Riddles With Answers

In which fictional town do the Cleavers live on the classic TV show Leave It to Beaver?

Mayfield
Riverdale
Mayberry
Springfield

Fact: Leave It to Beaver, a beloved sitcom that aired from 1957 to 1963, followed the everyday adventures and moral lessons of young Theodore “Beaver” Cleaver and his wholesome suburban family. The show was set in the fictional town of Mayfield, a quintessential mid-century American community that never had a specified state. This vagueness allowed viewers across the country to relate to the Cleavers’ experiences. With its idealized depiction of family life, this quintessential portrayal of a postwar American family ran strong for six seasons.

Correct Answer: Mayfield

Which type of fish has both eyes on the same side of its body?

Blobfish
Flounder
Swordfish
Mackerel

Fact: Flounders are a type of flatfish that undergo a fascinating and unusual transformation as they mature. While they begin life with an eye on each side of their head like most fish, one eye gradually migrates to the other side as of the head as they develop. This change is accompanied by a flattening of the body, which shifts from a vertical to a horizontal orientation. This adaptation allows flounders to lie flat on the ocean floor with both eyes facing upward, making them effective ambush predators and excellent at camouflage.

Correct Answer: Flounder

What is the pictured body art originating in ancient India called?

Fact: The use of mehndi and turmeric is described in the earliest Hindu Vedic ritual books. It was originally used for only women’s palms and sometimes for men, but as time progressed, it was more common for men to wear it. Staining oneself with turmeric paste, as well as mehndi, are Vedic customs, intended to be a symbolic representation of the outer and the inner sun. Vedic customs are centered on the idea of “awakening the inner light”.

Correct Answer: Mehndi

The French and Indian War is also known by what other name?

The Seven Years’ War
The War of 1812
The Napoleonic Wars
Hundred Years’ War

Fact: The French and Indian War was the North American theater of a larger global conflict known as the Seven Years’ War, which lasted from 1756 to 1763. While fighting in North America began earlier, in 1754, it officially merged into the worldwide war that involved most of the great powers of the time, including Britain, France, Spain, and others. The conflict in North America pitted British forces and colonial militias against French troops and their Native American allies, ultimately leading to British victory and the transfer of vast French territories in North America to British control.

Correct Answer: The Seven Years’ War

What model car was the General Lee in The Dukes of Hazzard?

Mercury Cougar
Dodge Charger
Pontiac Firebird
Chevrolet Camaro

Fact: The General Lee, the iconic car from The Dukes of Hazzard, was a bright orange 1969 Dodge Charger known for its roaring engine, custom horn that played “Dixie,” and high-flying stunts. The car featured a Confederate flag on its roof and the number “01” on the doors, instantly making it one of the most recognizable vehicles in TV history. More than 300 Chargers were used over the show’s run due to the damage caused by the many high-speed chases and jumps. While the General Lee remains a nostalgic symbol for many fans, it has also become a subject of controversy due to its flag imagery.

Correct Answer: Dodge Charger

What was the nickname of President Andrew Jackson?

Old Hickory
Old Rough and Ready
Old Tippecanoe
Old Fuss and Feathers

Fact: President Andrew Jackson earned the nickname “Old Hickory” during his military career, particularly during in the War of 1812. His troops gave him the moniker as a sign of respect for his toughness and resilience—qualities they compared to the strength of hickory wood. His no-nonsense leadership style, unyielding discipline, and remarkable endurance under harsh conditions made the nickname stick. The nickname followed him into his presidency and became one of the most enduring and recognizable labels for any U.S. president.

Correct Answer: Old Hickory

Which U.S. president had the longest beard in Oval Office history?

Abraham Lincoln
James A. Garfield
Rutherford B. Hayes
Ulysses S. Grant

Fact: Although Abraham Lincoln popularized the presidential beard, Rutherford B. Hayes is widely credited with having the longest beard of any U.S. president while in office. His thick, flowing beard extended well down his chest and gave him a distinctive, dignified appearance that became an enduring part of his public image. Hayes served as the 19th president from 1877 to 1881, and his beard was notably more prominent—both in length and volume—than those of his contemporaries, including James A. Garfield and Ulysses S. Grant.

Correct Answer: Rutherford B. Hayes

What was an apple called during colonial times?

Snow plums
Orchard melons
Earth pears
Winter bananas

Fact: Before the name “apple” became common, the crisp autumn fruit was actually called a “winter banana” during 17th-century America. The name reflected both its sweet flavor and its ability to last through the cold months—making it one of the few fruits that could be stored and enjoyed well into winter. Apples were a versatile staple in colonial kitchens, used for baking, drying, and especially for making cider. The term “winter banana” later became associated with a specific variety of apple, the pale yellow Winter Banana, which was developed in Indiana in the late 1800s but echoed the earlier naming tradition.

Correct Answer: Winter bananas

The San Francisco 49ers are named after which historic event?

The San Francisco 49ers are named after the prospectors who flocked to Northern California in 1849 during the California Gold Rush. Known as “forty-niners,” these adventurers came from across the United States and around the world hoping to strike it rich. The influx of fortune seekers transformed San Francisco from a small town into a booming city almost overnight. When the football team was founded in 1946, the name “49ers” was chosen to honor the spirit of ambition, risk-taking, and discovery that defined that era.

Answer: Gold Rush

Which U.S. Vice President composed a No. 1 pop hit on the Billboard Hot 100?

Dan Quayle
Walter Mondale
Hubert Humphrey
Charles G. Dawes

Fact: Charles G. Dawes, Vice President under Calvin Coolidge, was not only a statesman and Nobel Peace Prize winner but also an accomplished musician. In 1911, he composed an instrumental piece titled “Melody in A Major.” Decades later, songwriter Carl Sigman added lyrics, renaming it “It’s All in the Game.” Tommy Edwards’ 1958 rendition hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, making Dawes the only U.S. president or vice president to have written a chart-topping pop song. The tune went on to be covered by stars like Nat King Cole, Elton John, and Van Morrison.

Correct Answer: Charles G. Dawes