Illustration honoring George Washington
From the newspaper
The Rice Belt Journal, Calcasieau Parish, Louisiana
February 19, 1904
Weems attributed the story to "...an aged lady, who was a distant relative, and, when a girl, spent much of her time in the family...," who referred to young George as "cousin." The Cherry tree story has never been independently verified and is believed to be a parable/fable concocted by Parson Weems to illustrate Washington's honesty. Personally, I could believe it.
The history for Corby's Mother's Bread, the company who offered the free souvenir hatchet, is convoluted. Corby's Bakery was sold/merged to/with Continental Baking Corporation in 1925. Continental was originally Ward Baking Company in New York. Continental also bought Taggart Baking Company the original maker of Wonder Bread in 1925. The corporation went through many mergers and is now known as Hostess Brands, the maker of "Twinkies."
There is some interesting history behind the holiday Presidents Day. The official federal holiday designation is Washington's Birthday. You can read all about about it here:
Free Hatchet Giveaway
In Honor of Washington's Birthday!
Alexandria Gazette, Alexandria , Virginia
February 19, 1904
The story about George Washington and the cherry tree was first told in the biography A History of the Life and Death, Virtues and Exploits of General George Washington by Mason Locke Weems in 1809.
"The following is a case in point. It is too valuable to be lost, and too true to be doubted; for it was communicated to me by the same excellent lady to whom I am indebted for the last.
"When George," said she, "was about six years old, he was made the wealthy master of a hatchet! of which, like most little boys, he was immoderately fond, and was constantly going about chopping everything in his way. One day in the garden, where he often amused himself hacking his mother's pea-sticks, he unluckily tried the edge of his hatchet on the body of a beautiful young English cherry-tree, which he barked so terribly, that I don't believe the tree ever got the better of it. The next morning the old gentleman, finding out what had befallen his tree, which by the by, was a great favourite, came into the house; and with much warmth asked for the mischevious author, declaring at the same time, that he would have taken five guineas for his tree. Nobody would tell him anything about it. Presently George and his hatchet made their appearance. "George," said his father, "do you know who killed that beautiful cherry tree yonder in the garden?" This was a tough question; and George staggered under it for moment; but quickly recovered himself; and looking at his father, with the sweet face of youth brightened with the inexpressible charm of all-conquering truth, he bravely cried out, "I can't tell a lie, PA; you know I can't tell a lie. I did cut it with my hatchet." "Run to my arms, you dearest boy," cried his father in transports, "run into my arms; glad am I, George, that you killed my tree; for you have paid me for it a thousand fold. Such an act of heroism in my son is worth more than a thousand trees, though blossomed with silver , and their fruits of purest gold. "
"The following is a case in point. It is too valuable to be lost, and too true to be doubted; for it was communicated to me by the same excellent lady to whom I am indebted for the last.
"When George," said she, "was about six years old, he was made the wealthy master of a hatchet! of which, like most little boys, he was immoderately fond, and was constantly going about chopping everything in his way. One day in the garden, where he often amused himself hacking his mother's pea-sticks, he unluckily tried the edge of his hatchet on the body of a beautiful young English cherry-tree, which he barked so terribly, that I don't believe the tree ever got the better of it. The next morning the old gentleman, finding out what had befallen his tree, which by the by, was a great favourite, came into the house; and with much warmth asked for the mischevious author, declaring at the same time, that he would have taken five guineas for his tree. Nobody would tell him anything about it. Presently George and his hatchet made their appearance. "George," said his father, "do you know who killed that beautiful cherry tree yonder in the garden?" This was a tough question; and George staggered under it for moment; but quickly recovered himself; and looking at his father, with the sweet face of youth brightened with the inexpressible charm of all-conquering truth, he bravely cried out, "I can't tell a lie, PA; you know I can't tell a lie. I did cut it with my hatchet." "Run to my arms, you dearest boy," cried his father in transports, "run into my arms; glad am I, George, that you killed my tree; for you have paid me for it a thousand fold. Such an act of heroism in my son is worth more than a thousand trees, though blossomed with silver , and their fruits of purest gold. "
Weems attributed the story to "...an aged lady, who was a distant relative, and, when a girl, spent much of her time in the family...," who referred to young George as "cousin." The Cherry tree story has never been independently verified and is believed to be a parable/fable concocted by Parson Weems to illustrate Washington's honesty. Personally, I could believe it.
The history for Corby's Mother's Bread, the company who offered the free souvenir hatchet, is convoluted. Corby's Bakery was sold/merged to/with Continental Baking Corporation in 1925. Continental was originally Ward Baking Company in New York. Continental also bought Taggart Baking Company the original maker of Wonder Bread in 1925. The corporation went through many mergers and is now known as Hostess Brands, the maker of "Twinkies."
Read more about the history of William S. Corby and his company in the book American Biography: A new Cyclopedia, volume 47, on pages 180 - 183 :
Here's a more recent article about the bakery:
Read about Wonder Bread here:
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