#delta junction

Log Cabin Day

Log Cabin Day is celebrated annually on the last Sunday of June and takes place on June 28 this year. A log cabin is a small log building with a few rooms and no electricity. It was home to Americans in a time of little sophistication and technology. Today, the mention of a cabin house prompts an image of a nice, quiet vacation away from the world of cars, traffic, and computers. Log cabins have a long history in America and today, we celebrate them.

History of Log Cabin Day

Log cabins date as far back as Medieval times in Scandinavia and Eastern Europe, where tall, straight trees were readily obtainable. A Medieval log cabin was called a chattel house and considered movable property. Villagers who were relocating dismantled their homes by taking them apart, log by log, and transporting them to a new location for reassembling.

Historians suggest that the first log cabins built on American soil were in a Swedish colony around 1640. As time passed, the American people continued to build homes with logs. These houses were solid and long-lasting, sheltering the occupants from the cold and harsh weather.

In the 19th century, the log cabin became a political symbol in America, indicating humble beginnings and something that resonated with ordinary people. About seven United States presidents were born in log cabins, including the famous Abraham Lincoln. The idea of making the log cabin a political symbol was used first in 1840 by a presidential candidate called William Henry Harrison, despite the fact Harrison was not born in such a house. It became a trend as other political candidates recognized its promotional value and continued to use the concept as a symbol for their campaigns.

Log Cabin Day was founded by the Log Cabin Society and the Bad Axe Historical Society in Michigan in 1986. The day was formalized to promote the preservation of log cabins and promote awareness and education about life during the era in America when log cabins were commonplace. Each year people go out to help preserve historical log cabins for the future and hold on to the artifacts and memories that make them so important. Their connection to nature contributes to their enduring popularity.

Log Cabin Day timeline

Middle Ages Europeans Construct Log Houses

People in Scandinavia and Eastern Europe build cabins from logs of wood.

1640 Settlers Build Log Cabins

It is thought that Swedish settlers build the first log cabins in North America.

19th Century It Becomes a Symbol

Politicians begin to use the log cabin as a political symbol indicating humble origins.

1986 Log Cabin Day Begins

A Michigan legislature resolution declares June 28 as a holiday, and the Log Cabin Society and Bad Axe Historical Society introduce Log Cabin Day.

Log Cabin Day FAQs

What is Log Cabin Day in Michigan?

The last Sunday of June of each year is Log Cabin Day in Michigan.

How long do log cabins last?

With proper maintenance, log cabins can last a lifetime or at least 20, 30, or even 50 years, and in a location that has reasonable weather conditions.

What's the best wood for a log cabin?

A good choice of wood for a log cabin is eastern white pine. It is beautiful and durable.

Log Cabin Day Activities

Rent a log cabin or go camping

Create awareness online

Check out museums with log cabins

One of the best ways to celebrate Log Cabin Day is to rent a cabin for the day. If you can’t, ask a few friends or family to join you on an overnight camping trip and have dinner around a cozy campfire.

Celebrate the day by creating awareness and educating people through your social media platforms. Share the story of log cabins in America and their historical significance.

Some museums or historical societies have log cabins in their collections, visit any of those if they are close to you. Take part in some of the special events and tours hosted by historical organizations to celebrate Log Cabin Day.

5 Interesting Facts About Log Cabins

A long-standing artifact

They originated from Europe

They are an old tradition

The largest log cabin is expensive

Home to past presidents

The oldest standing log cabin is 384 years old and has great historical value.

Log cabins originated from Northern Europe.

It is speculated that the first log cabins were built over 5,000 years ago during the Bronze Age in Europe.

The largest log cabin in the world is located in Granot Loma and costs $40 million.

About seven past American presidents were either born in or have lived for some parts of their lives in a log cabin.

Why We Love Log Cabin Day

They remind us of simpler times

We enjoy the festivals and other festivities

They help preserve the log cabin

The holiday reminds us of a period when life was simple, quiet, and rustic. We get to envision the lifestyle of our ancestors, their survival, and the part log houses played in securing that.

The log cabin event presents pleasant festivities to be enjoyed. There are parades and celebrations hosted in Michigan on this day.

People are motivated to learn about the history of log cabins and the part they can play in their preservation. Log Cabin Day helps to make this possible.

