Tag Archives: John Hancock

National Handwriting Day is observed on January 23, 2022

National Handwriting Day is observed on, Sunday, January 23, 2022, marking the 285th anniversary of the birth of penmanship icon John Hancock.

The lost art of handwriting is one of the few ways we can uniquely express ourselves.

January 23rd was chosen as this is the birthday of John Hancock. John Hancock was the first person to sign the Declaration of Independence.

Handwriting allows us to be artists and individuals during a time when we often use computers, faxes and e-mail to communicate. Handwriting can add intimacy to a letter and reveal details about the writer’s personality. Throughout history, handwritten documents have sparked love affairs, started wars, established peace, freed slaves, created movements and declared independence.

Sincerity and individualism is expressed through the handwritten word. The purpose of National Handwriting Day is to alert the public to the importance of handwriting.

Whether you’re out of practice or execute some beautiful handwriting, share a little handwritten message with friends.

Here are a few other ideas to try:

  • Start a journal.
  • Send a handwritten letter to a friend or family member.
  • Write a short story or poem.
  • Take a calligraphy class.
  • Write a to-do list.
  • Leave a love note for someone dear to you.
  • Compliment someone with a handwritten sticky note.
  • Pay with a check – if you dare.
  • Leave your server a tip and a handwritten word of thanks for their service.

Work on your handwriting and use #NationalHandwritingDay to post on social media.

NATIONAL HANDWRITING DAY HISTORY

National Handwriting Day was established by the Writing Instrument Manufacturers Association in 1977. Their motive is to promote the consumption of pens, pencils, and writing paper. January 23rd was chosen as this is the birthday of John Hancock. John Hancock was the first person to sign the Declaration of Independence.

Factoids

  • January 23rd was chosen as this is the birthday of John Hancock. John Hancock was the first person to sign the Declaration of Independence.
  • A typical pencil can draw a line 35 miles long or write about 45,000 words.
  • Most ball-point pens will draw a line 4,000 to 7,500 feet long.
  • In 1908 A.C. Steward developed a press that could imprint round pencils.
  • The porous-point pen was introduced in 1963.
  • In 1977 a new type of ballpoint that uses low-viscosity ink was introduced – the “Rollerball”.
  • An unpainted pencil inserted into the soil of a potted plant can eliminate mealy bugs on plants.
  • Plant growers mark their plant labels with pencil because it is one marking that won’t fade in sunlight.

Federal Holidays Calendar​

An easy reference calendar of all U.S. Federal Holidays.

New Year’s Day December 31* Friday
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day January 17 Monday
George Washington’s Birthday** February 21 Monday
Memorial Day May 30 Monday
Juneteenth June 20* Monday
Independence Day July 4 Monday
Labor Day September 5 Monday
Columbus Day October 10 Monday
Veterans Day November 11 Friday
Thanksgiving Day November 24 Thursday
Christmas Day December 26* Monday

Official Dates

Some Federal Holidays repeatedly fall on the same date every year, while others fall on the same day of the week every year.

New Year’s Day January 1
Inauguration Day January 20*
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Third Monday in January
George Washington’s Birthday Third Monday in February
Memorial Day Last Monday in May
Juneteenth June 19
Independence Day July 4
Labor Day First Monday in September
Columbus Day Second Monday in October
Veterans Day November 11
Thanksgiving Day 4th Thursday in November
Christmas Day December 25