Monday, April 1, 2013
Learn more about the origins of April Fools' Day.
While the origins of April Fools' Day are sketchy at best, one of the more popular theories dates back to the 16th century. Prior to 1582, the new year began on April 1. When the new year was moved to Jan. 1 in 1582, there were some people who hadn't heard or didn't believe the change in the date, so they continued to celebrate New Year's Day on April 1. These "April fools" were often ridiculed by being sent on "fools errands" or were made the butt of other practical jokes. Below are some other fun and interesting April Fools' Day facts: Follow Richfield Patch on Twitter | Like us on Facebook | Sign up for our daily newsletter
Sunday, February 17, 2013
Not only does it rank first among presidents' names, its No. 1 when it comes to names of places throughout the United States. See more below.
Presidents’ Day is observed on the third Monday of February every year. And while many feel Presidents’ Day is a time to honor all former U.S. presidents, the holiday is actually the official observance of George Washington’s birthday, which is Feb. 22, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The Census Bureau recently released a list of the country's 100 most common names of places, minor civil divisions (MCD) and counties. As it turns out, many presidents' names turn up quite high on the list. The following is the list from the Census Bureau: 61 Grant Note: The “actual name” column is based on the number of places, MCDs and counties with just that name alone. The “total” column includes the “actual name” count plus the count in which the …
Friday, February 1, 2013
With the recent cold snap, the prospect of Punxsutawney Phil predicting six more weeks of winter on Feb. 2 is especially daunting.
Groundhog Day is on Saturday, Feb. 2 this year, and the recent Arctic temperatures are giving the day a bit more resonance than usual. According to the myth, if a groundhog sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter; if he does not, spring is right around the corner. Last year, Pennsylvania's Punxsutawney Phil predicted six more weeks of winter while Staten Island Chuck called for an early spring. Groundhog Day and other similar legends are based on the beliefs of Europeans, but the true origins of the holiday are lost in time. The day originated from the Germans, Scots and early Christian Europeans. It is celebrated every year on Feb. 2. On this day, a groundhog comes out of its burrow and checks for his shadow to determine …
Monday, January 21, 2013
How much do you know about the civil rights leader?
Follow Richfield Patch on Twitter | Like us on Facebook | Sign up for our daily newsletter On Jan. 15, 1929, Martin Luther King Jr. was born. He was a man who would eventually become the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a renowned leader in the advancement of civil rights around the world. Every third Monday in January, we observe the birth of Martin Luther King Jr., and this year, it falls on Jan. 16, we celebrate the birth of King as a day to promote equality among all people, regardless of background or ethnicity. Among his best-known accomplishments, King was a chief motivator in the movement to end racial segregation in the United States. He was the youngest man to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, and his beliefs in nonviolent …
Monday, December 31, 2012
While celebrating in Lakeville, bring these interesting fun facts and trivia about New Year's Eve.
If you're celebrating New Year's Eve in Richfield this year and find a lull in the conversation, and the wine just isn't getting things going, impress your family and friends with this New Year's trivia: Follow Richfield Patch on Twitter | Like us on Facebook | Sign up for our daily newsletter
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
A look at some of the December holiday celebrations.
Friday, December 21, 2012
Several other holidays—some religious, some secular—make December a special month for non-Christians, too. And that doesn't even count today's predicted apocalypse.
Jesus is the reason for the season, the old saying goes, but that’s only partially true. December is also a special time for people from other faith traditions, and those with none at all. Did you know today is the shortest day of the year? It's also, supposedly, the day of the apocalypse. For instance: Hanukkah In the spectrum of Jewish observances, Hanukkah is a relatively minor event, says Rabbi Lynn Liberman of the Beth Jacob Congregation in Mendota Heights. The holiday has grown in prominence largely because of its proximity to that other big religious holiday that comes along at about the same time. Hanukkah celebrates a military victory and the rededication of the holy temple in Jerusalem during the 2nd century BCE. During this …
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Nov. 1 is All Saints' Day.
Thursday, August 2, 2012
The Richfield Historical Society is holding a birthday party this weekend.
Follow Richfield Patch on Twitter | Like us on Facebook | Sign up for our daily newsletter The Richfield Historical Society is welcoming all to join in the festivies celebrating the 160th birthday of the historic Bartholomew House this Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. The Bartholomew House was the first homestead established in Richfield in the 1850s and has become well-known in the Twin Cities for its interesting exhibits and educational opportunities. Saturday's event will feature games, music, tours of the house, some secret hands-on activities, and cake and lemonade. The house is located at 6901 Lyndale Ave. S. and is completely free. For more information, contact Jodi Larson by calling 612-798-6140 or emailing staff@richfie…
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Richfield teacher Chris Peterson was selected during a competitive process by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History to attend a week-long seminar.
Editor's Note: The following is a Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History press release. This summer, Richfield High School history teacher Chris Peterson will travel to the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, VA, to attend a week-long seminar entitled “The American Civil War: Origins and Consequences.” Led by renowned historian Gary W. Gallagher of the University of Virginia, seminar participants will include K–12 teachers, library educators, and National Park Service interpreters who were selected by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History in a competitive process. Headed by Professor Gallagher, and sponsored by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, this seminar will examine the era of the American Civil …
Caitlin Burgess
3:08 pm on Friday, February 1, 2013
I think so too. Especially on a below zero day like this in Minnesota. more ›