Forest (No. 606)

Forest (No. 605)

Flower Day

Flower Day is celebrated annually on May 20. It makes a toast to the beauty of flowers and the ways they are useful to us. On the holiday, environmentalists and conservationists create awareness about flower conservation and what can be done to save endangered flower species.

History of Flower Day

We love flowers because of their awe-inspiring beauty and fragrance. They also play a significant role in romance, medicine, rituals, and religion. You can spot them at christenings, funerals, weddings, and parties, as corsages and boutonnieres at special occasions, and as home decorations and thoughtful gifts. They are also used at places of worship, especially by Hindus. It’s not uncommon to see religious shrines adorned with flowers.

There are also some flowers that regularly feature in our meals! Nutritious vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and artichoke are actually flowers. Similarly, some flowers are used as spices, such as crocus (or saffron), cloves, and capers. Hops are used in beer, and dandelion and elderflowers are used in wines and cocktails. Moreover, some flowers are used to make herbal teas, while others are used as metaphors. For example, red roses symbolize love, poppies of death, iris and lilies of burial, and daisies of innocence. Artists and poets have also sought flowers as muses.

However, caring for flowers is no mean feat! Flowers have their own unique requirements in terms of growth and health. Some flowers prefer to be in the shade, while others need sunlight. Still, others thrive in damp soil, while some require the soil to be on the drier side. Flowers are divas, but they’re divas that have held our hearts for centuries.

Flower Day timeline

2500 B.C.

The Egyptians

The ancient Egyptians become pros at flower arrangement.

776 B.C.

Flowers and the Ancient Olympics

Woven garlands and wreaths are awarded to victors during the Olympics.

1000 A.D.

Flower Arrangements in Europe

Churches and monasteries are adorned with flowers.

1400 A.D.

Renaissance Painting Feature Flowers

Flowers became a common motif in Renaissance art.

Flower Day FAQs

Why do we celebrate Flower Day?

Flower Day encourages us to show love and appreciation towards friends, family, and even strangers through the gift of flowers.

What is a signature rose?

A single perfect red rose clubbed with a baby’s breath flower is considered a signature rose. It is the most sought-after flower on Valentine’s Day.

On which holiday are the most flowers sent?

Christmas and Hanukkah account for the most flower gifts all year.

Flower Day Activities

Attend a flower arrangement event: Flower arrangement is an art that requires talent, patience, and hard work. So, celebrate Flower Day by attending a flower arrangement class.

Buy flowers: What’s a better way to celebrate Flower Day than by buying flowers? Gift flowers to yourself and your loved ones. You could even buy some flowers to decorate your house!

Plant flowers: Celebrate Flower Day by planting your very own flowers. Buy a couple of saplings of your favorite flowers and pot them around your house. Look up how to care for the flowers and watch them bloom!

5 Unique Facts About Flowers

Roses and apples: The rose flower is related to the apple and peach family.

Flowers could ward off evil spirits: In some cultures, aster leaves were burned to ward off evil spirits.

Tulip bulbs are versatile: They can be substituted for onions in recipes.

The oldest flower was discovered in China: The Archaefructus sinensis flower bloomed around 125 million years ago in what is now known as China.

Sunflowers follow the movement of the Sun: They move from east to west throughout the day.

Why We Love Flower Day

Flowers are beautiful: We love celebrating and cherishing all things beautiful. When we look at flowers, they brighten our day instantly. Flower Day is celebrated in honor of flowers, which fill us with hope and joy.

Flowers are muses: During the Renaissance, flowers became the muses of various artists and poets. Even today, paintings, dresses, aprons, and other art pieces feature flowers. It is remarkable how flowers have inspired us with their beauty.

Flowers are important to us: Flowers are not just objects of beauty; they are a source of nutrition and healing as well. So, on Flower Day, we can express our appreciation for flowers.

International Museum Day

Visit a local museum and learn about anything from art to ancient history to aerospace. Many museums also offer virtual tours online, if you can’t get out.

Few places in our world are more educational than museums. After all, where else could we hope to see so many pieces of actual history that tell so many stories about our ancestors?

Education is important, so days like International Museum Day should be something to get yourself and your young ones excited for. After all, while there will be children filling their heads with nonsense, you have the ability to fill your children with knowledgey goodness!

