On July 25th, National Hot Fudge Sundae Day takes a turn representing National Ice Cream Month in delicious style. Feast on this tasty ice cream dessert that combines hot and cold with a cherry on top. Even more important to note, this dessert has been served since 1906.
#HotFudgeSundaeDay
Given that the hot fudge sundae is a variation of the classic sundae, making one is a cinch. Simply put a couple of scoops of vanilla ice cream in a dish. Add hot fudge sauce. Top it with a dollop of whipped cream and some nuts (if you like). Finally, add a single, bright-red, sweet, maraschino cherry.
Sundae History
While the oldest known record of an ice cream sundae is an Ithaca, NY advertisement, the originator of the dessert is still debated. The October 5, 1892 ad in the Ithaca Daily Journal spelled the ice cream treat with the conventional day of the week spelling – Sunday.
However, Two Rivers, Wisconsin claims Druggist Edward Berners served the first ice cream sundae in 1881. According to the story, customer George Hallauer ordered an ice cream soda on a Sunday. Ordinances at the time prohibited the sale of ice cream sodas on the Sabbath. Even so, Berners came up with a compromise. He served the ice cream in a dish minus the soda.
Additionally, he topped it with chocolate syrup. Given the day, he called it a Sundae. One interesting catch – Berners was 18 at the time the story takes place.
Ithaca’s claim to the ice cream sundae takes place at Platt & Colt Pharmacy in 1892 where Reverend John M. Scott stops to order a bowl of ice cream. When Chester Platt, proprietor, began preparing the ice cream for his customer, he didn’t stop at just a couple of scoops of vanilla. Platt drizzled cherry syrup over the ice cream and topped them with a bright red, candied cherry. The dessert looked and tasted so delightful it required its own name. Since the day was Sunday, it was named for the day it was created. Ithaca also has historical evidence supporting the story, including an advertisement for a Cherry Sunday.
HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL HOT FUDGE SUNDAE DAY
While out with friends, enjoy a Hot Fudge Sundae. Give a shout-out to your favorite ice cream shop. Post on social media using #HotFudgeSundaeDay.
NATIONAL HOT FUDGE DAY HISTORY
We were unable to find the creator of National Hot Fudge Sundae Day.
On July 5th, National Hawaii Day recognizes the 50th state to be granted statehood.
#NationalHawaiiDay
Eight islands make up The Aloha State, the largest of which is named Hawaii. The islands of Maui, Oahu, and Kauai are the next in size followed by Molokai, Lanai, Nihau, and Kahoolawe.
Nearly 2,000 years ago, Polynesians navigated the Pacific ocean in double-hulled vessels from the west. Captain James Cook sailed to the islands in 1778 and would later meet his death on the big island.
For generations, Hawaii ruled by the hand of the Kamehameha dynasty. King Kamehameha is still honored in Hawaii today.
In 1874, a new king was elected to the throne. King Kalākaua was known as the Merrie Monarch. Kalākaua also developed a reputation as a diplomat as he set out to tour the globe in 1881. As a result, Kalakaua would become the first monarch to travel around the world. It would take the Hawaiian leader an entire year to complete the voyage.
While Hawaii is the 50th state to join the Union, it has long been a strategic military installation. Its location in the Pacific has been vital to U.S. Naval operations for decades. On December 7, 1941, the surprise Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor shocked the nation and propelled the United States into World War II. Nearly 11 years later on August 21, 1959, Hawaii became the 50th state to join the United States.
The islands’ beauty and traditions consistently draw visitors for rest and relaxation. Hawaii’s pristine beaches, majestic volcanoes, and exotic atmosphere speak to a richly diverse heritage that is welcoming and fascinating. Dance, music, and song taught from one generation to the next keep traditions alive in a lush environment surrounded by ancient history.
HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL HAWAII DAY
Join National Day Calendar by exploring the sites, sounds, flavors, and beauty of Hawaii and use #NationalHawaiiDay to share on social media.
Notable People
A chemist with the United States Geological Survey in 1880, William Francis Hillebrand later became the chief chemist for the National Bureau of Standards in 1909. Hillebrand’s studies of uranite would eventually lead other chemists to new discoveries.
In 1893, the last heir to the Hawaiian dynasty came to the United States. Her mother, the queen, had abdicated the throne ending the monarchy. The young 18-year-old Princess Victoria Ka`iulani Cleghorn would make her statement to the American people and have a private meeting with President Grover Cleveland to defend the role of the Hawaiian monarchy. In the end, Hawaii remained a U.S. territory.
The son of missionaries, Hiram Bingham III, explored the mountains of Peru and in 1911 revealed to the world the hidden city of Machu Picchu. His three expeditions spanned from 1911 to 1915 and traversed the Andes. The Incan village was buried beneath centuries of forest and vine.
Through Henry Gabriel Ginaca, the pineapple is more readily packaged, shipped, and consumed. Ginaca engineered the machine that automatically peeled and cored the Hawaiian fruit for the Dole Packaged Foods Company in 1911.
Author of numerous scholarly books, Kawena Pukui, translated chants, folktales and the Hawaiian culture for anthropologists. Her expertise provided a wealth of valuable information and preserved Hawaiian history and knowledge.
Raised in Japan, James Mitose studied the art of Kenpo at the Shaka-In temple on Mt. Akenkai. Mitose would establish the martial art in the United States through the islands of Hawaii.
Best known for the song “Tiny Bubbles,” Don Ho entertained audiences and brought Hawaiian musical flair to the continent.
Paul Avery provided his journalistic skills to aid detectives in the search for the infamous Zodiac killer. From the office of the San Francisco Chronicle, Avery would also become a target, and his sleuthing never revealed the identity of the serial killer. Avery would continue his career in journalism and die a natural death.
Barack Obama was elected the 44th U.S. President. He took office in 2009 and served two terms. President Obama was the first African American president elected in the United States.
A one-time Apple Inc. manager, open source developer, Jordan Hubbard is the VP of Engineering for Two Pore Guys. One of the creators of FreeBSD, Hubbard has been creating and providing technology open source tools for decades.
As an oceanographer, Megan McArthur served with NASA’s final mission to the Hubble Space Telescope. Her skills were utilized in improving and extending the telescope’s lifespan. McArthur remained with NASA as a Capsule Communicator for International Space Station and Space Shuttle missions as well as other roles throughout NASA.
Bruno Mars, born Peter Gene Hernandez, is a Grammy Award-winning artist and producer. Known for his broad range of upbeat, funk, soul and rock beats, Mars’ popularity soared to the top of the charts in the mid-2000s.
In 2017, National Day Calendar® began celebrating each state in the order they entered the union, starting the week of Independence Day and ending with Hawaii. We highlight a small part of each states’ history, foods and the people who make up the state. Many states have their own state celebrations, and National Day Calendar’s observances in no way replace them. There’s so much more to explore, we can’t help but celebrate our beautiful country even more!
National Alaska Day | June 28
NATIONAL ALASKA DAY | JUNE 28
On June 28th, National Alaska Day recognizes the largest state to join the union and the Nation’s Last Frontier.
#NationalAlaskaDay
Not only is Alaska the largest state, but it is also home to the highest mountain peaks in the country, including Mt. Denali. In The Last Frontier, it’s possible to test the theories associated with theBering Land Bridge. Check out the remote and intriguing location of North America’s history.
Populated by Inuit, Yupik, Tlingit, and others long before Russian and European explorers found their way to the Arctic land, Alaska supported the indigenous people with sufficient whale fat, beaver, and fish.
The Land of the Midnight Sun led to the next great gold rush. In theYukon, many would venture into the rugged North expecting to find riches in the Klondike. Those who did, would find it difficult to get it back out again…alive.
TheIditarodtakes place in Alaska and runs 1,150 miles from Anchorage to Nome. Honoring the traditions of the sled dog culture and the Iditarod Trail, the annual event draws thousands of spectators and online viewers. In 1925, Leonhard Seppala along with several other mushers delivered much-needed anti-diphtheria serum to Nome along the same route.
On January 3, 1959, Alaska became the 49th state.
The immenseDenali National Parkand Preserve is home to glaciers, fossil records, and a study in geology. All along the Alaska Range, the pristine wilderness provides hikers the most well-marked trails outstanding views, and peaceful vistas.
Venture intoGlacier Bayfor glimpses of an icy blue you’ll see nowhere else on Earth. Listen for the rugged mountains of ice collapsing into the bay or seek the humpback whales breaking the surface. The sights and sounds of the bay are as abundant as the history, too.
HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL ALASKA DAY
Join National Day Calendar as we celebrate National Alaska Day. Discover the wildest places and peaceful spaces. Go where the land meets the sky. Find adventure in The Land of the Midnight Sun and use #NationalAlaskaDay to share on social media.
A civil rights leader for the Tlingit people, Elizabeth Jean Wanamaker Peratrovich, strived to bring to light the discrimination occurring in her state. Her efforts brought forth equal rights legislation in Alaska before the Civil Rights movement had picked up steam in the rest of the United States.
Marie Smith Jones was the last native speaker of the Eyak language. She spoke the language fluently, and it was possible, through her, to create an Eyak dictionary with the help of the University of Alaska.
The cartoonist of the syndicated Big George character, Virgil Partch created absurd situations with hilarious outcomes.
Best known for his role inPee-wee’s Playhouse, John Paragon has also taken on the co-writing and advised on Disney park attractions.
Velma Wallis published two works of fiction about survival in ancient Alaska. Her memoir,Raising Ourselves, tells her coming of age story in the Alaskan Yukon.
