Tag Archives: history

The History of Mother’s Day

09 Thursday May 2019

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Think back to your last online shopping experience. Do you happen to recall any ads that you saw? We obviously can’t know for sure, but more than likely you saw something related to flowers, chocolates or other gifts, which can only mean Mother’s Day is upon us. To help commemorate the upcoming holiday, we thought we’d go through a quick history lesson. Without further ado, let’s get started!

The first celebrations of mothers go back to ancient Greece. Festivals were held to honor the mother goddesses known as Rhea and Cybele. The most modern version of the holiday was known as “Mothering Sunday,” in which adult children were encouraged to attend mass at their hometown church, then spend the day with mom. The custom eventually faded in popularity until merging with today’s holiday.

The celebration that we know today was created by Anna Jarvis. Her mother, Ann Jarvis, cared for wounded soldiers during the Civil War and became a community activist. As a child, Anna heard her mother say a prayer, hoping that one day there would be a Memorial Day for mothers to honor their good deeds. After Ann passed, Anna became making plans for the official holiday.

On the second anniversary of her mother’s death in 1905, Anna held a special church service in her honor. After a successful event, she took part in a fierce letter-writing campaign, in which she worked to persuade newspapers and politicians to add the holiday to the national calendar. By 1912, many states, towns and churches were already observing Mother’s Day as an annual holiday. Finally, in 1914, Woodrow Wilson officially recognized the second Sunday of May as Mother’s Day.

Today, children all over the world shower their mothers with gifts, but the original idea was to simply spend the day together. Anna hoped that families would be able to attend church in the morning and visit in the afternoon. Gifts didn’t come until later on, and much to her dismay.

This Sunday, rather spending a lot of time and energy on finding the perfect flower arrangement or extravagant box of chocolates for mom, consider giving her a more thoughtful gift, the gift of quality time. Ask her how she would like to spend the day and shower her with attention. We can guarantee that a day together will be the ultimate gift.

Happy Mother’s Day from Lions Pride!

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The History of April Fools’ Day

28 Thursday Mar 2019

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Watch your back! April Fools’ Day is right around the corner. Monday, April 1, is arguably the most light-hearted day of the year when people try to prank others with silly hoaxes and extravagant tales, but did you know the exact origin remains unknown to this day?

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According to the History Channel, there are a couple of theories to explain the day of pranks. Some historians have been said to believe that All Fools’ Day goes all the way back to the late 16th Century. In the year 1582, Pope Gregory XIII announced that France would be replacing the Julian Calendar with the Gregorian Calendar.

Although the news was made public, there were several people who either didn’t get the message or refused to make the change. With the old calendar system, the New Year was celebrated on April 1, so those who were still recognizing April as the New Year were mocked by others.

The largest prank at that time was done by placing a paper fish on a gullible person’s back and calling them “poisson d’Avril” (April fish) to symbolize their character as similar to that of a young, easily-caught fish.

The second most well-known theory refers to the idea of April Fools’ Day falling near the Vernal Equinox. Many explain that the calendar may say that its spring, but Mother Nature is playing the biggest joke on us all with unpredictable, changing weather.

In today’s world, people, companies, and even governments, go to extreme lengths to pull off April Fools’ Day hoaxes. Below are three of the most notable pranks over the past century:

  1. In 1957, BBC ran a news segment announcing to the world that Swedish farmers were achieving great success with their spaghetti harvest.
  2. In 1985, Sports Illustrated featured a story about the fastest pitcher of all-time, Siddhartha Finch, who could throw 168 miles per hour. Observant readers immediately noticed that the first words of the second headline read “Happy April Fools’ Day.”
  3. In 1996, Taco Bell took out newspaper ads announcing their recent purchase of the Liberty Bell. The company had made plans to rename the historic treasure to the “Taco Liberty Bell.”

Do you find yourself participating in All Fools Day pranks? Tell us about the greatest prank you’ve ever been pulled off in the comments below.

Happy April Fools’ Day from Lions Pride!

Super Bowl Super Facts

31 Thursday Jan 2019

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We’re only three days away from the biggest game of the year – Super Bowl LIII. If you’re planning on inviting the crew over to watch the New England Patriots take on the LA Rams, you probably already have the drinks and snacks taken care of. Now, we’ll provide the super facts to make it a real party!

