National Tin Can Day
About National Tin Can Day
When is National Tin Can Day? This holiday is always observed on January 19
It is very fitting that the Tin Can has its very own special day of recognition. Made of tin-coated steel or aluminum, the humble tin can is perhaps one of the greatest inventions in history. It revolutionized the storage of perishable foods. Tin cans are part of virtually everyone’s lives. It changed the way we store food and allowed for safe, long-term storage of so many foods. So, enjoy National Tin Can Day, a January 19 holiday.
The tin can was invented in the early 1800s. Several people claim to be the inventor and/or the holder of the first patent. The first tin cans were produced in England. Philippe Henri de Girard of France is the original creator. French Inventor Nicholas Appertin came up with the canning concept in 1809. Peter Durand of England patented the tin can in 1810. On January 19, 1825, Ezra Daggett and Thomas Kensett received the U.S. tin can patent. The celebration of National Tin Can Day is in recognition of this event.
While the tin can was invented in early 1800, it wasn’t until 1858, nearly 50 years later, that Ezra Warner invented the can opener. Before that, tin cans were hacked, chopped, and chiseled open.
The Tin Can Day Motto: Yes, we can!!
For many decades, the tin can was used and then discarded. A precious few cans had a second use as target practice. Today, the tin can receives the respect it is due. It is a valuable commodity that is now recycled, keeping it from the waste stream.
Did You Know? Tin cans were once sealed with lead, causing many cases of lead poisoning.
Celebrate National Tin Can Day by enjoying meals that come from tin cans.
Ways to Participate in National Tin Can Day
Here are some ways you can celebrate and enjoy this holiday:
- Start a can collection.
- Visit a Can Museum. Coke and Pepsi have displays in their museums. There are several other museums, too.
- Kick a can down the road.
- Use them for target practice.
- Crush a few cans. See how flat you can make them.
- Play a game with them. For example. place a few on a fence. Step back ten or twenty feet. Then, use a ball and try to knock them off the fence.
- Recycle them at the end of the day.
Today's Quote
Don’t limit your challenges…. challenge your limits.
History and Origin of National Tin Can Day
While there is much information about the tin can and its history, we did not find the creator of this special day, or when it first began. It appears to have been a special day for quite some time. Amazingly, when it came time to document this day, the creator kicked the can down the road, and never got around to documenting it.
There is no evidence to suggest that this is truly a “National” day, which requires an act of congress. In typical political fashion, when it came time to vote this to be a “national” day, congress most likely kicked the can down the road.
It is a shame that it has yet to become a true “National” day. The tin can was a great invention, that positively changed the way many foods were safely stored, and for long durations.
Definition of “National” Days – Discover why it is important to distinguish true National days.
This Day in History
In addition to National Tin Can Day, here are some other things that happened on January 19:
- The first electrical lighting system using overhead wires was constructed by Thomas Edison. (1883)
- Civil War Confederate Army General Robert E. Lee was born on this day in 1807.
More January 19 Holidays
Additionally, here is another January 19 holiday we are sure you will enjoy:
More About Today
This Day in History – Indeed, many other important events occurred on this date. See what happened on this date in history.
Famous January Birthdays – Did you ever wonder what famous people share your birth date? If so, then find out now!
Ecards – Send a free Ecard daily for National Tin Can Day or just about any calendar holiday, occasion, observance, or event. Undoubtedly, it’s fun for both the sender and the recipient.
Flower of the Day: Anemone
Today’s Recipe: Mashed Potato Patties
Holiday Insights, where every day in January is a holiday, a bizarre or wacky day, an observance, or a special event. Thus, please join us in the daily calendar fun each and every day of the year.
Did You Know? Furthermore, in addition to National Tin Can Day, there are literally thousands of daily holidays, special events, and observances, more than one for every day of the year. Many of these holidays are new. People and organizations are creating new holidays regularly. January holidays are no exception. Consequently, at Holiday Insights, we take great efforts to thoroughly research and document the details of each one, as completely and accurately as possible.