A right-handed pitcher, Curt Schilling, played for several Major League Baseball teams in his 20 seasons. The three-time World Series Champion played most notably for the Philadelphia Phillies, Arizona Diamondbacks, and the Boston Red Sox.
Mario Chalmers is a point guard for the Memphis Grizzlies. He was drafted as the 34th pick overall in the 2008 NBA draft by the Minnesota Timberwolves.
On June 21st, National Arizona Day recognizes the state that joined 48 states into a contiguous unit. Interestingly, Arizona became a state on Valentine’s Day in 1912.
Arizona is home to the oldest continuously inhabited settlement in North America. Established around 1000 A.D., the village ofOld Oraibiis located on the Hopi Indian Reservation in Navajo county.
Known as theGrand Canyon State, Arizona brings the wilderness to you. The breathtaking views of the Colorado Plateau, which incidentally took over 70 million years to form into towering stone, are now one of nature’s grand centerpieces.
Carved into limestone cliffs along Beaver Creek, a well-preserved dwelling towers above the scrubland below. Home to the Sinagua Indians around 1500 AD, the Aztecs mistakenly named this placeMontezuma Castle.
Like many of the Western states, Arizona Easterners came with the prospect of land, gold, and adventure. Cowtowns were born, andbattle lineswere drawn between those who wanted the territory and those who were already there.
Find your way to theSaguaro National Parkto see the mighty cacti of the west. These majestic plants of the desert can grow up to 50 feet tall. Under the right conditions, they can live to be over 150 years old.
If you’re not buying the line “It’s not the heat, it’s the humidity,” and the soaring daytime summer temperatures of Arizona get to you,Lake Meadmay be the cure. With hiking, watersports, camping, and beaches, there are plenty of ways to relax, have fun, and cool off. Plus thisArizona Bucket List Adventure Guide & Journalfits the need for any adventure you desire.
HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalArizonaDay
Join National Day Calendar as we explore Arizona’s rich history and remarkable landscapes. Get to know their people, culture, and uncover the hidden places of Arizona! Use #NationalArizonaDay to share on social media.
There are over 1,500 national days. Don’t miss a single one. Celebrate Every Day® with National Day Calendar®!
The legendary Bedonkohe Apache, Geronimo sought revenge against the Mexican and U.S. governments. He successfully evaded capture for decades until 1886. Geronimo surrendered, not once, but twice that year. First to General George Crook, but quickly escaped fearing death. He surrendered once again soon after to Brigadier General Nelson Miles.
During World War I, Frank Luke became known as the second-ranked American fighting ace after Eddie Rickenbacker. He would be shot down after on September 29, 1918, after a string of victories. Luke was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor posthumously.
Helen Jacobs outward personality and aggressive physical play brought a heated rivalry to women’s tennis in the 1930s. Jacobs often found herself going head-to-headHelen Willswho played with a much more reserved style. Jacobs was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1962.
Wayne Thiebaud’sart depicted the everyday delights that draw shoppers’ vision to windows or colorful, glossy ads. He captured frosted doughnuts and after dinner drinks, patterns and swirls to tantalize the eye.
Country Music Hall of Famer, Marty Robbins, began his career on radio and TV westerns. He would go on to a successful music career and feed his interest in NASCAR, too.
A former migrant farm worker, Cesar Chavez founded the National Farm Workers Association. The organization would later become the United Farm Workers of America and under Chavez’ guidance, it would gain higher wages and benefits for workers.
Joan Ganz Cooney brought education to television through the Children’s Television Workshop (CTW). The first program was Sesame Street with its cast of Muppet and human characters, all of whom reside there. Sometimes guests come to visit Big Bird,CookieMonster and Oscar the Grouch, too. The next show to land on CTW was The Electric Company.
Television’s favorite genie in a bottle, Barbara Eden starred in I Dream of Jeannie.
Solo artist, Stevie Nicks, is best known for her vocals with the band Fleetwood Mac.
Crowned Miss World America in 1972, Lynda Carter’s most memorable role was the superhero Wonder Woman in the television series by the same name.
In 1991, Diana Gabaldon published the first of the Outlander series. The bestselling series would be later be adapted for television.
Bob Baffert is only the second racehorse trainer to have trained two Triple Crown winners. In 2015, American Pharoah swept the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes. In 2018, Justify completed the same feat under Baffert’s.
On June 14th, National New Mexico Day recognizes The Land of Enchantment. Home to ancestralPueblosand later to the Navajo, Ute, and Apache, New Mexico’s Southwestern landscape is dotted withruinsthat withstand the test of time.
#NationalNewMexicoDay
In the Northeastern part of the state, Vulcanologists and adventurers can explore the extinctCapulin Volcano. Retaining its distinctly volcanic shape, the Capulin Volcano rises more than 1,000 feet above the surrounding base.
The unique landscape ofWhite Sands National Monumentin Southern New Mexico creates backdrops only imagined in the movies. That’s why not only Hollywood, but commercials and more, find their way there to film and record.