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  1. The original name for the Super Bowl was “The AFL-NFL World Championship Game; however, “Super Bowl” was used unofficially since the very first game.
  2. The Pittsburgh Steelers currently hold the record for the most Super Bowl wins. Of course, there is a chance that the New England Patriots could tie it up after Sundays’ game; they along with the San Francisco 49ers and the Dallas Cowboys each have five Lombardi Trophies.
  3. Speaking of Lombardi Trophies, a new one is awarded each year, they are made by Tiffany & Co, out of sterling silver.
  4. The Super Bowl is measured in Roman numerals because a football season runs over two calendar years.
  5. Peyton Manning is the only quarterback to win a Super Bowl Championship with two different teams.
  6. A shutout has never taken place in Super Bowl history, but there have been close instances. The Miami Dolphins currently hold the record for fewest points scored when they faced the Dallas Cowboys in 1972. The final score was 24-3.
  7. The cost of a 30-second commercial has increased by 197.02% from Super Bowl I to Super Bowl LI. A 30-second spot will reportedly cost between about $5M – breaking it down to $166,666 per second.
  8. Super Bowl Sunday is America’s second largest consumption day, following Thanksgiving.
  9. The highest rated halftime show (which had higher ratings than the game itself) was performed by Michael Jackson in 1993.
  10. In 1967, the first Super Bowl touchdown was scored Green Bay Packers Wide Receiver Max McGee.

Although it’s disappointing when our Green Bay Packers don’t make it to the playoffs, it’s always fun to have an excuse to gather with friends. Will you plan to watch Super Bowl LIII?

Happy Super Bowl Sunday from Lions Pride!

Fun Facts About Labor Day

30 Thursday Aug 2018

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It may be hard to believe, but this Monday marks the unofficial end of summer. Families Labor-Daywill likely find themselves partaking in the same festivities that they took part in on Memorial Day – camping, parties and other outdoor events, before heading back to their regular school year routines. Let’s celebrate the unofficial end of the season with fun facts about the upcoming holiday, Labor Day!

  • During the 19th Century, American workers typically worked long, 12-hour workdays, seven days a week.
  • On September 5, 1882, NYC workers took a day without pay to protest. They wanted 8-hour workdays and fair working conditions. The protest became an annual event.
  • Oregon was the first state to officially recognize the holiday in the year 1887.
  • Labor Day became a national holiday after a political fiasco. Illinois railway workers were on strike, protesting higher wages. President Grover Cleveland was under pressure to end the strike. He deployed 12,000 troops and violence ensued; two workers were killed as a result. The disaster made national headlines and upset workers all over the country. To make amends, Congress passed a bill making Labor Day an official holiday.
  • According to historians, the common expression, “You can’t wear white after Labor Day,” comes from the early 20th People of the upper class would return home after their summer vacations and pack away their lightweight, white clothing as they returned back to work and school.
  • The Adamson Act was passed on September 3, 1916, establishing 8-hour work days.

There you have it! Six fun facts that you can use this weekend to impress your friends and family.

Although many of us consider Labor Day as merely an extended weekend, it’s important to remember the origin behind the holiday. Just think about how different our lives would be if our forefathers hadn’t protested for fair working conditions. We think we can all agree that we’re glad that they took a chance and stood up for their rights.

The Lions Pride office will be closed on Monday, September 3, in observance of the holiday. Have a safe, enjoyable Labor Day weekend!

Fun Facts about Wisconsin Cheese

18 Thursday Jan 2018

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When you first think about January, what are the first words that come to mind? 02J16331If you’re like many of us, most of those topics are related to the New Year – terms like resolutions, exercise and healthy diet. You may be surprised to know, however, that there are several other holidays taking place.

In addition to our official holidays like New Year’s Day and Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, there are dozens of unofficial holidays on the calendar – Houseplant Appreciation Day, National Nothing Day and the upcoming National Cheese Lover’s Day. Cheese Lover’s Day takes place on Saturday, January 20, and we can’t think of a better holiday for our very own dairy state to celebrate.

Of course, you already know that Wisconsin produces a lot of cheese (it just comes with the territory, right?), but do you have any idea about just much “a lot” exactly is? We thought it’d be fun to celebrate the unofficial holiday with compelling facts about Wisconsin cheese.

  • Pioneering farm wives began making “kitchen” cheese from that of their herds in the 1830s, but the first official Wisconsin cheese wasn’t made until 1841 by Anne Pickett of Lake Mills when she added milk from her neighbor’s cow to that of her own small herd.
  • If Wisconsin were a country, it would come in 4th place in world cheese production, following the rest of the United States, France and Germany.
  • Wisconsin leads the rest of the country in the development of the following types of cheese: Limburger, Feta, Romano, Provolone, Parmesan, Muenster and Cheddar.
  • Wisconsin makes over 600 varieties, types and styles of cheeses (including more than 65 originals.)

Who knew cheese came in so many varieties and had such a rich history? It should come as no surprise for us to learn that there is a day dedicated to sharing their passion with others.

Don’t think one day is enough? You’re not alone! Cheese lovers will be happy to learn that there are 18 other cheese-related holidays that happen throughout the year, (but we’re not sure that they all count.)

