Facts About President’s Day

Lest you think President’s Day was created to get you 30% off a flat screen TV or two-for-one Egyptian cotton bath towels, check out some of these fun Presidential facts and smart needlepoint designs.

But, first, in the spirit of America, we would like to wish a very happy 285th birthday to George Washington, our first President and one of the country's "Founding Fathers."

History buffs, teachers and professors will appreciate this Founding Fathers needlepoint belt, which features images of James Monroe, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Hamilton, George Washington (Happy Birthday, George!), Benjamin Franklin, James Madison, John Jay, and Samuel Adams. These politicians, jurists, soldiers, diplomats, statesmen, and ordinary citizens led the American Revolution and helped create the Declaration of Independence. Without them, we would be...well, British. With this belt around your waist, you can be inspired to do great things as well.

Now, let's get to some fun facts about President's Day:

Fact: George Washington's Hair Was Not a Wig

Contrary to what most people believe, George Washington's hair was real; however, his hair color was actually reddish-brown, not white. He powdered his hair to get that white look.

Fact: The U.S. Government Wants You to Have at Least Five 3-Day Weekends Annually

President’s Day became an official federal holiday in 1760 and was celebrated on February 22 – George Washington’s birthday. In 1971, the Uniform Monday Holiday Act established President’s Day as the third Monday in February, so it would always fall on a Monday. The Act was designed to create more consistent holiday schedules and provide more three-day weekends for the nation’s workers.

According to the bill signed by Lyndon B. Johnson, having consistent three-day weekends “will mean a great deal to our families and our children. It will enable families who live some distance apart to spend more time together. Americans will be able to travel farther and see more of this beautiful land of ours. They will be able to participate in a wider range of recreational and cultural activities.” He also cited, “greater industrial and commercial production, sparing business and labor the penalty of midweek shutdowns.”

We hope you're feeling patriot and can live up to these lofty goals while you enjoy your long weekend. Get your dog in on the action with a custom, American flag needlepoint dog collar.

Fact: Only One President Has Founded an Institute of Higher Education

Thomas Jefferson founded the University of Virginia in 1819. The Rotunda on the University of Virginia's campus is seen as a long lasting symbol of Thomas Jefferson's belief in the separation of education and the church. Jefferson is the only president to found an institution of higher learning….because we’re not counting Trump University. House your Benjamins in this iconic UVA Needlepoint Wallet.

Fact: Harvard University Has Graduated the Most U.S. Presidents

John Adams, who was the first president with a college degree, graduated from Harvard, as did his son and future sixth president John Quincy Adams, Teddy Roosevelt, Franklin D. Roosevelt and John F. Kennedy. Several other presidents attended Harvard for graduate school including Rutherford B. Hayes (law school), Barack Obama (law school), George W. Bush (business school).

Whether you're a current or future alumni (or want to pretend you are), your Harvard University needlepoint belt can be customized with your initials. If Haaa-vad isn't your alma mater, Brewster Belt company can design a custom campus belt for any college or university.

Fact: John Adams Liked to Play Hooky

As a young boy, John Adams often skipped school to spend time hunting and fishing.

If you’re inspired to pursue your love of hunting or fishing in order to achieve greatness, check out our hunting needlepoint collection and fishing needlepoint collection.

Happy President's Day! Now, get to the mall before the sales end.