Category: April 15

  • NATIONAL LAUNDRY DAY – April 15

    NATIONAL LAUNDRY DAY

    Benjamin Franklin may have overlooked one certainty in life: laundry. National Laundry Day on April 15th creates an opportunity to assess our laundry habits and teach our children to develop good ones.

    #NationalLaundryDay

    Humans have been doing laundry in numerous ways for as long as it has existed. One of the earliest ways was beating the dust and dirt out of our clothes and bedding with a stick or pounding the grime out against a rock in the river.

    Early forms of soap were developed from a mixture of animal fat and ashes. Washboards and tubs replaced washing by a river. Scrubbing the fabric over the ribs of the washboard and soap helped release the grime and stains. Humans also washed their clothes in manually cranked tubs. These tubs eventually led to the first automatic washing machine. The first U.S. patent for an electric washing machine was granted to Alva J. Fisher in 1910.

    Dry cleaning is another process we’ve used to clean our clothes. These days, so many clothes are wash-and-wear, dry cleaning has moved lower and lower on the household budget.

    When we do laundry has also changed, too. Before commercial washing machines and dryers, clothes were hung on a line to dry. Though many people still line dry their wash, few people have clotheslines. Also, the poorer a person was, the more frequently they washed their clothes and linens. Once a week was fairly average and wash day was traditionally on a Monday as noted in several books and nursery rhymes. For example, this is a nursery rhyme from before the Victorian era shows weekly laundry washed on a Monday:

    They That Wash on Monday

    They that wash on Monday
    Have all week to dry;

    They that wash on Tuesday
    Are not much awry;

    They that wash on Wednesday
    Are not so much to blame;

    They that wash on Thursday
    Wash for shame;

    They that wash on Friday
    Wash in need;

    And they that wash on Saturday?
    They are dirty indeed!

    HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL LAUNDRY DAY

    • Do your laundry.
    • Teach others how to do laundry.
    • Volunteer to help someone in need with doing their laundry.
    • Organize your linen closet.
    • Explore different ways to keep your laundry fresher longer.
    • Share your stain removing tips and tricks.
    • Join the conversation by using #NationalLaundryDay on social media.

    NATIONAL LAUNDRY DAY HISTORY

    Though laundry has a long dirty and clean history, we were unable to sort out who the founder of the day is. However, in the early 1990s, September 15th used to be celebrated as National Laundry Worker Day.

    Laundry FAQ

    Q. What does “Don’t air your dirty laundry in public” mean?
    A. This laundry saying refers to having arguments in public or discussing things in public that should remain private.

    Q. What does “laundry list” mean?
    A. A laundry list is usually a long, detailed list of items. The lists can be related to upcoming events, to-do lists, or demands as part of an agreement.

    Q. Are there other laundry days on the calendar?
    A. Yes! Check out these fun days:

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  • PURPLE UP! DAY – April 15

    PURPLE UP! DAY

    During the Month of the Military Child, Purple Up! Day on April 15th recognizes some of the military’s most unsung heroes – their children. The day encourages everyone to wear purple representing all branches of the military and showing unity with each other.

    #PurpleUpDay

    All across the country and around the world, military children play a significant role in their schools, youth organizations, and communities. When we wear purple in their honor, we let them know we support them in all branches of the military – Army, Navy, Marine, Coast Guard, Air Force, and Space Force. Whether they are a part of the military family for a short while or their entire childhood, the military child deserves to know they have the support of their community.

    HOW TO OBSERVE PURPLE UP! DAY

    • Wear purple to show your support for military youth.
    • Schools and military installations also host events recognizing the sacrifices military children make.
    • Local businesses and organizations also hold celebrations throughout the month of April, especially when the 15th lands on a weekend.
    • Consider some of these events for your school or organization:
      • Invite your former and current military employees to share photos of their children.
      • Change your social media profile to a purple frame.
      • Recognize military children during events.
      • Feature a military child on a school, organization, or club website.
    • Invite a military parent or child to speak at your school, business, or organization.

    PURPLE UP! DAY HISTORY

    The University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension Military Youth and Family Program initiated the Purple Up! for Military Kids in 2011. They selected April 15th during the Month of the Military Child as a way to honor military children from all branches of the military. Purple represented the colors of each branch of the military as one. Since then, other organizations and communities spread the word, giving the celebration momentum. 