Will you make plans to celebrate the day of cheese? Let us know in the comments below. Happy National Cheese Day from Lions Pride!

 

Why Does Christopher Columbus Get All the Credit?

28 Thursday Sep 2017

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For the first time in September, it finally feels like autumn has arrived at the Lions Pride office. With the summer of 2017 officially behind us, it feels like there is a lot of time before the holiday season approaches, but there is always one holiday in October that always seems to sneak up on us – Columbus Day.

Think back to your grade school years. While the lessons in themselves may be a bit foggy, you likely remember this rhythmic line, “In 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue.” We were taught that Christopher Columbus was the first person to set sail and set foot on the “New Land,” but in the last few decades, historians have revealed what they believe is the actual history. There are a few theories depicting the birth of America, including one that a Viking actually arrived nearly 400 years before Columbus was even born.

Exploration was a family business for the Erikssons. Leif was the son of Erik the Red, founder of Greenland. It’s believed in the year 1000 AD, Erikkson sailed to Norway where he was converted to Christianity by King Olaf I. Then he set out on his next great adventure.

We have heard differing stories, some believe that Erikkson got lost traveling back to Greenland and sailed off course; others say that he heard rumor of a new land and went off to see it for himself. Regardless of the background, Leif discovered the North American continent. He spent winter exploring a region he called Vinland, what many now believe to be Newfoundland. After a few months, he traveled back to Greenland and never returned. Other competing theories say America’s first discoverers could have been Irish monks or Chinese explorers.

So, if Christopher Columbus wasn’t the first to discover America, why does he get a holiday and the credit? The answer is actually quite simple. Many believe he is known as the founder because he was the first to open up America to Europe – the world’s greatest expansionist at that time. We know now that there were already millions of people already here – the Native Americans, so it is likely that their ancestors were truly the New World’s first explorers.

Today, 17 states have chosen not to observe Columbus Day as a national holiday. Several cities and states are now choosing to celebrate instead with Indigenous People’s Day.

Hopefully, as time goes on, we will continue to learn more and more about the history of our country. We know that our past may not be perfect, but remember, it’s the struggles and challenges that show the greatest lessons and give us the opportunity to come together as one.

The History of Graduation Traditions

18 Thursday May 2017

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Bom bombombom bom bom… bom bombombom bomHappy Graduates

Wow! It’s hard to believe but another school year has come and gone (although students may or may not agree with our sentiment). This weekend, thousands of students across the country will be putting on their caps and gowns and preparing for the next phase of their lives as graduates. To celebrate their enormous accomplishment, we thought it would be fun to compile a few interesting facts about the graduation ceremony:

  • Pomp and Circumstance

Sir Edward Elgar composed the famous commencement tune, also known as “Land of Hope and Glory” in 1901. At its England premier, the conductor proclaimed, “The people simply rose and yelled. I had to play it again – with the same result…” Today, this piece is played at graduation ceremonies all over the words as processionals and recessionals.

  • Caps and Gowns

The traditional graduation outfit is, of course, the cap and gown. Its use first began in the 12th Century. At that time, heating systems had not been created, so graduates were forced to try and keep warm during the ceremony. Scholars began wearing long robes with hoods to preserve their warmth. Before long, the century gown became the official attire of academics.

  • Throwing of the Caps

Anyone familiar with graduation ceremonies knows that once all of the graduates receive their diplomas, they proceed to throw their caps in the air – but why? It turns out this tradition was started in the Naval Academy in 1912. Prior to graduation, academy graduates had to serve two years in the fleet before being commissioned as Navy officers. The graduating class of 1912 was commissioned during their commencement ceremony and received their officers’ hats. Since their midshipmen hats were no longer needed, the graduates threw their hats into the air without having to worry about getting them back. The tradition caught on at other institutions and the action is now regarded as a symbolic gesture to signify the ending of a monumental chapter.

Our Lions Pride office intern, Kirsten, will be graduating from the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point with a degree in business management. She spent nearly two years with our organization and will miss her dearly, but know that she has a bright future ahead. We’d like to wish her and all upcoming graduates congratulations and best wishes in all future endeavors. You did it!

The 2017 Wisconsin Lions State Convention

04 Thursday May 2017

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We’re on the road again – this time, we’re Where Theres a Needheaded to Western Wisconsin for the 2017 State Lions Convention, hosted by the La Crosse and Onalaska Lions, at the La Crosse Convention Center.

This year’s convention will be a bit different than past events as there are many changes and several fun events in store. Our hosts plan to infuse our Centennial Celebration with a little local history as well as other fun additions, such as the Lions Centennial Torch, and special guests.

