NATIONAL SANDWICH DAY
Whether you stack it high or thin, National Sandwich Day on November 3rd recognizes one of America’s favorite lunch items.
#NationalSandwichDay
The sandwich is believed to be the namesake of John Montagu, 4th Earl of Sandwich, following the claim that he was the inventor of the sandwich. No matter who invented it, we celebrate every kind of sandwich.
While the modern sandwich is believed to be named after John Montagu, the exact circumstances of its invention and original use are the subject of debate. There is a rumor in a contemporary travel book titled Tour to London, by Pierre Jean Grosley, that formed the popular myth that bread and meat sustained Lord Sandwich at the gambling table. It is said that Lord Sandwich was a very conversant gambler and did not take the time to have a meal during his long hours playing at the card table. When hungry, he would ask his servants to bring him slices of meat between two slices of bread. This practice was a habit that was well known to his gambling friends who soon began to order “the same as Sandwich,” and from this, the sandwich was born.
N.A.M. Rodger, who wrote Sandwich’s biography, suggests that because of Sandwich’s commitment to the navy, politics, and the arts, the first sandwich was more likely to have been consumed at his work desk.
Before being known as sandwiches, the food seems just to have been called bread and meat or bread and cheese.
Types of Sandwiches
In the United States alone, we have some pretty delicious sandwich inventions. The cheesesteak and sloppy joe are American classics. Don’t forget the muffuletta or the Monte Cristo. We love our Po boys and grilled cheese, pork tenderloins, and po’boys, too. However, we can’t forget some of these other absolutely delicious options:
- BLT
- Club
- Dagwood
- French Dip
- Peanut Butter and Jelly
- Pilgrim
HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL SANDWICH DAY
Go out for a sandwich with a friend !
Use #NationalSandwichDay to post on social media.
Find Sandwich Day Deals here!
NATIONAL SANDWICH DAY HISTORY
National Day Calendar® continues researching the origins of this tasty food holiday. However, John Montagu, 4th Earl of Sandwich, was born on November 3, 1718.
Sandwich FAQ
Q. How do I keep my sandwich from getting soggy when I pack it for lunch?
A. Spread a little bit of butter on each slice before adding the other ingredients. The butter will act as a barrier to prevent moisture from the other ingredients from making your bread soggy. Other options include:
- Pack the juicer ingredients (like tomatoes) separately and add them to your sandwich at work.
- Choose a sturdier bread to make your sandwich.
- Add a layer of lettuce, bean sprouts or cheese to act as a barrier between the bread and the juicier ingredients.
Q. How can I spice up my sandwich routine?
A. Visit your local deli and try different meats and cheeses for your sandwiches. Skip the iceberg lettuce and mix it up with butterhead, romaine, arugula, or radicchio. You can also add seasonings to your spread. If you like mayo, add some garlic, lime juice, and sriracha for something different. Substitute the mayo for avocado seasoned with a garlic herb mix.
Q. Are there other sandwich days on the calendar?
A. Yes! Check out these tasty holidays:
November 3rd Celebrated History
1863
J.T. Alden receives patent No. 40,451 for an improved method of drying yeast for the purpose of breadmaking.
1868
John Willis Menard becomes the first African-American elected to a Congressional seat, filling a seat in the House vacated by the late James Mann. Elected from the state of Louisiana, the new Representative never took the seat as a result of an objection from his opponent, Caleb Hunt. Hunt questioned Menard’s right to even hold the seat. In the end, the House left the seat vacant until the next election.
1892
Necessity drove Almon Strowger to invent the automated telephone. After losing some business, the undertaker discovered his competition’s wife was one of the local telephone operators. By inventing the phone that dialed the necessary party directly, Strowger eliminated the need for an operator. Eventually, Strowger pursued manufacturing the automatic telephone exchange, and it became widely used by telephone companies.
1957
Laika becomes the first living creature to orbit the Earth. The husky mixed-breed dog never returned to Earth, however.
1964
Washington D.C. residents vote in a presidential election for the first time. They overwhelmingly voted for Democratic incumbent Lyndon B. Johnson over Barry Goldwater, setting a trend that has never changed.
1975
The news program Good Morning America, hosted by David Hartman and Nancy Dussault, premiered on ABC.
2014
Thunder Law of the Harlem Globetrotters set a world record for the farthest basketball show made backward. The 82 feet 2-inch shot broke the previous record by 10 feet.
November 3rd Celebrated Birthdays
William Cullen Bryant – 1794
The American poet and journalist authored several collections of poetry and is one of the country’s most regarded poets.
Adolf Dassler – 1900
In 1949, the German cobbler founded the sportswear company Adidas.
Bob Feller – 1918
Nicknames like Rapid Robert, Bullet Bob, and The Heater from Van Meter quickly sum up the pitching style of Bob Feller. Spending 18 years with the Cleveland Indians, Feller’s wicked fastball kept batters pacing the distance between the dugout and the plate. In 1941, Feller put his career on hold when he enlisted, becoming the first player to volunteer for World War II.
Elizabeth P. Hoisington – 1918
In 1970, Hoisington and Anna May Hays became the first women promoted to brigadier general.
Charles Bronson – 1921
The rugged actor is known for films such as Death Wish and Magnificent Seven.
Harrison McCain – 1927
In 1956, the entrepreneur founded McCain Foods, one of the largest distributors of frozen foods.
Godzilla – 1954
In 1954, the giant lizard made his film debut in Ishiro Honda’s film by the same name.
Michael Evans – 1949
The actor is best known for his role as Lionel Jefferson in the television sitcoms All in the Family and The Jeffersons.