New Mexico doesn’t lack of Hollywood subjects. FromRoswelland theManhattan Projectto the Very Large Array, The Land of Enchantment is full of intrigue and mystery. It sets us up for conspiracy and thickening plots.
Quench your thirst to the north inCimarron Canyon State Park. Towering palisades will overwhelm you, while streams will lead you to tumbling waterfalls.
While the state was primarily settled by Spanish explorers, military, and pioneers in the early 1600s, the seasoning that runs deep within the roots of the landscape is the chile. These flavorful, heat-infused peppers from Central America are added to soups, eggs, sandwiches, and even desserts. In New Mexico, chiles are everywhere.
HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL NEW MEXICO DAY
Join National Day Calendar by exploring the sites, flavors, and beauty of New Mexico and use #NationalNewMexicoDay to share on social media.
During the time of Mangas Caloradas, the influx of settlers, frontiersman, military, miners and more were impinging on and destroying Apache lands. Caloradas led the Apache with great skill keeping his homelands clear of settlers for a time through raids and fear. Eventually, though, Caloradas agreed to peace only to be brought to a brutal death by the military.
The American West was a time of great hostilities in the early 1800s. Apaches led by Victorio resisted settlement of their lands by settlers through raids on farms and towns. Their strategies held settlement at bay for only a time.
Conrad Hilton built a hospitality empire. He started with the Mobley Hotel in Cisco and eventually formed the Hilton International Company.
Author ofThe Hand of Mordechai, Margaret Larkin also wrote an anthology of songs inThe Singing Cowboy.The writer earned several prizes for her work in poetry and her dramaEl Cristo.
Edward Condon’s contributions to physics helped advance the Manhattan Project.
Landscape and portrait artist, Peter Hurd, gained recognition for his for his watercolors and lithographs. He captured the heart of New Mexico.
William Hanna partnered with Joseph Barbera and created many of today’s classic animated cartoons. Starting with the successfulTom & Jerry, the team would take us into the past with The Flinstonesand fast forward us to the future with theJetsons. Their studios would produce animated television shows well into the 2000s, including the popularSmurfs.
Comic book artist and animator, Pete Alvarado created licensed material for many of the large animators, including Disney, Warner Bros., and Hanna-Barbera.
Syndicated newspaper cartoonist, Bill Mauldin used satire and caricature to parody the gremlins of war and politics. His most noted characters were Willie and Joe.
An accomplished woman, Carolyn Shoemaker, discovered more comets than any other astronomer. In 1993, her most notable discovery was a team effort. Along with her husband and astrogeologist, Gene Shoemaker and astronomer David Levy, they discovered the comet Shoemaker-Levy 9.
Harrison Schmitt is a retired astronaut who is one of the last living individuals to walk on the moon. After traveling into space on Apollo 17, this retired professor became a senator for New Mexico.
Al Unser’s racing career spanned 37 years. During those years, Unser took on a variety of races, sports cars, stock cars, and tracks. He endured the death of his brother Jerry and was challenged through sibling rivalry.
Folk singer, John Denver, developed a following with songs like “Leaving on a Jet Plane,” “Country Roads,” and “Thank God I’m a Country Boy.” “Rocky Mountain High” became the official state song of Colorado in 2007.
Lydia Villa Komaroff is a molecular biologist, author, and businesswoman. She was part of the groundbreaking research showing that bacteria could make insulin.
In 2017, National Day Calendar®began celebrating each state in the order they entered the union starting the week of Independence Day and ending with Hawaii. We highlight a small part of each states’ history, foods and the people who make up the state. Many states have their own state celebrations, and National Day Calendar’s observances in no way replace them. There’s so much more to explore, we can’t help but celebrate our beautiful country even more!
NATIONAL OKLAHOMA DAY | JUNE 7
National Oklahoma Day on June 7th recognizes the 46th state to be granted statehood.
#NationalOklahomaDay
The panhandled state of Oklahoma is a dotted series of granite mountain peaks, sloping sandstone ridges, rolling hills, and plains. In 1803, the land became part of the United States through the Louisiana Purchase. Congress granted statehood on November 16, 1907.
Across the state of Oklahoma, significant sites record the result of the Indian Removal Act of 1830. TheTrail of Tears National Historic Trailcrosses nine states and describes the brutal impact on the lives of Cherokees,Chickasaws, Choctaws, Creeks, and Seminoles.
In 1889, several counties in Oklahoma became open to settlement by Land Run. Settlers could claim quarter sections of land only after a specific time (usually noon) on a set date. Some eager settlers would cross the boundary into the county seeking their preferred quarter section sooner than the stroke of noon, earning them (and the state) the nickname “Sooners.”
From the Arkansas River to the Neosho River, Oklahoma hasscenic views, lakes, and mountain trails. Put on your hiking boots and make sometrail mixfor an afternoon adventure. After a good hike, take inRoute 66for a drive and maybe pick up some barbeque or something fried. Oklahomans seem to have cornered the market on nearly everything fried. To mention a few, we came across fried okra and lamb balls and catfish. For something fresh, don’t forget the state fruit.Strawberries!