The fun kicks off today with a golf tournament at Forest Hills, tours of the St. Rose Chapel, Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe and Dahl Auto Museum as well as the first hospitality night.

We’ll hit the ground running on Friday as the morning begins with board meetings and myLCI Training. We’ll then have our pick of informative seminars throughout the day. The day will end with business meeting awards, a community ice cream social with Ranison Ice Cream Shop and second hospitality night.

Saturday will begin with a Strides Walk, eyeglass sorting and third block of seminars. District meetings will commence at 10:30 am, followed by a noon luncheon and last block of seminars. The afternoon will continue with a Centennial Celebration, WLF Annual Meeting (with a special award presentation); followed by voting, our last hospitality night and anniversary ball.

For those planning to spend the night, Sunday will begin with a church service, brunch cruise and tour of the Historic Hixon House Museum. There is truly something for everyone this convention weekend.

We’re looking forward to another fun weekend filled with lots of great information and even better company. Be sure to stop and see the Lions Pride table when visiting the exhibitor hall to pick up a little gift from us. See you in La Crosse!

Labor Day and the Portage County Fair

03 Thursday Sep 2015

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Rosholt FairIs it just us or does it seem like we blinked and all of a sudden it was September? We feel like we were just talking about Memorial Day, and now school is back in session and we are on the heels of Labor Day Weekend.

Although this weekend is unofficially known as the end of summer, we look forward to Labor Day because that means it’s time for the Portage County Fair that happens right here in Rosholt.

You might be surprised to learn that there is a long history associated with our fair. The planning began back in May 1921 when the Rosholt Advancement Association decided to host a picnic that would coincide with the Portage County Guernsey Breeders Association. The event was a success as became an official fair in 1922. The receipts of the first year totaled $228.76, and expenses were $226.46, leaving $2.30 for profits. The profit was a “decided success” and the event became known as the Rosholt Community Free Fair.

The fair takes place every year from Friday to Monday and is fun for the whole family. So many activities take place during the weekend including live music, a parade, hot air balloon rides, laser light show, mini tractor pulls, carnival rides, games and more. Of course, you’ll see award-winning animals from our local 4-H and FFA members. You can also learn about the town’s history in the Pioneer Museum. See the entire event calendar.

If you’re still looking for something to do for Labor Day Weekend, we encourage you to visit Rosholt and attend the 89th Annual Portage County Fair. You’re sure to find activities for the whole family.

The Lions Pride office will be closed on Monday, September 7, in observance of Labor Day. We wish you a safe, fun holiday!

The History of Sporting Clays

04 Thursday Jun 2015

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By now, you have likely heard that we are anxiously awaiting the arrival of our largest Annual Lions Pride Shootannual event, the 8th Annual Lions Pride Shoot Sporting Clays Fundraiser; however, you may be new to the idea. Although the hobby is quickly becoming one of the fastest growing sports in the America, the term, ‘sporting clays’ is still relatively unfamiliar to many.

Sporting Clays, also referred to as “golf with a shotgun”, is a sport that simulates actual hunting. Courses reproduce the hunting of ducks, pheasants, upland birds such as grouse and quail, and even rabbits. There is no set season so sporting clays can be shot at any time.

The sport may be new to you, but it actually has an extensive history. Sporting clays go back to England in the mid-1800s. In those days, gentlemen owned all large estates. Their land consisted of countless numbers of acreage where nearly unlimited game could be bred and reared. To hunt on this land, you need to be invited by the owner. The chance of an invitation depended greatly on your social status, but you also needed to be a reasonable shot. Landowners wanted clean shots, not just injured game.

History of Sporting Clays

Since land was limited to the upper class, there weren’t many places available to practice; many shooters attempted to create game-like targets. The first targets were glass balls, but they were not ideal for practice. They were very expensive and hunters found that they were injuring their cattle with broken fragments.

In the 1880s, George Ligowsky invented the first clay target after seeing children skimming clamshells on a pond. He also designed launcher to replace the children’s throwing arm by “flicking” the wrist. As new targets and launchers were developed, more shooters started training to prepare for a hunting invitation, but the practice soon became a sport all of its own. Today, people of all ages enjoy the sport. More than 3 million shoot sporting clays competitively or recreationally each year.

We hope you’ll join us on June 13 at Milford Hills in Johnson Creek. Last year, we had both Lions and non-Lions of all skills levels compete. If you don’t shoot, you don’t have to miss the fun. We always have participants who choose to walk the course to watch the activities and take in the beautiful scenery of Southeastern Wisconsin.

To sign up or for more information email us or call the Lions Pride Office at 715-677-7000, or visit us on-line at www.lionspride.org/events. Hurry, the registration deadline has been extended to Monday, June 8! We look forward to seeing you there.