Past and Pen – Episode Three: "A Slice of Democracy: The Story of Connecticut's Election Cake" cover art

Past and Pen – Episode Three: "A Slice of Democracy: The Story of Connecticut's Election Cake"

Past and Pen – Episode Three: "A Slice of Democracy: The Story of Connecticut's Election Cake"

Listen for free

View show details

About this listen

In this episode of Past and Pen, we dive into the history of Connecticut’s Election Cake, a tradition that turned Election Day into a grand celebration. Inspired by Tasting History, we explore how voting in the late 1700s wasn’t just about casting ballots—it was also a time for community gatherings, long sermons, and, of course, baking generous batches of spiced fruitcakes. These hearty cakes, often made days in advance, helped fuel the festivities and symbolized civic spirit. Writing Challenge: Imagine you’re in 1796 Connecticut, preparing for Election Day. Write a diary entry about the chaos and excitement of baking the Election Cake in your home. Who’s involved? What challenges do you face? How does the community come together for this event?Send your entries to pastandpen@gmail.com. I’d love to read them!Reading List: Amazon Associate Disclosure: I may receive a commission if you purchase something through links in this post. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.📚"Duck for President" by Doreen Cronin (A Click Clack Picture Book) A duck who walks and talks like a duck might just be the next president of the United States!📚 The Election Day Dilemma: An Election Day Holiday Special (The Boxcar Children Mysteries) The Alden children find adventure while searching for a home during Election Day—full of wholesome excitement and mystery!📚 "The Night Before Election Day" by Natasha Wing. Wave your flags! It’s time to vote in this fun, election-themed story from Natasha Wing's best-selling series.📚 A Colonial Quaker Girl: The Diary of Sally Wister, 1777-1778 by Sarah Wister. the diary of the sixteen-year-old daughter of a prominent Quaker family who moved with her family from British-occupied Philadelphia for the safety of the countryside during the Revolutionary War.📚 "When I Was Young in the Mountains" by Cynthia Rylant. This book is a cozy read that takes you to the mountains where life was simple and special. It’s about a little girl remembering her childhood, and even though it’s not about Election Cake, it gives you a taste of what life was like long ago. The beautiful pictures and stories will help you imagine the past in a whole new way.❤️ Support the Show:☕ Buy me a coffee on Ko-fi. 🎙️ Join my Patreon for perks like early access, birthday shoutouts, and a chance to have your voice featured on the show! 💬 Question of the Month: If you could time-travel to any historical period, where would you go and why? Sign up for Patreon to have your answer featured on the show! 👍 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share if you enjoyed this episode! New episodes drop every other Tuesday at 4 PM—so mark your calendars! Past and Pen - Young Historians' Treasure Trove Looking for the perfect gift for a young history lover? I've put together a curated list of books, creative writing tools, and fun educational items to inspire kids aged 8-12! Whether they're fascinated by ancient civilizations, legendary figures, or storytelling, this list has something special for them. Check out the full list here. Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Your support helps me continue creating educational content for young historians and storytellers! Past and Pen - The Bookworm's Adventure Box : Got a young reader who loves to get lost in stories? This list is packed with engaging books, creative writing tools, and fun literary gifts perfect for bookworms aged 8-12! Whether they dream of epic adventures, historical tales, or crafting their own stories, this collection is sure to spark their imagination. Explore the full list here.

What listeners say about Past and Pen – Episode Three: "A Slice of Democracy: The Story of Connecticut's Election Cake"

Average Customer Ratings

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.