This Day, That Year – July 5

This day in history we feature Sylvester Graham. He was an American Presbyterian minister and dietary reformer known for his emphasis on vegetarianism, the temperance movement, and eating whole-grain bread.

Trivia – Sylvester Graham

Sylvester Graham preaching inspired the graham flour, graham bread, and graham cracker products. Graham is often referred to as the “Father of Vegetarianism” in the United States of America. After working at a variety of odd jobs, Graham became a Presbyterian minister in 1826 but preached little. He is best known for his advocacy of unsifted, coarsely ground wheat flour and his invention of the graham cracker (1829).

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At the height of his popularity, Graham lectured widely. He recommended a complete health regimen, including hard mattresses, cold showers, and a diet consisting of homemade bread (he was attacked once by a mob of bakers and butchers), rough cereals, fruits, and vegetables. Temperance boardinghouses opened in New York City and Boston, and many Grahamites lived at Brook Farm (near Boston), a famous experiment in communal living.

Source – Wikipedia /Britannica

This day in history – Sylvester Graham