HOW TO OBSERVE National Oklahoma Day
Join National Day Calendar as we celebrate National Oklahoma Day. We’ll take a drive out on the open highway, and work up an appetite. Discover the best eateries in the state and explore the history that goes with them. Find adventure in The Sooner State and use #NationalOklahomaDay to share on social media.
Will Rogers’ cowboy humor found its way into his performances and writing throughout his career. Into his wit, Will wove a logic that rang true with the working class and rural populations.
All-around athlete and Olympian, Jim Thorpe competed in 15 events during the 1912 Summer Olympics in Stockholm, Sweden. He became the first Native American to earn an Olympic gold medal when he took first place in both the pentathlon and decathlon. Thorpe also made a solid showing in the other 13 events. However, Thorpe was stripped of his medals after the International Olympic Committee learned he had played minor-league baseball violating the amateurism rule.
Thorpe would go on to play professional football and professional basketball proving once again that his abilities stretch from field to court and beyond.
In October 1982, the IOC added James Thorpe’s name to the list of 1912 crowned Olympic champions and delivered two replica medals to his family. However, the IOC noted that the official report of the games would not be modified.
Clarence Nash voiced the lovable sputterings of Donald Duck and his nephews. He worked in the world of Disney for 50 years.
On a clear night far from the city lights, the Milky Way Galaxy can be easily identified. Deep within its center, Karl Jansky discovered radio waves emanating from the constellation Sagittarius. It was Jansky’s discovery that launched radio astronomy as a new science.
Woody Guthrie’s folk music spoke to the working public. From his anthems to his poetic lullabies, Guthrie spoke sung openly of the human condition or softly of its sweetest moments.
Author of Juneteenth and Invisible Man, Ralph Ellison also wrote two collections of essays. The Invisible Man earned Ellison the National Book Award and became a national bestseller.
Founder of Walm-Mart stores, Sam Walton challenged the retail world with his discount pricing.
Over the radio, Paul Harvey’s voice told The Rest of the Story for 33 years. He was a nuanced storyteller whose commentary, humor, and news made for an enlightening part of millions of American’s day, but he also authored several books, appeared on television and news shows.
Naomi Parker Fraley’s chance photograph taken by J. Howard Miller in 1942 became the iconic image millions are familiar with today as “Rosie the Riveter.” It just took nearly 74 years to prove it. For years, another woman was identified as the inspiration for the “We Can Do It!” posters produced by Westinghouse Electric.
The highly honored prima ballerina, Maria Tallchief, became the first Native American woman to study ballet. Tallchief excelled in her career and together with her sister would found Chicago City Ballet.
First baseman, Mickey Mantle wow the fans for his entire 18 years in pinstripes. The New York Yankee earned seven World Series Championships and three American League MVPs titles. Mantle was the AL home run leader for four seasons, chasing Babe Ruth’s record of 61 home runs alongside teammate Roger Maris. Mantel would never break the record.
Darla Hood played little rascal, Darla, in the popular Our Gang series which began in 1935.
Chuck Norris doesn’t #Celebrate Every Day. Every day celebrates Chuck Norris.
Wilma Mankiller became the first woman to lead the Cherokee Nation as their chief. As an advocate during her tenure, she improved access to healthcare, education, and housing. As a result, membership increased.
Catcher, Johnny Bench, played 16 seasons for the Cincinnati Reds. The Hall of Famer earned two World Series Championships, World Series MVP in 1976, and two National League MVPs during his career. He was a 14-time All-Star and a 10-time Golden Glove recipient.
Ron Howard, known for his many roles in his youth from The Andy Griffith Show, American Graffiti and Happy Days, now makes a name for himself as a filmmaker. For decades he’s been producing thought-provoking and entertaining movies for all ages and earning recognition for his work.
Country music singer, Reba McEntire, also produces music and stars in television sitcom Malibu Country.
Attorney, Anita Hill, is most known for her testimony during Justice Clarence Thomas’s Supreme Court nomination hearing. While Thomas was appointed to the Supreme Court, Hill’s testimony shined a spotlight on workplace behavior.
Garth Brooks is the country music artist with Friends in Low Places and the man who put country music back on the map. He retooled the sound, the look, and the concerts, then stepped away and handed over the reined, albeit temporarily, to the next generation.
In 2017, National Day Calendar®began celebrating each state in the order they entered the union starting the week of Independence Day and ending with Hawaii. We highlight a small part of each states’ history, foods and the people who make up the state. Many states have their own state celebrations, and National Day Calendar’s observances in no way replace them. There’s so much more to explore, we can’t help but celebrate our beautiful country even more!
National Utah Day | May 31
NATIONAL UTAH DAY | MAY 31
On May 31st, we celebrate The Beehive State on National Utah Day!