    Military Child

    Q. When is National Military Brats Day?
    A. National Military Brats Day is April 30th.

    Q. I was a military brat. Is there a way to reconnect with other military brats I used to know?
    A. Yes! Militarybrat.com hosts a registry that reconnects the children of military personnel.

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  • NATIONAL AUCTIONEERS DAY – Third Saturday in April

    NATIONAL AUCTIONEERS DAY

    Each year on the third Thursday in April, National Auctioneers Day recognizes those who hold auctions and take our bids all year long. According to the National Auctioneers Association, it is estimated nearly a quarter-trillion dollars in goods and services are sold by professional auctioneers every year.  

    #NationalAuctioneersDay

    Going once! Going twice! SOLD!!

    A sales method over 2,000 years old, the rhythmic cadence used in The United States is uniquely American. Thought to have developed during the Civil War, the rapidly punctuated chatter of these auctioneers not only gets the job done but makes it entertaining as well. Elsewhere in the world, auctioneers take a more sedate approach. Both styles get the bids and sell the items on the auction block to the highest bidder. 

    Auctioneers provide a service to both the buyer and the seller. They must maintain high standards to stay competitive. These knowledgeable business professionals know the products they sell. They recognize quality and a deal when they see it, too. Auctioneers also provide services in times of great need too. Often a family needs to sell an estate or land to alleviate debt. An auctioneer provides professional guidance during a difficult time.

    Across the country, a variety of auction platforms take place. Whether auctioneers sell livestock, art, automobiles, or surplus, an auction can be found near you. Left to the imagination, just about anything can be put up for auction.

    HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL AUCTIONEERS DAY

    • Celebrate National Auctioneers Day, and take part in the National Auctioneers Foundation’s annual National Auctioneers Day drive.
    • Share your memories of auctions you’ve attended or give a shoutout to an auctioneer you know.
    • Give a shout-out to an auctioneer you know.
    • Or simply share your thoughts about auctioneers using #NationalAuctioneersDay on Social Media.

    NATIONAL AUCTIONEERS DAY HISTORY

    While the founder of National Auctioneer Day is unknown, according to the National Auctioneers Association, the observance has been celebrated for over 25 years.  

     

    Auctioneer FAQ

    Q. Do auctioneers compete against one another?
    A. They sure do! The Livestock Marketing Association hosts an annual competition. Another competition is called the Mule Day Auctioneers Championship in Columbia, Tennessee. Livestock auctioneers typically use the rhythmic auction chant found in more rural settings.

    Q. Is there such a thing as auctioneer school?
    A. Yes. Take the Professional Ringmen’s Institute in Murfreesboro, TN.

     

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  • NATIONAL GLAZED SPIRAL HAM DAY – April 15

    NATIONAL GLAZED SPIRAL HAM DAY

    National Glazed Spiral Ham Day on April 15th each year celebrates an innovative and delicious food. This gourmet-looking dish often found at a holiday feast, originated in the basement of Harry J. Hoenselaar.

    #GlazedSpiralHamDay

    In 1952, the Detroit, Michigan entrepreneur patented not only his spiral slicer but the ham glaze as well. His innovative device made it possible for the entire bone-in ham to be sliced in one continuous and even spiral. The result was not only perfect for baking but for serving, too. The resulting slices presented a beautiful main course meal. Then in 1957, Hoenselaar founded HoneyBaked Ham.

    Since the patent expired in 1981, many companies offer glazed spiral hams. However, we continue to thank Harry J. Hoenselaar for making them a possibility.

    A traditional glazed ham is baked with a glaze consisting of sugar, honey, or orange juice. Spices to taste are often added.

    HOW TO OBSERVE GLAZED SPIRAL HAM DAY

    • Pick up a glazed spiral ham and cook up a big meal.
    • Make some amazing sandwiches with the leftovers.
    • Share your best glazed ham recipes.
    • If you’re in need of a recipe, try the one listed below.
    • Use #GlazedSpiralHamDay to post on social media.

    NATIONAL GLAZED SPIRAL HAM DAY HISTORY

    National Day Calendar continues to research the origins of this deli holiday. No matter how you slice it, though, it’s quite the tasty holiday.

