NATIONAL HANGING OUT DAY - April 19
NATIONAL HANGING OUT DAY
Each year on April 19th, Project Laundry List works with hundreds of other organizations to sponsor National Hanging Out Day. This day encourages communities to learn about the benefits, both financially and environmentally, of using a clothesline for drying laundry. According to Project Laundry Lists' website, clothes dryers account for an astonishing six to ten percent of residential energy consumption. Hanging your clothes out to dry also includes all these other benefits:
- You will reduce your carbon footprint.
- You will save money.
- The fresh air and sunshine recharge our bodies in therapeutic ways.
- Clothes dried on a clothesline have a natural freshness.
- It encourages us to slow down.
#NationalHangingOutDay
HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL HANING OUT DAY
- Hang your freshly washed clothes out to dry.
- Install a clothesline.
- Try sleeping in sun and air-dried sheets—it's amazingly refreshing!
- Share pictures of your clothes drying on the line.
- Post tips, tools, and tricks to hanging clothes.
- Join the conversation by using #NationalHangingOutDay on social media.
- While you're waiting for the clothes to dry, download and print the Hanging Out Day color page.
NATIONAL HANGING OUT DAY HISTORY
Since 1995, Project Laundry List and several other organizations have sponsored National Hanging Out Day. Project Laundry List is a New Hampshire-based group encouraging outdoor drying of clothes, "making air-drying laundry and cold-water washing acceptable and desirable as simple and effective ways to save energy," as quoted from their mission statement.
Hanging Out FAQ
Q. Did you hear that Velveeta created a hangout called the Clothesline?
A. Yes. It's made from string cheese.
Q. Did you hear about the dish soap made for washing clothes?
A. Yes. The partnership just dawned on them.
Q. Did you know that in Ireland, they hang their clotheslines across streams?
A. Yes. They call it "Irish String."
April 19th Celebrated History
1775
The American Revolution begins.
1897
J.J. McDermott wins the first Boston Marathon in 2 hours, 55 minutes, and 10 seconds. The Boston Athletic Association hosted the race from Ashland to Boston and other games at Irvington Oval. Fifteen runners competed in the race.
1924
WLS-AM in Chicago begins airing National Barn Dance. The radio show broadcast for 36 years. In 1925, George D. Hay created a similar radio show at WSM-AM in Nashville, Tennessee, called WSM Barn Dance. Within two years, he renamed it the Grand Ole Opry, which still airs today.
1967
K.V. Switzer ran the Boston Marathon in 1967 and completed the race in four hours forty-four minutes thirty-one seconds. She was the first woman to complete the Boston Marathon, though, at the time, women weren't allowed to race.
1995
More than 500 people were injured, and 168 people lost their lives in a domestic terrorist attack of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City.
April 19th Celebrated Birthdays
Sarah Bagley - 1806
As a young mill worker became an early advocate for factory workers. She advocated 10-hour workdays and better working conditions in the mills. In 1846, Bagley made history when she became the first female telegraph operator.
Lucretia Garfield - 1832
The 21st First Lady of the United States served a short six months in the White House. In July, an assassin shot President James Garfield. As his death came a slow two months later, the First Lady was by his side.
Eliot Ness - 1903
During the Prohibition Era, Eliot Ness became known for his law enforcement efforts to fight organized crime syndicates in Chicago. He created a team called "The Untouchables" tasked with the arrest and conviction of Al Capone.
Susan Polgar - 1969
The Hungarian-born chess player earned tope FIDE raking at the age of 15. She is only the third woman in the world to be awarded the title of Grandmaster.