How to Celebrate International Museum Day

Visit a Local Museum

There is no better way to celebrate International Museum Day than to take a trip down to a nearby museum, either alone, with friends, or even your children if you feel they are old enough to appreciate the place.

Depending on where you live, the museums you might be closest to could be ones connected with anything from farming to fashion, from astronomy to archaeology, from art to natural history.

Road Trip to a Museum

If it turns out that the museums in your immediate area are not ones that would interest you, maybe you could consider a day trip to a nearby city to visit a museum better suited to your interests? Carpooling with a friend or two will make the trip cheaper and very possibly more interesting.

Another thing to think about is how well you tolerate crowds. International Museum Day is an increasingly popular worldwide event, so it is quite probable that many of the larger and better-known museums will be pretty crowded on this day, especially since many museums do not charge an entrance fee then.

Make Plans in Advance

If you do not feel like standing in long lines to see every single thing or having to maneuver your way through crowds of people, paying more attention to not stepping on anyone’s shoes than the objects on exhibition, you may want to visit the museum of your choice a few days before or after International Museum Day.

On weekdays, museums are often quiet places where one can come to study our ancestors’ lifestyles and contemplate what motivated them to behave and develop as they did.

However you decide to celebrate Museum day, don’t let this opportunity to find out about the history of the human race go to waste!

Why Celebrate International Museum Day?

From prehistoric spears to Egyptian mummies, from ancient Greek sculptures to medieval armor, and from the first radio to the first planes used in war during WWI, museums have it all. Unfortunately, there are millions of people with direct access to museums that have never even visited one.

There are many possible reasons for this–perhaps they think just looking at old things would be boring, or perhaps they are unaware just how different the world was in the past and see no reason to take an interest.

Whatever the reason for not taking advantage of the incredible amount of tangible knowledge museums offer, and regardless of age, International Museum Day is the time to invest in education in its most fascinating form!

History of International Museum Day

The International Council of Museums (ICOM) created International Museum Day in 1977. The organization chooses a different theme for the day and coordinates every year. Some of the themes include globalization, indigenous peoples, bridging cultural gaps, and caring for the environment.

Every year since 1977, all of the museums in the world are invited to participate in this day to promote the role of museums around the world, by organizing enjoyable and free activities around the year’s theme.

International Museum Day has become steadily more popular since its creation, with International Museum Day 2009 being participated in by 20,000 museums in over 90 countries. In 2012, the number of participating museums had jumped to 30,000 in 129 countries.

As the years have gone by, we have been blessed to live in a society where while technology seems to want to take over, there have been certain things that are now considered cool that were once reserved for a very target demographic.

While the numbers of participants were slowly climbing almost a decade ago, over the last five years, the numbers are climbing at an even more rapid rate. When we look at this, we may ask ourselves why, and the truth is simple, history is now something that is classed as cool.

Yes, we may live in a technology-driven society, but it seems that the more technology has reigned over the world, people have started to gravitate towards the things that connect them to a world they are scared of losing.

Today, there are more visitors to museums all over the world than ever before, and more than this, there are now more people studying history at degree level than at any point in history.

Now, it may be possible that this is just a point where geek chic is in, and students want to seem more cultural and in touch with the world, but if we stop for a brief moment, could it not be possible that International Museum Day has played a small role in helping entire new generations fall in love with history once again?

The truth may, in fact, be both, but one thing we must remember is that While it may not be as popular as some days, International Museum Day is something that should be held in high importance.

The further we move forward, the more we leave behind, and with all of the things that are now long behind us, we need something to help us remember where we have been, that way, we can take the journey ahead of us with more confidence.

International Museum Day FAQs

Did museums exist in ancient times?

Yes, the concept of museums dates back thousands of years. The Ennigaldi-Nanna’s museum, established in 530 BCE in ancient Mesopotamia, is the earliest known museum.

It housed artifacts from earlier civilizations, showcasing a deep interest in history even then.

What quirky museums are perfect for an unconventional celebration?

The Icelandic Phallological Museum houses the world’s largest collection of animal penises, while the Kansas Barbed Wire Museum explores the history of fencing.

Visiting these on Museum Day adds a playful twist to traditional museum visits.

