Cheese balls are an American holiday tradition and standard fare at Christmas parties with a political history. The first cheese ball was public relations stunt created by Elder John Leland of Cheshire, Massachusetts, in the early 1800s. His "Mammoth Cheese" weighed in at 1,235 pounds (560.18 kilograms). Leland created the giant cheese ball, gathering all ingredients and labor without using a single slave to symbolize what could be accomplished without slavery. He then packed his colossal cheese into a wagon and drove it from Massachusetts to President Jefferson's White House lawn, where he dumped it. Along the way, the preacher delivered sermons, gaining a growing following as the giant cheese ball followed in the wagon behind him. Ultimately, his cheese ball made a pungently sharp statement to the president, but slavery would remain for another 60 years. In Cheshire, Massachusetts, a monument stands celebrating Leland's protest and the cheese press that created his abolitionist cheese ball. World War II brought the cheese ball back one hundred and thirty-five years later. They are easy to create, can be molded into shapes, and are made from inexpensive ingredients. Cheese balls became a staple at cocktail parties during the war years. In the 1950s and 1960s, cheese balls went gourmet when Richard Ransom began selling gourmet cheeses under the brand name "Hickory Farms."

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Apr

Ellis Island Family History Day (1907): April 17

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The Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration, the American Family Immigration History Center (AFIHC), and the US National Parks Service set aside Ellis Island Family History Day each year to draw attention to the vast resources available via the Ellis Island Archives online and onsite. On April 17, 1907, Ellis Island processed its highest number of immigrants in a day, 11,747 people. Over 40% of the US population today can trace their roots to 17 million immigrants who took their first steps toward a new life, passing through the “Golden Door” of Ellis Island.

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Apr

Ford Mustang Debut (1964): April 17

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Ford Mustang Day is one of the world's favorite sports cars. Henry Ford II officially unveiled the Ford Mustang, a two-seat, mid-engine sports car, at the World's Fair in Flushing Meadows, New York, on April 17, 1964. That same day, the new car debuted in Ford showrooms across America. Buyers immediately snapped up almost 22,000 Mustangs. Named after a World War II fighter plane, the Mustang was the first vehicle that came to be known as a "pony car." Ford sold more than 400,000 Mustangs within its first year of production, far exceeding sales expectations. The Mustang is still in production today.

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Apr

Haiku Poetry Day, Int.: April 17

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Created in 2012, International Haiku Poetry Day occurs during National Poetry Month. Haiku is an ancient form of Japanese poetry that is short and appears on one line in Japanese and three in English. It includes kuru, morae, and kigo. For examples of Haiku, see The Haiku Foundation.

Africa

Apr

Hemophilia Day, World: April 17

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One in every one-thousand people worldwide has a bleeding disorder, and one in five thousand has hemophilia. Those numbers may sound small for some or massive for others, but this means that of the eight billion people living on Earth at the moment, eight million have a bleeding disorder, and most of them are not diagnosed and do not receive any treatment. That's why each year, we have World Hemophilia Day seeks to raise awareness of what it means to have hemophilia and how to deal with it. Supporters of the event wear red ties for the day.

Africa

Apr

Herbalist Day: April 17

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Created in 2014, Herbalist Day honors people who work with herbs to create holistic wellness solutions using natural ingredients.

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Apr

Library Outreach Day, Ntl.: April 10

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The Wednesday of National Library Week in the US is National Library Outreach Day (originally National Bookmobile Day). Bookmobiles bring libraries to rural and poor communities that do not have libraries. This practice began in 19th century England, and Mary Titcomb is credited with creating bookmobiles in the United States in 1900. These were known as Biblioburros. In 1912 the first motorized vehicle was used to transport the portable library. Today Library Outreach Day celebrates the men and women who spearhead helping libraries service communities across the country.

