In 1835, Colonel Thomas S. Meacham wanted to give the president of the United States a present that celebrated the achievements of his upstate New York farming community. Believing that big is always better, he decided a colossal, legen-dairy gift was in order: a wheel of cheese measuring four feet in diameter, two feet thick, and weighing 1,400 pounds. Transporting the cheese to Washington D.C. was another big undertaking. It traveled by wagon and by ship, before being delivered to the White House on New Year's Day in 1836. But with a big cheese comes a big smell, and after a year the president had a stinky situation on his hands. How can he get rid of this cheesy gift? Readers of all ages will enjoy this slice of American history. Back matter includes science facts on cheese making. To call attention to his upstate New York farming community, Colonel Thomas S. Meacham gives a mammoth wheel of cheese to President Andrew Jackson on New Year's Day 1836. But after a year, the big cheese is still around and causing a big stink in the White House. The president holds a public reception to help get rid of this cheesy gift. A fun slice of American history.
