May 23, 2021 – National Lucky Penny Day | National Taffy Day

Did You Know That The First Salt Water Taffy Was A Happy Accident?

Welcome to May 23rd, 2021 on the National Day Calendar. Today we celebrate the flip of a coin and sticky situations. 

Pennies were first minted in 1793, but it wasn’t until 1909 that Abraham Lincoln’s image was added to the coin. Teddy Roosevelt commissioned these coins in recognition of Lincoln’s 100th birthday. This was the first time that the likeness of a president—or any real person—appeared on a United States coin. The engraving of Honest Abe appeared on the front and the back read “One Cent. United States of America” until 50 years later, when the back was changed to an image of the Lincoln Memorial. In 2010, the tails side was altered again, this time with a Union Shield. They may not be valued at much these days, but on National Lucky Penny Day, keep your eyes peeled for these omens of good luck.  

Life is full of happy accidents, it’s all in how you look at things.  Consider the story of salt water taffy.  In 1883, David Bradley of Atlantic City, New Jersey walked into his store to find his entire supply of taffy had been covered in ocean water during a local storm.  When a girl came in that morning to buy some candy, Bradley joked that he only had salt water taffy.  She willingly tried a piece and found it was delicious, and then ran down the beach to tell her friends.  Salt water taffy is now a mainstay at candy stores and gift shops everywhere.  On National Taffy Day, celebrate the sweet solutions to any sticky situation.  And thank your lucky stars for those big storms. 

I’m Anna Devere and I’m Marlo Anderson.  Thanks for joining us as we Celebrate Every Day.


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