    Glazed Spiral Ham

    Q. Where does ham come from?
    A. Ham comes from a pig.

    Q. Is there such a thing as spiral glazed turkey?
    A. Yes. In fact, butchers can spiral just about any cut of meat using a special spiral slicer.

    Q. Is there a spiral glazed turkey holiday?
    A. No.

     

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  • NATIONAL TITANIC REMEMBRANCE DAY – April 15

    NATIONAL TITANIC REMEMBRANCE DAY

    On April 15th, National Titanic Remembrance Day remembers the lives lost when the Titanic sank into the North Atlantic’s icy waters in 1912. We remember the more than 1,500 people who died that day.

    #TitanicRemembranceDay

    Known as the “the unsinkable ship,” the Titanic hit an iceberg at 11:40 pm on April 14, 1912, on her maiden voyage from England to New York City. Later, in the icy waters of the Atlantic Ocean, on April 15, the Titanic sank. Those who perished did so mainly due to an insufficient number of lifeboats onboard the ship.

    Since that time, journalists, engineers, ocean explorers, historians, survivors, and descendants of those lost have been trying to piece together the events leading up to that night. Countless hours of documentation, salvage expeditions, and interviews all record the perspectives of those involved. Every angle and myth has been considered from the investors to the designers, the builders, and the sailers, right down to the communications and those left behind. And to this day, it still is a heartbreaking and mesmerizing story no matter where you begin.

    HOW TO OBSERVE TITANIC REMEMBRANCE DAY

    • As you sail through the history of Titanic, learn more about its secrets, people, and myths, too. 
    • Read about the building of the Titanic and follow its timeline.
    • Discover the survivors’ stories.
    • Watch a documentary, movie or take a virtual tour of the ship.
      • A Night to Remember by Walter Lord
      • Voyagers of the Titanic: Passengers, Sailors, Shipbuilders, Aristocrats, and the Worlds They Came From by Richard Davenport-Hines
      • Titanic directed by James Cameron starring Kate Winslet and Leonardo DeCaprio
      • Waking the Titanic (2012) directed by Francis Delany
      • Secrets of the Titanic (1986) by National Geographic
    • Use #TitanicRemembranceDay to post on social media.

    NATIONAL TITANIC REMEMBRANCE DAY HISTORY

    The day commemorates the date of the Titanic‘s sinking in honor of those who lost their lives aboard the Titanic in 1912. While each year since its sinking, memorial events are dedicated to remembering the tragic loss, no one person or entity has proclaimed the observance. 

    Titanic FAQ

    Q. Who built Titanic?
    A. The Harland and Wolff shipyard in Belfast, Ireland built Titanic for the White Star Line.

    Q. How long did it take to build Titanic?
    A. Titanic took about three years to build.

    Q. Who was Titanic’s architect?
    A. Thomas Andrews was the chief naval architect. He died aboard Titanic.

     

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  • NATIONAL RUBBER ERASER DAY – April 15

    NATIONAL RUBBER ERASER DAY

    It’s okay to make a mistake. Correcting mistakes since 1770, National Rubber Eraser Day on April 15th commemorates the date the invention first began making written errors disappear. 

    #NationalRubberEraserDay

    Tablets of rubber (or wax) were used to erase lead or charcoal marks from paper before there were rubber erasers. Another option for the eraser was crustless bread. A Tokyo student said, “Bread erasers were used in place of rubber erasers, and so they would give them to us with no restriction on the amount. So we thought nothing of taking these and eating a firm part to at least slightly satisfy our hunger.”

    • April 15, 1770 – Joseph Priestly founded a vegetable gum to remove pencil marks.  He dubbed the substance “rubber.”
    • 1770 – Edward Nairne developed the first marketed rubber eraser.
    • 1839 – Charles Goodyear discovered vulcanization (a method that would cure rubber and make it a durable material)  This method made rubber erasers standard.
    • 1858 – Hyman Lipman (Philadelphia, Pa.) patented the pencil with an eraser at the end.

    We all make mistakes while holding a pencil in our hand, but thanks to the inventions by these men many years ago, we can erase those mistakes away.

    HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL RUBBER ERASER DAY

    • Erase that mistake.
    • Buy a pack of erasers.
    • Give some erasers to students, teachers, or co-workers.
    • Share your favorite eraser.
    • Create a video or take a photo of some of the mistakes you’ve erased.
    • Use #NationalRubberEraserDay to post on social media.

    NATIONAL RUBBER ERASER DAY HISTORY

    April 15, 1770, marks the creation of the rubber eraser. Our research was unable to find the creator of National Rubber Eraser Day.

    Eraser FAQ

    Q. How large is the world’s largest eraser collection?
    A. According to Guinness World Records, the world’s largest eraser collection contains 19,571 erasers. The collector, Petra Engles of Germany, has been collecting erasers for more than 25 years.

    Q. Why are there so many pink erasers?
    A. One of the ingredients in erasers is a substance called pumice. The type of pumice used were primarily pink or red. The Eberhard Faber Pencil Company brought the pink eraser to the world when it affixed the signature pink eraser to its pencils. Eventually, the company produced the pink pearl, a rectangular eraser that is still made today.

    Q. Are all erasers pink?
    A. No. Erasers come in just about every color under the sun.

    Q. Do erasers have another purpose besides, well, erasing?
    A. They sure do! Have you ever lost the back to your earing? Take a small piece of an eraser and slide it onto the post. Your earing will stay in place at least until you can replace the back.

    Other great uses for erasers include:

    • Clean scuffs off your favorite pair of shoes
    • Remove that sticky price tag
    • Carve a custom stamp
    • Polish jewelry

    Q. When is National Pencil Day?
    A. National Pencil Day is March 30th.

    April 15th Celebrated History

    1841

    Chief Menominee dies in Kansas a year after his removal from an Indiana reservation. The chief and religious leader of the Potawatomi tribe on a reservation near Plymouth, Indiana, Menominee, refused to willingly give up lands in 1838 as part of the 1836 Treaty of Yellow River. Indiana Troops forcefully removed the village to land in Kansas, during which 42 members of the tribe died. The removal of the Potawatomi Tribe became known as the Trail of Death.

    1865

    President Abraham Lincoln dies of his wound to the head. Vice President Andrew Johnson took the oath of office at Kirkwood House from Chief Justice Salmon P. Chase.

    1912

    Titanic sinks in the North Atlantic after hitting an iceberg. More than 1,500 people lose their lives in the icy seas.

    1924

    The United States mapmaker, Rand McNally, publishes its first edition of the Rand McNally Auto Chum. It would later be renamed Rand McNally Road Atlas. At the time, the book of maps contained no numbered roads and included no index.

    April 15th Celebrated Birthdays

    Leonardo da Vinci – 1452

    The Renaissance polymath is known for his genius in several disciplines. As an inventor, artist, scientist, and mathematician he influenced the generations that followed him. Da Vinci designed human flying machines including a type of helicopter. Some of the world’s most treasured works of art include da Vinci’s Mona Lisa and The Last Supper.

    Henry James – 1843

    “It takes a great deal of history to produce a little literature.” ~from Henry James’ short novel The Europeans (1878)

    The American-born author is known for spinning tales that depicted an early realism in literature. Some of his best-known novels include The Turn of The Screw, Daisy Miller, and The American. On January 1, 1916, James received the Order of Merit for his work in literature from King George V.

    Emile Durkheim – 1858

    The French philosopher devoted his career to sociology and developed the first academic focus in its study at the University of Bordeaux and later the Sorbonne.

    Asa Philip Randolph – 1889

    In 1925, the civil rights activist organized the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters. He served as the president of the union, which represented thousands of Pullman Porters and maids employed by the Pullman Company.

    Bessie Smith – 1894

    In the 1920s and 1930s, the Empress of the Blues topped sales for Columbia. And yet the talented jazz and blues singer made her money performing since Columbia paid her no royalties. Smith was often paired with the greats including Louis Armstrong.

    Norma Merrick Sklarek – 1928

    In 1954, Norma Merrick Sklarek passed her architect license on the first try. Some of the major projects she worked on include The United States Embassy in Tokyo, Japan (1976) and the Mall of America in Minneapolis, Minnesota (1992).