Are all museum pieces authentic?

Not always! Many museums use replicas to preserve original artifacts. For example, Tutankhamun’s treasures on display are often reproductions, with the originals kept safe due to their fragility.

How do some indigenous cultures use museums to preserve their heritage?

Museums in indigenous communities often combine education with activism. The U’mista Cultural Centre in Canada showcases potlatch treasures to tell stories of resilience and fight for cultural revival.

What’s a fun fact about museum security?

The Mona Lisa is protected by bulletproof glass, infrared sensors, and a team of guards. This level of security makes it nearly impossible to replicate heists seen in movies.

Why do some museums ban flash photography?

Flash photography can damage delicate artifacts over time. For example, ancient manuscripts and textiles are highly sensitive to light and may degrade with repeated exposure.

How do museums handle massive collections?

Most museums only display a fraction of their items. The British Museum stores millions of artifacts in off-site warehouses and rotates exhibits regularly.

What are some unusual ways museums celebrate Museum Day?

In Germany, some museums host “Night of Museums,” where visitors explore exhibits after dark. Live music, performances, and food stalls add to the unique experience.

Is there a museum you can visit entirely underwater?

Yes! The Museo Atlántico in Lanzarote features sculptures submerged in the ocean. Divers can explore the exhibits while surrounded by marine life.

What’s a common myth about museums?

Some think museums are all quiet, solemn places. However, interactive science centers like the Exploratorium in San Francisco prove they can be lively and hands-on for all ages.

National Public Gardens Day

Get outside, get some fresh air, and literally stop and smell the roses by finding a public garden to stroll through and enjoy, by yourself or with those you love.

There are many different ways to define the word garden. Indeed, the term stretches to include everything from a small piece of land where flowers are grown to areas where we can plant fruit and veg. Similarly, gardens can be wide-open spaces that are filled with a large assortment of different plants. These public spaces are often the perfect spot to spend time with family and friends outside or enjoy some incredible entertainment. It’s not uncommon for public spaces to be used for outdoor theater and live music. These areas are known as public gardens.

Public gardens – the beautiful centerpieces to cities and large communities. Filled with different assortments of flora and fauna, they are the bright and colorful beacon in the middle of a large and dully-colored metropolis. They’re a reminder of the beauty that nature holds, a great place for picnics, and taking kids out for a play date. But where did the first public garden originate and when? Come with us as we delve into the past of National Public Gardens Day!

History of National Public Gardens Day

Mesopotamia, the “land between the rivers” Tigris and Euphrates, comprises a hilly and mountainous northern area and flat, alluvial south. Its peoples were urban and literate from about 3,000 BC.

Evidence for their gardens comes from written texts, pictorial sculpture, and archaeology. In western tradition, Mesopotamia was the location of the Garden of Eden and the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. Temple gardens developed from the representation of a sacred grove. Several distinct styles of the royal garden are also known.

The courtyard garden was enclosed by the walls of a palace. On a larger scale was a cultivated place inside the city walls. At Mari on the Middle Euphrates (c 1,800BC), one of the huge palace courtyards was called the Court of the Palms. It is crossed by raised walkways of baked brick; the king and his entourage would dine there.

At Ugarit (1,400BC) there was a stone water basin, not located centrally as in later Persian gardens, for the central feature was probably a tree (date palm or tamarisk). The 7th century BC Assyrian king Assurbanipal is shown on a sculpture feasting with his queen, reclining on a couch beneath an arbor of vines, and attended by musicians.

Trophies of conquest are on display, including the dismembered head of the king of Elam hanging from a fragrant pine branch! A Babylonian text from the same period is divided into sections as if showing beds of soil with the names of medicinal, vegetable, and herbal plants written into each square, perhaps representing a parterre design.

On a larger scale, royal hunting parks were established to hold the exotic animals and plants which the king had acquired on his foreign campaigns. King Tiglath Pileser I (1,000BC) lists horses, oxen, asses, deer, gazelle, and ibex, boasting “I numbered them like flocks of sheep.”

From around 1,000 BC the Assyrian kings developed a style of city gardening incorporating a naturalistic layout, running water supplied from river headwaters, and exotic plants from their foreign campaigns.

