Stuff You Should Know Short Stuff: Mary Had A Little Lamb
May 20, 2020
Explore the whimsical world of 'Mary Had a Little Lamb' and uncover its surprising controversies. Two New England towns fiercely lay claim to the nursery rhyme’s origins, sparking an intriguing rivalry. Discover the real story of Mary Sawyer and her pet lamb, along with the influential role of Sarah Josepha Hale in popularizing not just the rhyme, but Thanksgiving too. The podcast delves into historical disputes, musical adaptations, and even unexpected ties to figures like Henry Ford. Unravel the charm and legacy of this beloved nursery rhyme!
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Mary Sawyer's Lamb
- In Sterling, Massachusetts, a statue commemorates Mary Sawyer's lamb, which she allegedly brought to school in 1815.
- John Roulstone, a Harvard-bound student, wrote a poem about the event, capturing the essence of the nursery rhyme.
Sarah Josepha Hale's Claim
- Newport, New Hampshire, claims Sarah Josepha Hale, a renowned writer, wrote the rhyme.
- Hale is known for establishing Thanksgiving as a national holiday.
Poems for Children
- Sarah Josepha Hale, editor of the first U.S. women's magazine, collaborated with Lowell Mason.
- Mason, a musician, proposed setting poems to music for children's moral education.