Frost on the Pumpkin?

Posted by Robert on November 15, 2002

In Reply to: Frost on the Pumpkin? posted by R. Berg on November 15, 2002

: : I've often been puzzled by the phrase "When the frost is on the pumpkin..." and wondered where it originated. I assume it refers to the cycle of autumn turning into winter and the need to prepare for the approaching cold weather, but was it coined by a particular author or poet?

: James Whitcomb Riley, poet. A little information is at the link below (www.educatetheusa.com/ indiana/riley.html). I haven't been able to find the text of the poem on-line.

I should've guessed that it was James Whitcomb Riley who coined that phrase. As a child, my mother would read his poems to me. He is apparently one of the foremost Hoosier writers. I'll never forget "Little Orphant Annie".