Assurnasirpal II (883-859BC) lists pines of different kinds, including cypresses, junipers, almonds, dates, ebony, rosewood, olive, oak, tamarisk, walnut, terebinth, ash, fir pomegranate, pear, quince, fig, and grapevines. “The canal water gushes from above into the gardens; fragrance pervades the walkways; streams of water as numerous as the stars of heaven flow in the pleasure garden…

Like a squirrel, I pick fruit in the garden of delights.” The city garden reached its zenith with the palace design of Sennacherib(704-681BC) whose water system stretched for 50 km into the hills. The garden was higher and more ornate than any other and he boasted of the complex technologies he deployed, calling his garden palace “a Wonder for all Peoples”.

While public gardens may have origins deep in the past, Public Garden Day is a fairly modern celebration. Celebrations began in 2009 and it was created as a way to both enjoy and celebrate these beautiful spaces. The day is also a time where there are campaigns to build awareness around these spaces and what they mean to the local community. As well as often being a prime location for public events, public gardens may also be an area for environmental conservation. As such, it’s common to find that on this day, there are campaigns to draw attention to this and ensure that both tourists and locals remember these locations.

Some people also view this day as the beginning of spring. This isn’t the official start of spring of course, but it does seem to be a time where more people go out and enjoy nature with their loved ones and people that they hold dear.

How to celebrate National Public Gardens Day

From roses to chrysanthemums, all we have to do is go outside to a public garden and admire the variety of flora. The beauty of nature is not one to take lightly. So, let’s get out there! Maybe we can even plant our own gardens to add some color to our homes.

The biblical Book of Genesis mentions the Tigris and Euphrates as two of the four rivers bounding the Garden of Eden. No specific place has been identified although there are many theories.

The Hanging Gardens of Babylon are listed by classical Greek writers as one of the Seven Wonders of The World. The excavated ruins of Babylon do not reveal any suitable evidence, which has led some scholars to suggest that they may have been purely legendary. Mesopotamia is believed to be the origin of the public garden and we’d have to say we don’t disagree.

National Plant a Flower Day

Brighten up your garden with a kaleidoscope of colors and sweet fragrances. Put your green thumb to the test and bring nature to life!

Few things on the planet are more beautiful or fascinating than flowers – and with over 400,000 flowering plant species in the world, there’s definitely something out there for everyone!

From the simple daisy to the elegant rose, from the colorful wildflowers dotting hillsides to the elaborate and vibrant blooms of southeastern Asia, flowers have more than deserved their own day of celebration for their contributions to nature, culture, and life.

History of National Plant a Flower Day

Flowers have been around for at least 150 million years, with new and captivating species springing up all over the place during that time. And they have long been a staple in various cultures all around the world, serving numerous purposes over the millennia including decorative and medicinal ones.

As early as 2,500 BC, the Ancient Egyptians were using flowers to adorn tables and great halls, as well as show respect to both the living and the dead, with the remains of many kinds of flowers uncovered in the tombs of pharaohs, high priests and other wealthy citizens. Later, both the Ancient Greeks and Romans continued to use flowers for these same purposes and also began to use some of them as herbs. This tradition continues today through herbal teas, medicines and spices.

Throughout history, flowers have carried different symbolic meanings, including in various religions and mythologies. In Hinduism, the world’s oldest religion, the lotus flower is considered an important spiritual symbol, while roses have long been seen as a display of love and affection and poppies are used to commemorate soldiers who have died in war.

Flowers have also been an integral part of our traditions and rituals. Could you imagine a wedding reception without the bouquet toss or a Christmas without poinsettias? And what would poets and painters do without the flowers that have inspired them to create countless works of art such as Van Gogh’s sunflowers, Monet’s water lilies or Blake’s ‘Auguries of Innocence’?

These blossoming plants even have influence over the economy. In 17th century Holland during a period known as ‘tulip mania’, tulips were considered to be so valuable that they were worth more than gold and a mere ten bulbs could be used to purchase a whole house! And to this day the world’s most expensive spice is saffron, which is made using dried crocuses.

Perhaps most valuable of all, however, is the role that flowers play in the natural world. With their bright colors and enchanting scents, they not only brighten up the world around us but also attract and sustain pollinators such as bees, butterflies and birds, enticing them with sweet nectar and having their precious pollen distributed in return. And once they’ve reproduced, flowers bear sweet fruit that animals and humans alike can enjoy.

