The 1909 postcard honoring the birthday of George Washington bears his picture, the American flag, the dates February 22, 1739, and December 27, 1799, and a cluster of red cherries. The oft-told tale of young George cutting down the cherry tree with his little hatchet has no authenticity and historians say that the story was invented to fill an almost empty gap in the history of George's early childhood. Nevertheless, on his birthday the cherry persists as a symbol, even to its use for holiday decorations and foods. Kansas City Star, February 21, 1970.
Reproduction (printing, downloading, or copying) of images from Kansas City Public Library requires permission and payment for the following uses, whether digital or print: publication; reproduction of multiple copies; personal, non-educational purposes; and advertising or commercial purposes. Please order prints or digital files and pay use fees through this website. All images must be properly credited to: "Missouri Valley Special Collections, Kansas City Public Library, Kansas City, Missouri." Images and texts may be reproduced without prior permission only for purposes of temporary, private study, scholarship, or research. Those using these images and texts assume all responsibility for questions of copyright and privacy that may arise.