Africa

Apr

Palestinian Prisoners' Day (IL)(PS): April 17

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First held in 1974, Palestinian Prisoners' Day raises awareness of the over one million people, many of whom are children, that have been arrested and detained by the nation-state of Israel, often without charge. Of particular concern is the number of children held without trial, often for petty offenses that, if the child were Jewish, would be, and usually are, dismissed or lightly reprimanded. The non-profit No Way to Treat a Child explains the situation. "Each year, the Israeli military detains and prosecutes around 700 Palestinian children. From the moment of arrest, Palestinian children encounter ill-treatment and torture at the hands of Israeli forces. Three out of four experience physical violence during arrest or interrogation. Israel is the only country in the world to automatically prosecute children in military courts that lack basic safeguards for a fair trial." Non-Jewish children as young as eight under Israel's military detention scheme endure night arrests, blindfolds, restraints, separation from their families and parents, physical and psychological violence, coerced confessions, unlawful transfers, and solitary confinement. Israel's two-tiered legal system is a crucial determinant of an apartheid state. One set of laws applies to Jewish residents of Israel itself and also Jewish residents in the areas it has occupied in violation of international law since 1967. Non-Jewish residents, including Christians, Muslims, and Druze, live under military laws and courts. Palestinian Prisoners' Day is a day to learn about this situation and demand lawmakers, in enabling nations, end the ill-treatment and torture of Palestinians, especially the children, under Israel's military detention system. #nowaytotreatachild

Africa

Apr

Rama Navami (H): April 17

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Rama Navami commemorates the birth of Lord Rama, an avatar of Lord Vishnu. According to the Hindu calendar, Ram Navami falls in the Shukla Paksha on the Navami, the ninth day of Chaitra. Temples are decorated, and devotees fast for the day and offer puja to Lord Rama in the evening. After the fast, prasad is distributed. PLEASE NOTE: We use the Indian civil calendar, the official holiday calendar in India. The Hindu faith has many calendars, each specific to different regions and tribes, with dates and celebrations marked by differing positions of the sun, moon, and stars. Names of months and holidays and the corresponding dates in the Gregorian Calendar may vary widely from one calendar to the next. Determine the proper calendar before attending local events.

Africa

Apr

Verrazano Day (1574): April 17

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On April 17, 1574, Italian explorer Giovanni Verrazano discovered New York harbor. Later, this would become New York City. He died three years later.

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Apr

Animal Crackers Day, Ntl. (1902): April 18

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Originally a British idea of the mid-nineteenth century, the first commercial 'animal crackers' in the US were produced by Stauffer's Biscuit Company in York, Pennsylvania. Later these would be commercialized mainly by the four-year-old National Biscuit Company (Nabisco), thanks to a marketing promotion. Fame would come to the little crackers in 1902 when Nabisco saw an opportunity to capitalize on the circus craze and its new little biscuits. According to the Barnum Museum, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus had nothing to do with the Barnum crackers and, to this day, do not receive a licensing fee. Barry Popik of New York researched this, and here's how he tells the story: "In 1889, Barnum decided to do something truly nutty, a tour of England with his circus. So after his buddy, Bailey, figured out how, exactly, you get a circus that normally takes up ten rail cars onto a boat, and across an ocean, Barnum's animals made their European debut. The English, meanwhile, had already invented something called animal biscuits. Sensing a marketing moment, several companies started manufacturing animal biscuits with circus packaging and called them Barnum's. Soon the product migrated across the ocean, where Nabisco's forerunner, the National Biscuit Co., put them on US store shelves in 1902. Originally called 'Barnum's Animals,' they became 'Barnum's Animal Crackers' in 1948." Read the full story at: http://www.barrypopik.com/index.php/new_york_city/entry/barnums_animal_crackers.

Africa

Apr

Artisan Day, World: April 18

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World Artisan Day began in 2021 to honor artisans worldwide for their unique contributions to uplifting communities and preserving humanity's cultures and traditions. The event focuses on sharing the stories of individual artisans in remote corners of the world, with the overarching theme being "a better world for artisans is a better world for all." The inspiration for the event originates from a remote festival held high in the Andes to celebrate Peruvian Artisan Day. Roberto Milk, CEO of NOVICA and a descendant of Peruvian artisans was instrumental in its creation. The skilled creations of Artisan connect us to a cultural history that respects time, traditional skills, and creative expression. In addition to celebrating artisans, World Artisan Day also celebrates those who shop with a purpose, helping artisans succeed, uplifting communities and preserving cultural traditions. Header Image: 14th generation artisans of the Taj Mahal, Agra, India. Photo by LD Lewis.

