Category: January 03

• NATIONAL DRINKING STRAW DAY – January 3

  NATIONAL DRINKING STRAW DAY

  On January 3rd National Drinking Straw Day commemorates the date in 1888 that Marvin C. Stone received the patent for the paper drinking straw. Since then, a variety of drinking straws are used.

  #DrinkingStrawDay

  It is believed the Sumerians used the very first drinking straws for drinking beer. Archeologists speculate they used the straws to avoid the solid byproducts of fermentation that would have sunk to the bottom.  The oldest drinking straw known to be in existence was found in a Sumerian tomb dated 3,000 B.C.E. This found straw was a gold tube inlaid with a precious blue stone.

  The Argentines used a similar metallic device called a bombilla. Used for hundreds of years, the bombilla acted as both a straw and a sieve.

  Today, manufacturers make a variety of reusable straws. From stainless steel and glass to bamboo and silicone, they not only save money and the environment, but they are also fun to use.  They come in a variety of creative shapes and colors. 

  HOW TO OBSERVE DRINKING STRAW DAY

  Enjoy your favorite beverage using a drinking straw. You can use a variety of straws, too! While the most common kind might be plastic, more and more they come in paper, bamboo, stainless steel, and glass. Many makers of plastic straws make reusable, collapsable straws, too. These also make great gifts to help you celebrate the day. 

  Use #DrinkingStrawDay to post on social media.

  NATIONAL DRINKING STRAW DAY HISTORY

  The United States Patent Office granted Mavin G. Stone, his Patent # US375962 A on January 3, 1888.

  National Day Calendar continues to research the origin of this tubular celebration.

  Drinking Straw FAQ

  Q. Are there other uses for drinking straws other than drinking?
  A. Yes. Drinking straws can be used for a variety of purposes:

  • arts and crafts – With just scissors, glue, and a few other craft items, you can begin creating using straws.
  • bubble wand – dip one end of the straw into bubble solution and blow on the other end.
  • flower arrangements – Lengthen short stems using a straw.
  • destem strawberries – Just poke the straw through the bottom of the strawberry and push it through to the other end. The stem will pop off.
  • eliminate tangled necklaces – pull the ends of a necklace through two straws and connect at the other ends. The two straws will keep the strands from tangling.

  Q. What other straw days are on the calendar?
  A. Skip the Straw Day is on the fourth Friday in February.

  Q. Can anyone celebrate National Straw Day?
  A. Yes. It’s a perfect way to explore the variety of drinking straw options available.

  June 11, 2014

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  National Day Calendar

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  January 03, National Day

• NATIONAL CHOCOLATE COVERED CHERRY DAY | January 3

  NATIONAL CHOCOLATE COVERED CHERRY DAY

  January 3 spotlights National Chocolate Covered Cherry Day and a favorite during many holidays. Furthermore, the National Confectioners Association has been known to recognize this day as an annual event. 

  #ChocolateCoveredCherryDay

  Chocolate-covered cherry lovers know how impossible it is to eat just one of these candies. Candy makers combine these two favorite flavors into one delicious treat and it turns into something irresistible. They also often make the candy with a sweet liquid center and in some cases a liqueur filling.

  Chocolate covered cherries are also chocolate cordials. They can be either store-bought or homemade. There are many recipes that mimic the flavor of this well-loved candy. Either way, they are known to many as a mid-winter pick-me-up. 

  During the 1700s in England, cherries were enclosed in chocolate with a little kirsch (cordial) liqueur. After finding their way to the United States, Americans began delighting in the little bit of alcoholic cordial surrounding the fruit dipped in chocolate. Although originally made with the liqueur, cordials, or chocolate-covered cherries are more commonly made with a sugar syrup flavored with cherries. The pitted cherries have been cooked in sugar syrup and jarred.

  CELEBRATE THIS SWEET FOOD HOLIDAY

  • Stop by your favorite chocolate shop and indulge in several ounces of this dipped treat. Make sure to get enough to share, too.
  • Make some at home. We’ve even found a few recipes for you to try.
  • Share your favorite recipe on social media. Use #ChocolateCoveredCherryDay.
  • Chocolate covered-cherries aren’t the only way to go. Other recipes create desserts that include the flavors of this delicious candy.
  • Deliver some chocolate and cherry flavored sweets to friends and neighbors.

  Enjoy your day by sharing some chocolate covered cherries with your friends and family. 

  Use #ChocolateCoveredCherryDay to post on social media.

  HISTORY OF NATIONAL CHOCOLATE COVERED CHERRY DAY

  While the National Confectioners Association recognizes this day honoring this tasty chocolate treat, National Day Calendar continues to seek the origins of the celebration. 

  Chocolate Covered Cherry FAQ

  Q. Who can celebrate chocolate covered cherries?
  A. Anyone who likes chocolate and cherries even a little bit.

  Q. How do the cherries get coated in chocolate?
  A. Manufacturers use several methods to create chocolate covered cherries. Two of them are:

  • Shell molding – The chocolate is poured into a mold. When it hardens, the cherry and syrup are added. Another bit of chocolate is poured over the opening to seal the cherry and syrup inside.
  • Enrobing – Chocolate is poured over the cherry to coat it.

  January 3rd Celebrated (and Not So Celebrated) History

  1888

  Marvin C. Stone of Washington, D.C. received the first patent for wax-coated paper drinking straws.

  1953

  Mother and son serve simultaneously in the U.S. Congress for the first time. In 1940, Ohio elected Frances P. Bolton to fill her late husband Chester C. Bolton’s unexpired House seat. Every following term, she was re-elected. In 1952, her son Oliver Bolton ran for the 11th district House seat as Francis Bolton ran for her 8th term in Congress. They both won, making history.

  1957

  The Hamilton Watch Company of Lancaster, PA introduces the world’s first electric watch.

  2009

  Satoshi Nakamoto (the presumed developer or developers) established the cryptocurrency-based Bitcoin with the launch of the genesis block.

  January 3rd Celebrated (and Not So Celebrated) Birthdays 

  Grace Anna Goodhue – 1879

  The 32nd First Lady is one of several who was an educator before marrying a future president. She was teaching at the Clarke School for the Deaf when in 1904 she met and later married Calvin Coolidge. While in the White House, she continued to work on behalf of the school as well as the Red Cross.

  Carolyn Haywood – 1889

  The children’s author and illustrator is best known for her Eddie and Betsy series.

  J. R. R. Tolkien – 1892

  The incredibly imaginative professor at Oxford University authored the fantasy novels The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings trilogy.

  Dorothy Arzner – 1897

  During her 16-year directing career, Arzner was the only woman directing in Hollywood. She began directing during the silent era with Get Your Man and charged right into talkies with Sarah and Son.

  Gordon Moore – 1929

  In 1968, the American engineer co-founded Intel Corporation along with Robert Noyce.

  June 11, 2014

  •

  National Day Calendar

  •

  January 03, National Day