#NationalUtahDay
Utah became the 45th state on January 4, 1896, and is home toThe Great Salt Lake, a deeply rooted Native American heritage, and a far-reaching desert history.
Travel in the footsteps of Utah’s namesake, the Utes, or the Shoshone, Navajo or Goshute. Follow the trails of early explorers or Mormon settlers. They all lived among the naturalarches andbridges formed long ago. These architectural wonders of nature are a cornerstone of Utah.
Find treasure everywhere you look. From the sunrise to the spiraling cliffs and the bejeweled night sky. Catch an unobstructed view of the Milky Way for miles or schedule a trip just in time for ameteor shower. Since Utah has significantly less light pollution, night star viewing is spectacular!
Discover why some still believe the world flat by visiting Bonneville Salt Flats. Home of land speed records and a barren environment, the salt flats were once part of a much larger lake. The Great Salt Lake is one of its remnants.
HOW TO OBSERVE National Utah Day
Join National Day Calendar as we celebrate the 45th state to join the union. Explore the history and people of Utah. Follow the trails of the pioneers and discover a wealth of heritage in one place. Use #NationalUtahDay to share on social media.
Chief Pocatello led the Northwestern Shoshones during Mormon and western settlement. During that time, food sources became scarce due to the increased activity and population. Pocatello’s band would raid settlers for food, though the Mormons would peacefully provide relief. Other settlers would call in troops, which eventually led to violence, a treaty, and removal to Fort Hall Reservation.
Chief Hoskininni became a legend for avoiding capture during a scorched earth campaign led by Kit Carson. He led his family into the remote wilderness of Monument Valley near Navajo Mountain. When the military released the Navajo from prison several years later, Hoskinnini and his family came out of hiding.
On November 2, 1920, Florence Ellinwood Allen became the first woman in the United States elected to a judicial office. She was elected to the judgeship of the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas. But she wouldn’t stop there. In 1934, President Franklin D. Roosevelt nominated her for the U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals for which the U.S. Senate unanimously approved. Allen became the first woman appointed and confirmed to a federal appeals court judgeship.
Credited with inventing the hearing aid, Harvey Fletcher was a physicist known for his research and development of electronics. His innovations advanced the telephone, radio and television industries.
Traffic Sergeant Lester Wire invented the first electric traffic signal to resolve the congestion in the streets of Salt Lake City. His birdhouse-shaped signal light called a semaphore, had red and green lights directing traffic which were manually operated during peak times. Wire never patented his invention, but he was the Traffic Sergeant of the Salt Lake City Police Department, so there’s plenty of documentation. Wire enlisted in the ambulance corps during World War I and went on to become a detective with the Salt LakePoliceDepartment.
High jumper, Alma Richards, earned Utah’s first Olympic gold medal during the 1912 Stockholm Olympic Games. Richards would go on to become a decathlete and compete in the 1915 AAU championships.
Costume and set designer, Natacha Rambova, was born Winifred Kimball Shaughnessy. Rambova’s vision and quality were under-credited. A woman before her time, she fell into the shadows of her husbands, Theodore Kosloff and Rudolph Valentino.
Frank Zamboni was the type of person who didn’t give up. The inventor of the ice-resurfacing machine, called the Zamboni, went through four different prototypes before submitting his first design for a patent. But he didn’t stop there. He continued perfecting the design to create the smoothest ice forskaters. The modern-day Zambonis make glass-like surfaces for rinks around the world.
Credited with producing the first electronic image via television, Philo Farnsworth would spend years in legal battles defending his accomplishment. The talented scientist went on to make advancements in radio,televisionand telephone systems.
Biographer, Fawn M. Brodie, first broached the founder of her former religion in No Man Knows My History: The Life of Joseph Smith. Brodie would continue to tackle notable subjects throughout her career such as Thomas Jefferson: An Intimate History and Richard Nixon: The Shaping of HIs Character.
Nolan Bushnell kickstarted an industry with a simple array of pixels bouncing a digital ball between paddles. Bushnell’s first computerizedvideo gameled to the founding of Atari and a home video gaming obsession that creates graphic novels, films and much more in the realm of science fiction.
Marie Osmond gained success in the 1970s and 1980s as a solo country music artist. Alongside her brother, Donny Osmond, she hosted the television show,Donny & Marie.
In 2017, National Day Calendar®began celebrating each state in the order they entered the union starting the week of Independence Day and ending with Hawaii. We highlight a small part of each states’ history, foods and the people who make up the state. Many states have their own state celebrations, and National Day Calendar’s observances in no way replace them. There’s so much more to explore, we can’t help but celebrate our beautiful country even more!
NATIONAL WYOMING DAY | MAY 24
On May 24th, National Wyoming Day recognizes The Equality State.