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  • NATIONAL TAKE A WILD GUESS DAY – April 15

    NATIONAL TAKE A WILD GUESS DAY

    Is it a calculated risk to celebrate National Take A Wild Guess Day each year on April 15th? It might depend upon how you observe the day. Will you guess how many jelly beans are in a jar? Or will you be estimating your taxes? Depending on how you spend the day, it could be full of hunches and guesses. 

    #TakeAWildGuessDay

    As a contestant in the game of life, sometimes our only option is to venture a guess at what’s around the corner. Our inklings or premonitions may never come to be. However, if the future keeps you awake at night worrying, it’s a good bet that worrying never paid a bill. Another good wager about worrying is that it costs you more in time and the space in your head than it will ever give back to you. But that’s just another estimate. 

    The day challenges us to take a stab at making wild predictions. They may be way off or right on target. Sometimes we get better at guessing as we go, or we have a knack for it right away. No matter the case, it’s just a wild guess. Don’t take it seriously. 

    HOW TO OBSERVE TAKE A WILD GUESS DAY

    While most of us are not statisticians, we understand the basics of averages. Assess your options and take a wild guess about something, anything. How many pennies are in the penny jar? How many National Days over 1500 are there on National Day Calendar? Your wild guess might just be spot on. 

    You can also download and print this Wild Guess card game. See if your family can guess which National Day you drew or if you can stump them. 

    Use #TakeAWildGuessDay to post on social media.

    NATIONAL TAKE A WILD GUESS DAY HISTORY

    National Take a Wild Guess Day was created by Jim Barber (TheBarbershop.com).

    Wild Guess FAQ

    Q. What will the high temperature be tomorrow?
    A. We’ll take a wild guess and say 60°F. It’ll be 60 somewhere, right?

    Q. How many babies will be born on April 30th?
    A. We’ll take a wild guess and say 25,421 babies will be born on April 30th. However, according to World Counts, approximately 385,000 babies are born each day worldwide. The U.S. birth rate is closer to 10,000 per day.

    Q. What are my chances of winning the lottery?
    A. We’ll take a wild guess and say you have 1 in 12,451,001 chances of winning the lottery. However, according to Wonderopolis.org, we weren’t far off. Your chances of winning the lottery are 1 in 13,983,816. We were pretty close! Maybe we should get a lottery ticket.

     

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  • NATIONAL TAX DAY – April 15

    NATIONAL TAX DAY

    The 2023 Federal Tax deadline is Tuesday, April 18th. 

    April 15th of each year is National Tax Day. In the United States, the term “tax day” refers to the day on which individual income tax returns are due to the federal government. The day may also refer to April 15th for state tax returns.

    #NationalTaxDay

    The Federal income tax filing deadline is midnight on April 15th of every year, with extensions occurring when the 15th lands on a Saturday, Sunday, or a holiday. In those circumstances, the returns are due the first succeeding day which is not a Saturday, Sunday, or a holiday. 

    These dates can differ depending on the residence as well.  Some years, due to extenuating circumstances such as natural disasters, more significant extensions have been granted by the Federal Government.

    HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL TAX DAY

    • Complete and file your taxes. 
    • Quote Benjamin Franklin: Nothing is certain but death, and taxes.
    • Save a copy of your tax return in a safe place.
    • Give a shout-out to your tax preparer.
    • Use #NationalTaxDay to post on social media.

    NATIONAL TAX DAY HISTORY

    Income tax was first collected in The United States in 1862 to fund the Civil War.  It was deemed unconstitutional due to not being apportioned with conformity across the states. Once again, the United States enacted income tax with the 16th Amendment in 1913. At that time, the filing deadline was March 1. In 1918 the deadline was changed to March 15, and then in 1955, for the most recent change, the filing deadline was moved to April 15th.  The day has come to be known as Tax Day.

    Tax FAQ

    Q. What is the full quote by Benjamin Franklin?
    A. A. Following the ratification of the U.S. Constitution, Benjamin Franklin wrote in a letter to French scientist Jean-Baptiste Le Roy: “Our new Constitution is now established, everything seems to promise it will be durable; but, in this world, nothing is certain except death and taxes.”

    Q. I need an extension to file my taxes. What form to I use?
    A. Visit irs.gov for a complete list of forms to request an extension.

     

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