Flowers play a crucial role in sustaining ecosystems, producing food and enriching human life and culture. By celebrating National Plant a Flower Day you’ll be helping these bountiful blossoms to flourish.

Tops tips for planting flowers

When it comes to planting flowers, you’ll need to do your research as each species will have its own needs and preferences. Check out when and where it’s best to plant your flowers, the kind of soil they like and how often they’ll need watering. And once they’ve blossomed it will be important to tend to them, removing dead flowers and keeping them pruned.

Generally speaking, flowering plants like nutritious soil with good drainage, but wildflowers, for example, flourish best in poor quality earth. Some seeds and bulbs will need to be kept in a cool and dark place after planting to simulate winter, which encourages flowering further down the line. Another top tip is to tuck your plants in with a good layer of mulch, as shredded bark will hold onto moisture and save you some watering trips!

If you’re a first-time gardener, then flowers such as geraniums, sunflowers, daffodils and lavender are popular choices for beginners. It’s always worth looking for perennials as these types of flower will last for at least two years. And even if you don’t have a garden, you can still buy some plant pots for indoors.

How to celebrate National Plant a Flower Day

The best way to celebrate National Plant a Flower Day is to plant a flower, or perhaps even many flowers! Depending on where you’re located in the world and the kind of flowers you’ve chosen, March may or may not be the best time to be planting, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get a flowerpot and do it at home, or simply enjoy the blooms of previous labor!

If it’s the right time and conditions for planting, set a little bit of time aside on this day to sow some seeds or plant some bulbs in your yard or garden. You could even team up with your neighbors and start a community planting project such as a wildflower meadow, adding a splash of color to places that everyone in the area can enjoy.

If you have kids, this could also serve as the perfect time to take them outside and explain a bit about how nature works its magic, what helps plants grow, why we need them and what we can do to help protect our planet’s biodiversity. Instilling a sense of wonder for the world in your children will help them appreciate the planet and make them more aware of their surroundings – plus, what could be more fun than spending a sunny day outside with your favorite little people and planting lupins, poppies or fuchsias?

Even if you’re unable to plant a flower, there are still plenty of ways you can celebrate the day. Head over to your local garden center or a nearby florist to pick up some flowers that have already been grown for you! They may well have special offers on to mark the occasion so be sure to check those out as well.

Take a trip to a public garden and go for a stroll among the flower beds – they’ll likely have a whole range of plants on display, including those that don’t usually flourish in your country’s climate. Deliver a beautiful bouquet to a loved one or try your hand at some flower arranging – there are plenty of YouTube channels and flower arranging courses available to help get you started!

And even if your part of the world is cold and dreary this time of year, you can still enjoy a day of learning about nature and all it has to offer humankind. Like flowers themselves, National Plant a Flower Day was meant to be enjoyed.

National Old Stuff Day

National Old Stuff Day, on March 2, is the day when people across the country clean out their closets and garages, rediscover old treasures, and declutter their lives. Just in time for spring cleaning, National Old Stuff Day is a great opportunity to devote a day to tend to your closet, garage, attic, and other cluttered spaces that don’t get a lot of attention. But you don’t have to stop at things — maybe you want to change an old habit or try a new activity. Get creative with new ways to organize, appreciate, or get rid of ‘old stuff’ in your life!

History of National Old Stuff Day

Second-hand shopping was popular in Elizabethan England, where desirable upper-class clothing could be purchased at one of hundreds of London’s resale shops. Fashion changed quickly, and those with means purchased tailor-made garments or hired servants to make clothes for them. Most Britons, however, couldn’t afford the luxury of new clothing. Because clothing was meant to last, purchasing an outfit was a big investment. Second-hand shops served the majority of Londoners, who could buy up the clothes cast off by the upper classes. Clothing was sometimes sold multiple times, with garments getting cheaper as they became more patched and ratty. Nevertheless, having ready-made clothing available for a few pennies was a vast improvement over having to sew everything yourself.

Beginning in the early 20th century, Christian nonprofits and charity organizations essentially invented a new business sector by linking charity to capitalism and commerce. Seeing the need for second-hand clothing and household items among the urban poor, progressive reformers used this as an opportunity to link used goods to charity and use sales to raise money for various causes.

