Presidents’ Day
Presidents’ Day pays tribute to our first President of the United States, George Washington, born on February 22, 1732. A federal holiday in the U.S., Presidents’ Day is celebrated on the third Monday in February each year. The holiday is intended to honor the accomplishments and contributions of the country’s presidents.
The origins of Presidents’ Day can be traced back to the late 18th century when the country first began celebrating George Washington’s birthday. Washington’s birthday became a holiday in several states during his lifetime and was made a federal holiday in 1885.
In the late 1960s, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act to create more three-day weekends for workers by moving certain federal holidays to Mondays. As a result, Washington’s Birthday was moved from February 22 to the third Monday in February. The new holiday was officially called “Washington’s Birthday,” but many people began to refer to it as “Presidents’ Day” in recognition of the contributions of other presidents.
While the Day has traditionally been a time for celebrating the achievements of the nation’s leaders, many retailers now see it as an opportunity to offer discounts and promotions to shoppers. As a result, some of the most popular items on sale during Presidents’ Day include electronics, furniture, clothing, and appliances.
Presidents in Michigan
President William Howard Taft visited Muskegon on September 14, 1911, to attend the opening of the Muskegon channel. President Gerald Ford, a native of Michigan, also visited Muskegon several times during his presidency and afterward. In 1975, President Ford gave a speech at Muskegon Community College, and in 1976 he participated in a dedication ceremony for a new Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
Presidential visits to Muskegon County have included Donald Trump in 2020, George W. Bush in 2004, John F. Kennedy in 1962, and Harry S. Truman in 1952.
Presidential Roads in Norton Shores
Coolidge, Harding, Roosevelt, Wilson, Taft, and McKinley Ct. can be found off Grand Haven Road and E. Hile Road, often called the Presidential Court by locals. You can also drive down Lincoln St. or Churchill Drive, Madison Street, Wilson Rd, and Wilson Avenue.
