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National Tweed Day – April 3, 2023

Tweed Day on April 3 is celebrated either to commemorate the life of William ‘Boss’ Tweed or just to celebrate plain old tweed. The mystery surrounding the origin and reason for the day just makes it more exciting! Whatever you choose to celebrate on the day, there’s no better place to find all the pertinent information you need than right here. So choose to celebrate either a rapscallion or a material that is soft and warm on this day!

History of National Tweed Day

There is a debate as to the actual purpose of tweed day. Some believe the day is celebrated because of a man called William ‘Boss’ Tweed, while others believe the day is a celebration of the tweed material. Let’s look at both proposed theories.

Tweed, also known as Boss Tweed, was born on April 3, 1823. He was an American politician who also held a considerable number of positions across the boards of different companies. At different times, he served as both a member of the United States House of Representatives and the Senate. Later on, he became the third-largest landowner in New York City, acquired through illegally-obtained public funds. He obtained the nickname ‘Boss’ in 1863 after becoming the ‘Grand Sachem’ of Tammany Hall, a political organization in New York. Leveraging on his political positions, Boss engaged in a number of fraudulent activities such as overcharging the government, awarding government contracts to companies he owned, and accepting money in exchange for favors. After a series of outrageous scandals, Boss was arrested twice in 1871, released on a bail of a million dollars the first time and eight million dollars the second time. A few years later, he was found guilty of several offenses and sentenced to prison. In 1875, he escaped from prison, boarding a ship to Spain. However, the U.S. government caught wind of his arrest and arranged for him to be caught and returned to prison in America, where he died in 1878.

Tweed, on the other hand, is a rough closely woven, woolen fabric made to withstand harsh climates. The fabric originated in Scotland and is also closely linked to Ireland, Wales, and England. Despite the different theories regarding the context of Tweed Day, it is most celebrated in honor of tweed itself, as opposed to William Tweed.

National Tweed Day timeline

1786
Tammany Hall

Tammany Hall, a branch of the Democratic Party to which Boss belonged, is founded.

1823
William ‘Boss’ Tweed

Tweed is born on April 3.

1831
Tweel to Tweed

The name of the fabric accidentally changes from ‘tweel’ to ‘tweed.’

1909
Harris Tweed Act of Parliament

An Act of Parliament is signed to ensure that Harris Tweed fabrics are correctly produced.

National Tweed Day FAQs

Can tweed be worn all year?

Because of its thickness, tweed is usually worn during winter. However, it never goes out of style and can be worn from spring to winter.

Did getting arrested keep Tweed from being elected in 1871?

In 1871, the sheriff (and Tammany man) Matthew Brennan arrested Tweed. This was a week before voters went to the polls to decide the Boss’s State Senate seat. Brennan accepted a $1 million bond for Tweed’s bail and moved on, and the Grand Sachem defeated his rival days later.

What is tweed fabric made of?

Tweed is a type of wool weave that is designed for weather resistance. Because it is made from natural wool, each tweed product looks slightly different. By choosing certain sheep breeds instead of others, you can somewhat control the pattern that will emerge in your tweed garment.

How to Celebrate National Tweed Day

  1. Wear tweed

    Celebrate by wearing any clothing item made of tweed. Whether it’s a tweed jacket or even a purse, let tweed feature in your outfit.

  2. Read up

    You can also celebrate by learning more about the life of William Tweed. Take it as a lesson in integrity and avoid the mistakes he made.

  3. Start a debate

    Is National Tweed Day about William Tweed or tweed fabric? Get opinions from others! Make a big deal about your choice.

5 Facts About Boss Tweed

  1. Parentage

    His father was a third-generation chair-maker of Scottish heritage.

  2. Education

    Tweed quit school at the tender age of 11 to learn his father’s trade.

  3. Marriage

    On September 29, 1844, he married a woman called Mary Jane Skaden.

  4. Early work

    After working as a brush maker, he joined his family’s business in 1852.

  5. Death

    He died of pneumonia on April 12, 1878, while in prison.

Why We Love National Tweed Day

  1. Warmth

    People love tweed because of its warm, cozy, and breathable feel. It can be worn both during winter and during summer.

  2. Style

    Regardless of the latest trends and fads, tweed remains timelessly chic and luxurious. It can be worn both for casual and posh outings.

  3. Moral value

    If you choose to celebrate National Tweed Day in commemoration of Boss Tweed, his life gives us a lesson in integrity. We learn that corruption and other evil acts have dire consequences.

National Tweed Day dates

YearDateDay
2023April 3Monday
2024April 3Wednesday
2025April 3Thursday
2026April 3Friday
2027April 3Saturday

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