In Tucker McBride’s
Many Lives, the sequel to my novel Tucker
McBride, Tucker hides one of Gramma’s canning jars under the side
porch.
To find out, sit on the floor and ask someone to measure
you, from the floor to the top of your head. Would you be able to sit
comfortably? Now, suppose you want to hide your collection of Indian head pennies in the space. Imagine your space under the porch is shorter
than you need.
Close your eyes and see yourself crawling into the space.
Now try to sit on the ground. Oh no! The space is too short and all you have in
your pocket to measure the distance is Tiny’s dog collar. See yourself wiggling
around so you can hold up the collar starting with it on the ground. You would
feel more comfortable if it were 4 feet high. The length of the collar is 8
inches. How many collar lengths equal 4 feet?
Now, see yourself as a History Magazine writer and have fun with a little Google research. When were Indian Head pennies first
circulated in the United States? Give the year and the place you got your
information. How much is one Indian Head worth at the price of coins today, if
it were in good condition? Tucker had collected three hundred ninety-nine of
the special pennies. What would the collection be worth at today’s price per Indian
Head penny? Write a paragraph for the magazine and include the facts you found.
Enjoy,
Doris
Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
