010 version would look like. How different are we? You be the judge. 
 

Selections from Heart Throbs (1905) and More Heart Throbs (1911)

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