Africa

Apr

Artisan Day, World: April 18

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Africa

Apr

Autism Day, Adult: April 18

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Adult Autism Day in the United States raises awareness about autism when diagnosed in adults. Various medical organizations working toward helping autistic people and reducing autism in today’s society participate. It is a day for people to support autistic people and those who care for them.

Africa

Apr

Brewery Day, Ntl.: April 18

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ABOUT NATIONAL BREWERY DAY

National Brewery Day celebrates the oldest continuously operating brewery in the United States, the Yuengling Brewery in Pottsville, Pennsylvania, which was founded in 1829 by German immigrant David G. Yuengling.

The story of Yuengling Brewery is not just a tale of a single company but a chapter in the broader narrative of brewing in the United States—a saga that mirrors the country's growth, challenges, and the evolving tastes of its people.

THE GENESIS OF BREWING IN AMERICA

Before Yuengling Brewery and even before the founding of the United States, beer was a staple in the colonies. Early European settlers brought the tradition of brewing, a practice dating back thousands of years in their native lands. Without safe drinking water, beer was a vital source of hydration and nutrition. Small-scale home brewing was common, and taverns brewing their beer became community life centers.

The mid-17th century saw the establishment of the first American breweries, reflecting the growing demand for beer as the colonies expanded. These early breweries were small and local, serving their immediate communities. However, the quality and styles of beer varied widely, heavily influenced by the settlers' diverse European roots, with English ales, Dutch lagers, and German pilsners all finding their place in the new world.

THE RISE OF YUENGLING BREWERY

David G. Yuengling, an immigrant from Germany, founded the Eagle Brewery in 1829 in Pottsville, Pennsylvania. The choice of Pottsville, located in the coal-rich region of Schuylkill County, was strategic, providing access to a growing market of coal miners and their families.

The brewery's initial offerings were traditional German-style beers, catering to the large German immigrant population in Pennsylvania.
The early years of Yuengling Brewery included growth and challenges. In 1831, a fire destroyed the original brewery, leading to the construction of a new facility, which stands to this day.

Throughout the 19th and into the 20th century, Yuengling Brewery expanded its operations, navigating the complexities of a growing nation—through the Civil War, the Industrial Revolution, and the surge of immigration that brought new tastes and demands.

PROHIBITION AND BEYOND

The enactment of Prohibition in 1920 posed an existential threat to breweries across the United States. Like many of its contemporaries, Yuengling adapted by producing "near beer" products with low alcohol content. The brewery also expanded into the production of ice cream, a venture that lasted until 1985.

The repeal of Prohibition in 1933 marked a new era for Yuengling and the American brewing industry. Yuengling sent a truckload of its Winner Beer to President Franklin D. Roosevelt in celebration, symbolizing the industry's resurgence.

THE EVOLUTION OF THE AMERICAN BREWERY INDUSTRY

Yuengling Brewery's history is a microcosm of the broader American brewing industry. The post-prohibition era saw the rise of large-scale breweries, leading to a consolidation period that nearly erased beer diversity in the United States. However, the late 20th century witnessed a craft brewing renaissance, echoing the early days of diverse and localized beer production.

Today, the United States boasts a vibrant beer scene characterized by a blend of large-scale breweries and thousands of small craft brewers, each contributing to the rich tapestry of American beer.

From its early days serving coal miners in Pennsylvania to its position today as a symbol of endurance and innovation in the American brewing industry, Yuengling Brewery's journey through American history reflects the broader story of beer in the United States—a tale of resilience, adaptation, and the continuous pursuit of the perfect brew.

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