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Jan Berenstain
Janice Marian Grant was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. -
Stan Berenstain
Stan was born Stanely Melvin Berenstain in Pennsylvania. -
Great Depression
Both Stan and Jan grew up during a critical time in America known as the Great Depression. Across history the Great Depression's start occured with the collapse of the stock market. This day is known as Black Tuesday. During this time millions of Americans were unemployed. Although this time was critical it uprooted government involvement and stimulating programs to better the nation and its people. -
It was love
Stan and Jan met in 1941, the date is not known. However the two were 18 years old. They met at the Philadelphia Museum School of Industrial Arts, currently named the University of Arts, their first day enrolled in Miss Sweeny's drawing class. -
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Called to War
Throughout this time frame Stan was drafted by the Army to serve in World War II. While serving Stan was blinded in one eye and limited service. He spent the rest of the time in the army as a medical Illustrator at an Indiana hospital. It was here that Stan begin drawing cartoons and publishing them. During the war Jan also had a significant role. She worked as a dratsman in the Army Corps Engineers division. She was also worked on aircrafts and had part in building the navy's PBY flying boat. -
Married at Last
Soon after returing from the war Stan decided it was time to marry the love of his life. Stan and Jan finally married in their native state, Philadelphia. They began working on drawing together. Their shared passion and love for art allowed the couple to be united as one. -
The First Illustrations!
"Stan and Jan sell their first cartoons to The Saturday Evening Post and Collier's." This began their career in cartooning. They also published many books that intoduced their cartoons. -
A Child is Born
Stan and Jan began to start their own family. Their eldest child was born, Leo. He had a influence on the character Brother. -
Second Son
Not long after the birth of Leo, Stan and Jan had another son, Micheal. He would go on to be a front runner in the Berenstain Bears literature. Now with two boys who loved the series of Dr. Seuss the couple decided to try out their works in children's books. -
The First Book
The Berenstain Bears published their first book The Big Honey Hut. The book constisted of Papa, Maa and Small Bear. (He later became known as Brother Bear.) Dr. Seuss urged the Berenstain Bears to use other animals instead of bears. He thought that the bear character was being used too frequently during this time. The Berenstains decided to go with their heart and stick with the bear theme.