#NationalWyomingDay
The 44th state to join the union, Wyoming territory led the nation and the world in granting women the right to vote. In 1869, the Wyoming territorial legislature passed a bill allowing women the right and the governor signed the bill on December 10, 1869. Twenty years later, Wyoming would approve the first state constitution including women’s suffrage. They would be granted statehood in 1870.
In a vast open country where homesteaders had to rely on one another, man or woman, equality had real meaning, true grit. On July 10, 1890, Wyoming became a state.
It is also a country where massive towers seem to rise out of nowhere mysteriously.Devil’s Towerstands starkly against brilliant blue skies or disappears into the fog. Depending on the day or its mood it can do either, or both. Explore theNative Americanlegends surrounding the creation of the monolith, hike its trails, and wonder at its existence.
From Fossil Butte National Monument toFort Laramie National Historic Site, Wyoming retells history. The state thrills and challenges visitors with its spectacular views in Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park.
In TheCowboyState,rodeosprovide opportunities to flex skills in the arena and amaze audiences in the stands. Whether they compete indoors or out, boots, jeans, and hats are recommended.
HOW TO OBSERVE National Wyoming Day
Join National Day Calendar as we explore The Equality State. Visit the towering Grand Tetons and learn about the resilient people who live in Wyoming. Follow the trails of dinosaurs and cowboys! Use #NationalWyomingDay to share on social media.
June Etta Downey spent her career as a psychologist studying personalities and handwriting. Her research led to some of the development of the Downey Individual Will-Temperament Test, an early personality inventories.
Curt Gowdy announced Major League Baseball games for the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox. His career would later lead to national broadcasting with ABC and NBC Sports.
Recruited by J. Robert Oppenheimer, Robert Wilson headed the cyclotron group for the Manhattan Project. Wilson’s artistic talents became integral in his later career when his eye for aesthetics enhanced the design of Fermilab.
Patricia MacLachlan – Author – (March 3, 1938 -)
Winner of the Newbery Medal for her novel, Sarah, Plain and Tall, Patricia MacLachlan has published more than fifty books for children and young readers.
Solomon Trujillo leads Australia’s largest telecommunications and media company as Chief Executive Officer.
Author of the Revenant: A Novel of Revenge, Michael Punke has also served as Deputy United States Trade Representative and US Ambassador to the World Trade Organization. Punke has also published historical non-fiction works.
In 2017, National Day Calendar®began celebrating each state in the order they entered the union starting the week of Independence Day and ending with Hawaii. We highlight a small part of each states’ history, foods and the people who make up the state. Many states have their own state celebrations, and National Day Calendar’s observances in no way replace them. There’s so much more to explore, we can’t help but celebrate our beautiful country even more!
National Idaho Day May | 17
NATIONAL IDAHO DAY | MAY 17
On May 17th, National Idaho Day recognizes the 43rd state to join the United States union on July 3, 1890. Known by locals as The Gem State, Idaho was settled as miners, traders, and missionaries made their way West into the territory of the Nez Perce, Shoshone, and Bannock peoples.
#NationalIdahoDay
The state is dominated by the Rocky Mountains range. Snake River winds its way through the rugged western border of the state carving the deepest river gorge in North America.Hells Canyon National Recreation Areaprovides spectacular views of the dramatic landscapes the Snake River took thousands of years to sculpt.
Idaho doesn’t lack scenery. Take any byway, and the next turn will reveal a whole new vista to observe. For example, Craters of the MoonNational Monument & Preservewill seem to erupt before your eyes. This vast lava field formed from ancient volcanic activity.
While exploring Idaho, don’t forget to investigateHagerman’s Fossil Beds. Excavations of these well-preserved fossils have fascinated paleontologists for generations. If there is an equine interest, be sure to study the Hagerman Horse, too!
Beyond the fossils, entire cityscapes of stone appear. The City of Rocks encountered by native peoples, pioneers, and modern-day adventurers became a kind of waystation or landmark for those who were westward bound.
Inventors seem to like Idaho. Beyond the list of patents for improvements to printing presses and railroad technology, Idaho is the home of the television. Philo Farnsworth invented the necessary technology that brought the small screen to the mass market.
HOW TO OBSERVE National Idaho Day
Join National Day Calendar as we explore the byways of The Gem State. Discover the history and people of Idaho. Get inventive and find all the hidden treasures! Use #NationalIdahoDay to share on social media.
In 1805, Sacajawea joined the Corps of Discovery expedition with her husband Touissant Charbonneau and her son Jean Baptiste Charbonneau. As a guide and translator, the Shoshone woman’s presence signaled to others that the expedition’s mission was a peaceful one.
While Gutzon Borglum may be most known for his massive sculpture, Mount Rushmore, the artist created many more impressive works in his lifetime. Included in his collected works is a bust of President Abraham Lincoln carved directly from marble which is on display in the Crypt of the U.S. Capitol Building. Another is called, “Wars of America” and is displayed in Military Park in Newark,New Jersey. Borlum’s sculpture represents the significant military conflicts the United States had been involved in up to World War I.
