What's So Funny?
Russell Gayer, author speaker
The Great Raspberry Rebellion of 1851
When, I saw this week’s photo prompt from Madison Woods http://madisonwoods.wordpress.com/ I cried, “Aww, raspberries,” in the same dismal tone of frustration as Alfalfa of Little Rascals fame.
But after twenty seconds of exhaustive research, I uncovered this tasty morsel of little-known history regarding the lowly raspberry.
But after twenty seconds of exhaustive research, I uncovered this tasty morsel of little-known history regarding the lowly raspberry.
The Great Raspberry Rebellion of 1851
In 1851, textile mill owner, Robert Knight, traveled to Rhode Island to seek the perfect symbol for this trade name, Fruit of the Loom.
A cornucopia of fruit auditioned for the underwear manufacturer. An apple and currants were hired immediately. A banana and peach were caught in an illicit affair and disqualified for immoral behavior, leaving only grapes and raspberries to battle for the remaining positions.
The raspberries rose up in defiance, only to be crushed by the purple and green grapes. Historians refer to this incident as The Raspberry Rebellion, or by its more common name, The Wrath of Grapes.
19 Comments on “The Great Raspberry Rebellion of 1851”
Leave a reply to Susan Wenzel Cancel reply
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What's So Funny? 
Interesting bit of history. Now I know something my husband doesn't. :)Here's my story: http://nwfantasywriter.blogspot.com/2012/06/friday-fictioneers-penance.html
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Wrath of grapes … brilliant! Somehow fruit and underwear evokes mirth almost immediately you put the two words together. Loved it.http://castelsarrasin.wordpress.com/2012/06/29/forbidden-friday-fictioneers-june-2012/
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haha, I can't stop laughing. Excellent work on this one.Mine: http://adamickes.wordpress.com/2012/06/29/berry-tester/
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Dear Russell,I'm surprised you didn't work sour grapes into the mix. Ah, well, the limits imposed by 100 words, eh?You continue to amaze. How do you keep you dendrites flexible and your synapses snapping after all these years? Whatever it is your taking, disregard your doctor and double the dose. Captain's orders.Looking forward to more lunacy in the future.Aloha,DougP.S. Thank you for the kind words re Here and Now. 🙂 D.
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LOL, Russell. As ever, you brighten the day with your silliness. Long may Madison continue to frustrate you! Sorry, did I say frustrate? I meant inspire. Obviously. I'm over here: http://elmowrites.wordpress.com/2012/06/29/friday-fiction-opportunity-knocks/
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Hi neighbor,Berry, berry fun story. Very juicy. Some of it stuck in my teeth. Glad you could cobbler up another winner. My story is here: http://bridgesareforburning.wordpress.com/
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The banana and the peach….ha….you had me giggling. Again. I always thought Fruit of the Loom should have had a banana in the crowd. Mine is here: http://wp.me/p1Wqon-bl
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A hilarious and fine take on the prompt. Mine is here: http://readinpleasure.wordpress.com/2012/06/29/fridayfictioneers-seduction/
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Oh…I love your style! I personally think the berries' attitude would have disqualified them – they can be such pricks (can I say that?! hahahaha). ~Susan (http://www.susanwenzel.com/)
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You have hot water out in Goshen? I didn't know outhouses had running water.
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You're creativity never ceases to amaze me. I LOVE this!Here's mine:http://janmorrill.wordpress.com/2012/06/29/flashfriday-fictioneers-anticipation/
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You never cease to entertain, Russel.The Wrath of Grapes. Good one.http://logo-ligi.com/2012/06/28/w-m-d/
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An important piece of anecdotal History! It needed to be mentioned. Undertrodden raspberries are so often (s)quashed. It is good to re-visit this unique uprising. If it hadn't been for the Fruit of the Loom, it may never have occurred. I'm not sure that they are always given the credit that they deserve. Further, the name Wrath of Grapes, which has now become the most common one for this Rebellion, tends to overshadow the heroism of the raspberries at this glorious moment in their History. Thank you, Russell, for reminding us once again of this terrible time and how lucky we are not to have known it. My story's on the list.
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I think I'd have liked History lessons more if you'd been on the book list. Another fine, educational piece (fine means delicious in my neck of the woods). 😀
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who said history can't be fun? Well done
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I always have to come here for a chuckle. You didn't disappoint me by any stretch with this one. You are the master humorist, Russell. Bennett Cerf would pay homage to you. I'm no the list but here's the link anyway because I'm obsessive. 😉 http://www.rochelle-wisoff.blogspot.com/2012/06/forgiveness.html
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Right you are, Lady Marilyn. The ground was sticky that horrible day. Red streams poured down the hillside into the nearby creek, so much that the water turned pink. The next day, insects swarmed the battlefield and gorged themselves on the pulp of the courageous raspberries. The scent of soured fruit filled the air and carried for miles in the mid-day breeze.
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I was just out at a gathering today where the discussion wound round to how hard comedy is. So far I've laughed every time I've read your posts and I don't know how you do it, but I'm glad you do!
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Hahaha, Russell, I knew you'd have a funny one for this. Great laugh! (And thanks for the kind words at my blog).
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