Thrift stores quickly wised up to consumer tastes, using department-store-like displays to reduce the stigma around used goods and encourage middle-class shoppers to patronize the stores. Slowly, thrift stores became a fixture of American culture. As Americans gained increased access to mass-produced, disposable goods, thrift stores offered a way to assuage consumers’ guilt by justifying their purchases as charitable and frugal. Thanks to the environmental movement, increased awareness of mass consumption, and the elevated popularity of thrift store shopping in pop culture, thrifting has become a fashionable hobby. The stigma around used goods has largely dissolved as ‘vintage’ replaced ‘secondhand’ and shoppers increasingly seek to reduce their consumption of new goods. Today, there are over 25,000 second-hand stores in the United States.

National Old Stuff Day timeline

1820

Secondhand Shopping Begins in America

Charity fairs, often hosted by churches or ladies’ charity groups, begin to rebrand secondhand shopping as a charitable act.

1902

Goodwill Industries Founded

Reverend Edgar J. Helms, a Methodist minister, starts Goodwill by collecting used goods and training his employees to repair them for sale.

1919

‘Thrift Shop’ Coined

The first recorded use of the term ‘thrift shop’ occurs in 1919 — just a decade later, the Great Depression would lead Goodwill to open over 200 stores nationwide.

1995

eBay and Craigslist Revolutionize Secondhand Shopping

Both popular online marketplaces launch, revolutionizing online shopping for secondhand items.

National Old Stuff Day FAQs

What items should I donate to thrift stores?

Just because you’re ready to donate an item doesn’t mean a thrift store necessarily wants it. Don’t donate items that are too damaged, dirty, or out of date. Some useful donations are high-quality cookware, dishes, children’s books, and clothing in good condition without stains or rips.

Is thrifting sanitary?

Most thrift stores take care to sort through items and remove any that are damaged or stained. Many also don’t accept items like mattresses or baby toys that could breed germs or bugs. However, you should still wash thrift store clothing before wearing it and use your judgment when buying things like upholstered furniture that might be difficult to clean.

How do I find the best thrift stores near me?

Check internet message boards for your community, ask your friends, and search websites like Yelp to find the most popular thrift stores in your area. You can also seek out swap meets and seasonal vintage markets.

National Old Stuff Day Activities

Clean out your space: Even the most minimalist among us can benefit from taking a good look at our space. Start with the small things: Do all your pens work? Give them a try and throw out the ones that don't.

Donate intentionally: When you're ready to donate your old stuff, do it with purpose. Donating to specific causes — for example, Dress for Success collects suits for job interviews — can help reduce waste and ensure clothing actually reaches those who need it.

Change an old habit: Do you have an unhealthy habit you'd like to change or a new habit you want to take up? Maybe it's a dietary change, a new hobby, or a new way of thinking. Use today to set an intention and commit yourself to altering one habit over the next year.

5 Interesting Facts About Thrift Stores

Thrifting is popular: Around one in five Americans regularly shop at thrift stores, and many pride themselves on buying used and finding secondhand treasures.

Most secondhand clothes never get sold: Your donated clothing may not always see a second life — in fact, over 80% of second-hand clothing eventually ends up in landfills or incinerators.

Thrift stores as consumer educators: Although many people now shop at thrift stores to reduce their consumption and avoid sending items to landfills, thrift stores also had an early role in shaping American consumer behavior and essentially training the American shopper.

Resale brings in billions: The thrift store industry makes a lot of money — in 2014, Goodwill Industries alone made more than $5 billion in sales.

Beanie Babies and the rise of eBay: eBay executives have cited the Beanie Baby craze as a major factor in the early growth of the company.

Why We Love National Old Stuff Day

It saves you money: Buying used helps you spend less and acquire interesting items you may not find elsewhere. You can get great deals on clothing and housewares at your local thrift stores.

It helps conserve resources: Giving an old item a second (or third) life is a great way to avoid producing new things and using up precious resources. When you buy a thrift store item, you reduce, reuse, and recycle all at the same time!

It's fun! Finding the perfect stuff at a thrift store can be extremely rewarding. Bring a friend and see what treasures you can discover at your local resale shops.