Poet and critic, Ezra Pound became renowned for his contemporary approach to poetry. Pound’s poetry crossed into the political realm often, and his later life was full of controversy as he faced trial for treason.
Best known for her novel Caddie Woodlawn, Carol Ryrie Brink has authored more than thirty novels.
Joe Albertson founded the grocery store chain by the same name in 1939.
Founder of an agricultural company by the same name, J.R. Simplot tapped into Idaho’s ability to producepotatoesand onions.
Better known as “Deep Throat” during the Watergate scandal, Mark Felt confirmed his identity as the informant in 2005.
The glamorous Lana Turner starred in over 50 films during her career and the long-runningFalcon Crest. One of her most memorable roles included Cora Smith inThe Postman Always Rings Twice.
Playing mostly for the Minnesota Twins, Harmon Killebrew was a right-handed power hitter. His numerous home runs and last name earned him an obvious nickname. However, “Killer” didn’t quite fit the soft-spoken nature of the person.
Nikki Sixx co-founded the band Mötley Crüe with drummer Tommy Lee. The talented bassist, songwriter, and artist is involved in multiple creative projects today.
Downhill skier, Picabo Street, earned Olympic gold in 1998’s Super G women’s skiing event.
In 2017, National Day Calendar®began celebrating each state in the order they entered the union starting the week of Independence Day and ending with Hawaii. We highlight a small part of each states’ history, foods and the people who make up the state. Many states have their own state celebrations, and National Day Calendar’s observances in no way replace them. There’s so much more to explore, we can’t help but celebrate our beautiful country even more!
NATIONAL WASHINGTON DAY
On May 10th, National Washington Day recognizes The Evergreen State.
In a ten-day period, President Benjamin Harrison signed legislation growing the nation by four new states. Washington would become the fourth of those and the 42nd state on November 11, 1889. During his tenure, two more would join the union.
The state’s history is filled with battles forpossession over land. Some between countries and others for between individuals. The history of San Juan Island and the battle for its possession started over the death of a pig. While still a territory, Washington came to near blows over an eager settler, a boundary, and a potato-rooting English boar. Today it is known as the Pig War of 1859.
Obscure wars aside, Washington’s northwest beauty is dominated by other more earthshattering events and views. Volcanic mountainsand rainforests fill the landscape. The Evergreen State’s views of the Pacific Ocean do notdisappoint. From whale watching and city life, there is plenty to see and do in every corner of the state.
Some of the most peaceful and quiet places in the United States are found in Olympic National Park.One Square Inch of Silencehelps to preserve and hopefully expand these naturally silent spaces onEarth. One location is marked by a single red stone along the Hoh River Trail.
HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalWashingtonDay
Join National Day Calendar as we celebrate National Washington Day. We’ll seek solitude and the best cup of joe. Discover the snowiest mountain peaks and visit the best music spots. Explore Washington’s history and find an adventure. Use #NationalWashingtonDay to share on social media.
Alice Ball developed the first successful treatment for Hansen’s disease. As the first African American graduate with an M.S. degree from the College of Hawaii, Ball began her career there teaching chemistry. She began her research into Hansen’s Disease, later developing what became known as the “Ball Method” many years after her death at the age of 24.
Known as the “Grandmother of the Conservation Movement” and recipient of several awards, Mardy Murie campaigned to create a refuge in northeastern Alaska. Murie’s efforts helped pass the Wilderness Act and were influential in creating what is now the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
One of radio and screen’s most beloved crooners, Bing Crosby sang his way into the hearts of his fans. His velvet voice earned him roles in musical films and numerous awards.
The youngest poet to win the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry, Audrey Wurdemann wrote three collections of poetry. She also paired up with Joseph Auslander to write two works of fiction.
The immeasurably talented animator, Chuck Jones, brought to life the iconic Buggs Bunny, Elmer Fudd and Porky Pig. He also created the classic rivalry between Road Runner and Wile E. Coyote and Marvin Martian. Jone’s family of characters and award-winning animation have left an indelible mark on the art form for generations.
Minoru Yamasaki’s architecture is known worldwide. From the U.S. Consulate in Kobe, Japan to the Federal Science Pavilion constructed for the Seattle World’s Fair in 1962, his designs became decidedly innovative and intricate. Yamasaki’s most remembered works, though, are the pair of World Trade Center twin towers in New York City, which were completed in 1972.
Getting her start on Broadway, Carol Channing made her way to the awards podium in 1964 when she won her first Tony for her role as Dolly Gallagher Levi in Hello, Dolly! Dolly would become the actress,
Red Wagon– Spokane Many parks around the country have playgrounds, but how many have a giantRadio Flyer Red Wagonsculpture? Riverfront Park in Spokane has one that is also the playground. The handle is a slide! The park offers many more attractions, too. Check it out!
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