January 15, 2022 - National Hat Day | National Bagel Day

Welcome to January 15th, 2022 on the National Day Calendar. Today we celebrate causing a stir and carbs with a checkered past. It’s said that on this day in 1797, John Hetherington—a London hat maker—stepped out into the street wearing his latest creation. A top hat. And to say it made an impression is an understatement. According to reports, Mr. Hetherington “appeared on the public highway wearing upon his head what he called a silk hat (which was of a shiny lustre and calculated to frighten timid people)”… Officers of the Crown stated that several women fainted at the unusual sight, while children screamed, dogs yelped and a boy was thrown down by the crowd…and had his right arm broken.” Mr. Hetherington was brought up on charges of inciting a riot and fined 500 Pounds. On National Hat Day, put on your favorite hat and step out in something that makes an impression on the folks around you. The recipe for making bagels was once a closely guarded secret. Jewish immigrants in New York City had brought this baked good to America in the early 1900s. They formed a union to keep their tradition to themselves and to keep jobs within their community. Only the sons of members were offered membership, and meetings were conducted only in Yiddish. As crazy as it may sound today, this bagel union was extremely powerful. But they only made bagels, you’re thinking. Well, when workers went on strike in the 1950s, all but 2 bagel bakeries in Manhattan had to close, leading to what was called a Bagel Famine. And the sales of lox dropped by over 50%. On National Bagel Day, we celebrate our love for chewy, delicious bagels and the fact that you can find them almost anywhere today. I’m Anna Devere and I’m Marlo Anderson. Thanks for joining us as we Celebrate Every Day! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices