About The Almanack
T
he Hagerstown Town and Country Almanack was established in 1797, making it the second oldest almanac in the United States. It began in a modest print shop on South Potomac Street in Hagerstown, Maryland and was the creation of colonial printer John Gruber and his partner and son-in-law Daniel May. Gruber is considered by many to be one of Hagerstown's "favorite sons" right along with Jonathan Hager, the town's founder and namesake. His almanac has been published continuously for 224 years and is the ONLY almanac that is still published today by direct descendants of its founder. Click here for the full story of John Grube and his famous almanac.
The Almanack, as it soon became known, grew in popularity, quickly becoming an integral part of everyday Early American life. For many years hence, it was THE primary source for agricultural, meteorological and astronomical information vital to an agrarian community's survival. The highly accurate weather forecasts (made over 14 months in advance) were first derived using centuries-old methods but over the years, the method has been advanced, incorporating newer, more reliable techniques. And it still contains favorite folk remedies, useful hints and tips for everyday living, and other forms of traditional community wisdoms. Millions of copies have been sold and it has been said that the The Almanack has made Hagerstown widely-known throughout the U.S. and has given Maryland an ‘epicenter’ of farming and agricultural life.
Throughout its long history, The Almanack has been recognized countless times for its contributions to the steady development and success of colonial agrarian society (see Maryland Traditions' 2012 ALTA Award for Tradition as well as for making a significant contribution to our national pride (see Hagerstown Celebrates Star Spangled Banner's 200th Anniversary!)
Gruber's Hagerstown Town and Country Almanack Company has been recognized by Wikipedia as the 52nd oldest company in the United States. Click here for the full list.
