CHICAGO PUBLIC LIBRARY

Chicago Public Library is closed today. As is the stock market. So are the banks. If you’re to believe the annual mattress sales, it’s all in honor of President’s Day. But that’s not quite the case. While several states do officially recognize it as President’s Day, our doors are closed to celebrate the life, legacy and birthday of just one US President — George Washington.

In typical CPL fashion, we found a few lesser-known and fun facts about the day and its honest-to-goodness namesake:

•    Washington’s Birthday has been a federal holiday since 1885 and, for more than 80 years, it was celebrated on Washington’s actual birthday: Feb. 22.

•    In 1968, lawmakers first attempted to officially change Washington’s Birthday to Presidents’ Day. Rep. Robert McClory, a Republican from Illinois and one of the bill’s strongest proponents, was interested in stretching the holiday to honor Abraham Lincoln. But… the bill stalled in committee.

•    In fact, the US Office of Personnel Management lists today as Washington’s Birthday, with an explanation: “Though other institutions such as state and local governments and private businesses may use other names, it is our policy to always refer to holidays by the names designated in the law.” So, really, President’s Day is illegal.

•    George Washington has 31 counties, 17 towns and the nation’s capital named in his honor.

•    Washington did not wear fake wooden teeth, but he did have just one tooth at this inauguration. Over the years, he wore dentures made of human teeth, animal teeth, lead and ivory.

•    He was the only president who did not live in Washington D.C.

•    As a farmer, Washington grew marijuana on his farm and promoted its growth. He is also credited with introducing the mule to America.

•    He was the first Mason to serve as president.

•    Washington’s 2nd inaugural address was the shortest ever delivered - 135 words. For reference, up until this point, this post has 314 words.

Chicago Public Library is back in business tomorrow. In the meantime, however, browse our database of George Washington-related materials. And correct anyone who wrongly calls today President’s Day.