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.