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

A Fun History Lesson for Kids

🎧 A storytelling podcast for curious kids, homeschoolers, and young writers

 ✍️ Includes a creative writing prompt + kid-friendly reading list

Meet Your Host:

Hosted by: Rosie Talley, Author of Linus the Troll

Produced by: Sweet Meadowlark Stories

🌐 Author Website

📧 Email: pastandpen@gmail.com

🎥 Watch Episode Three:

👉Watch the Full Episode Here

Photo by Lori Elliot (shared with permission) 

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.

So, grab your pen, and let’s dive into the past to write our own story!

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• The origins of Election Cake and how it became a symbol of democracy and community.

• How Amelia Simmons’ American Cookery (1796) gave us one of the first recorded recipes for this massive cake.

• Why this tradition faded over time and how it still lingers in culinary history.

  
  

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.

🔁 More Episodes You Might Like:

• Episode 2: The Great Spaghetti Harvest Hoax

• Episode 3: The Story Behind Election Day Cake

• Episode 4: The History of Folktales

Join the Fun!

✅ Subscribe to Past and Pen for more historical deep dives and creative prompts. ✅ Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform—it really helps!

✅ Support the podcast on Patreon for exclusive perks.

✅ Fuel the Folktales on Ko-fi

Thanks for listening! Stay curious, and keep writing your story.

🔗 Sources & Further Reading:

📺 Election Cake from 1796 – Tasting History Watch the Tasting History video to see an Election Cake come to life!

📖 Old Hartford Election Cake – Our Heritage of Health

Read more about the history and recipe of Election Cake: Old Hartford Election Cake

🌐 https://susanalbert.com/election-cake-a-tasty-slice-of-history/