Lincoln the Farmer

Sample farming activities from Lincoln’s childhood by planting a pumpkin seed, preparing pumpkin for cooking, and tasting pumpkin cornbread.

One of Lincoln’s few memories of his early childhood in Kentucky involved planting pumpkin seeds between rows of corn being sown by his cousins.  He recalled that the field was located between two hills and the day after the seeds were planted, a big rain washed them away.  The sprout in this simple planting activity may have a better chance of surviving!

Supplies
• Pumpkin seeds
• Clear plastic drink cups
• Black construction paper
• Clear plastic wrap
• Elastic bands

Equipment
• Scissors
• Spray bottle

Directions
1. Cut a strip of paper about the height of the cup.
2. Spray the paper with water to dampen it.
3. Line the inside of the cup with the damp paper strip.
4. Place a pumpkin seed between the cup and the construction paper.
5. Cover the cup with plastic wrap.  Hold the wrap in place with an elastic band.
6. Spray the construction paper with water every few days.
7. When the seed sprouts, plant it in the garden to keep it growing.

Background
Pumpkins, like root vegetables, were good vegetable choices before refrigeration was invented, because covered with straw in a root cellar or hole, they lasted a long time.  Children today may be familiar with canned pumpkin but may not be aware that it can be made “from scratch.”  This recipe for cooking pumpkin on the stove is based on an entry in the 1839 Kentucky Housewife cookbook.

Supplies
• Small pumpkins
• Newspaper

Equipment
• Sharp knife
• Metal spoons
• Cutting board
• Heavy pan
• Hot plate or stove
• Wooden spoon
• Potato masher

Directions
1. Use the knife to cut the pumpkins in halves or quarters.  Place the pumpkin pieces on the newspaper.
2. Use the metal spoons to scoop the seeds out of the pumpkins.
3. Cut the pumpkin pieces into thin slices, then cut off the skin and chop into small pieces.
4. Put the pumpkin pieces in the pan and add water to cover.
5. Heat to simmering and cook, stirring occasionally with the wooden spoon, until the pumpkin is soft.
6. Use the masher to puree the cooked pumpkin.  To serve as a vegetable, season with butter, salt, and pepper—or try the recipe below.

Background
In addition for the directions for stewing pumpkin, the 1839 Kentucky Housewife cookbook includes recipes for pumpkin cakes, hoe cakes, pie, and pudding.  This recipe, inspired by the Housewife’s pumpkin cake recipe, includes the corn and pumpkin of Lincoln’s childhood memory.

Ingredients
• 6 oz. instant cornbread mix
• ¾ c. canned or stewed pumpkin
• 1/3 cup milk
• 3 T. maple syrup
• 2 t. vegetable oil
• ½ t. allspice
• ¼ t. ginger
• Cooking spray

Equipment
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Mixing spoon
• 8-inch square baking pan or mini-muffin pan.

Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 425° and coat the pan with spray.
2. Measure and mix all ingredients in the bowl and pour into the pan.
3. Bake 10-15 minutes, or until firm and lightly browned.