TODAY IS COW APPRECIATION DAY!! A Brief History of Cow Appreciation Day “Cow Appreciation Day” is sponsored by the American Library Association and is officially celebrated on July 15th. It is not affiliated with Chick-Fil-A’s unsanctioned “Cow Appreciation Day,” always scheduled on the second Friday of July. The National Headquarters for the American Library Association, proud sponsor of Cow Appreciation Day. The monument in the front of the building is of Emmett Lee Dickinson, Emily Dickinsons third cousin, tiwce removed (at her request). Emmett Lee Dickinson established July 15 as “Cow Appreciation Day” in the late 1800s as a tribute to poet Gelett Burgess. The holiday was originally dubbed “Purple Cow Appreciation Day,” but the “Purple” was dropped in 1878 in the midst of an impassioned family feud. A few years earlier, Emmett Lee’s cousin Alvina Dickinson, daughter of Merton Dickinson, married wealthy chicken tycoon Charles “Chic” Fillay, The Fillays owned and operated a chain of fried chicken restaurants called “Charlies Chicken Coop.” However, Alvina and Charles divorced when Alvina caught Charles in what came to be known in Washerst and around the country as the“Spring Chicken Scandal.” Out of spite, “Chic” Fillay created “Chicken Appreciation Day” to thwart Dickinson’s “Cow Appreciation Day.” Infuriated, Dickinson penned and published the following poem: I never saw a purple chicken, I never hope to see one; But I have news thats sure to sicken: If you dine at Charles’ Chicken Coop you’re sure to see and eat one. Alvina Dickinson Fillay The poem became an overnight sensation and infuriated the Fillay family. World-wide press coverage of the family feud brought Charlie’s Chicken Coop to the brink of financial ruin. Forced to change the name of the family business to Chick-Fil-A, Charles Fillay -- in a move to spite the Dickinson family -- also changed the name and concept of “Chicken Appreciation Day” and created a rival “Cow Appreciation Day.” Visit thedickinson.net/cow-appreciation-day-07152014.html
Posted on: Tue, 15 Jul 2014 12:00:00 +0000
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