Harrison's Connection to President's Day

Each year, the United States marks Presidents' Day on the third Monday of February, honoring the contributions and leadership of the nation's most prominent figures. Though the holiday originally celebrated the birthday of George Washington, the first President of the United States, it has since evolved into a day to celebrate all U.S. presidents, with an emphasis on their legacies and lasting impact on the country.

The Origins of Presidents’ Day

Presidents' Day did not always exist as it does today. The holiday initially began as a celebration of George Washington’s birthday, February 22, 1732, which was a nationally recognized event. However, following the passage of the Uniform Monday Holiday Act in 1968, Washington's birthday became part of a larger holiday observance called Presidents' Day, which falls on the third Monday in February. The purpose of the Uniform Monday Holiday Act was to provide more three-day weekends for the nation's workers by moving the observance of holidays to Mondays, thereby benefiting both commerce and the public.

This change also created a connection to the birthday of President Abraham Lincoln, which occurred on February 12. As a result, Presidents' Day now serves as a day to recognize both Washington and Lincoln, two pivotal figures in American history, as well as all other U.S. presidents who have shaped the course of the nation. The holiday provides a moment to reflect on the leadership and sacrifices of these men who guided the country through times of war, peace, and significant social change.

Harrison, NJ, and Presidential Visit

Main Gate of Charles F. Guyon Former Crucible Steel (Riverbend District Now)

While Presidents' Day is a nationwide celebration, the town of Harrison, New Jersey, has its special connection to U.S. presidential history. The Town of Harrison NJ was named after President William Henry Harrison who was President of the United States from March 4, 1841 to April 4, 1841 (the shortest presidency).  President William Howard Taft visited the Town of Harrison in 1912 when he was en route to a meeting of the Newark Board of Trade in Newark, NJ, and was so impressed with the decorations in his honor and a very large crowd of residents along his route down Harrison Avenue that he was persuaded to tour Harrison’s Industrial Area.  It was then that he referred to the Town of Harrison as the “Hive of Industry” which was later adopted for branding purposes “The Beehive of Industry”.  It was formerly trademarked and placed on Town letterhead and merchants and industrialists started to use it on their stationary as well.

The Significance of Presidential Visits

Presidential visits, such as that of President Taft to Harrison were not only ceremonial but also had practical implications for Harrison’s development. These visits were often accompanied by speeches, which highlighted the importance of Harrison’s industries and the role they played in the broader national narrative. For many of Harrison’s residents, these moments served as validation for their hard work in the steel mills, factories, and other burgeoning industries. The visits were a recognition of their contributions to the nation's economy and a chance to showcase their community to the rest of the country.

Moreover, the visits had a profound impact on local pride. In small towns like Harrison, visits from high-ranking political figures created a sense of unity and excitement among residents. These visits helped foster a sense of civic engagement, as people from all walks of life participated in events surrounding the visit, whether through parades, rallies, or public gatherings. Harrison’s residents found themselves part of a larger American story—a narrative shaped by the leadership of presidents who visited and took an interest in their community.

Charles F. Guyon Building Skeleton (Steelworks / Cobalt Lofts Now)

Presidents' Day Today: A Time for Reflection

As we celebrate Presidents' Day each February, it is important to remember the historical significance of the day—not just as a day for sales or school vacations, but as a day to reflect on the history and legacies of the leaders who shaped the United States. For Harrison, New Jersey, Presidents' Day is a reminder of the visits from President William Howard Taft and its namesake President William Henry Harrison, and of the town's role in the larger story of American industry and progress.

This Presidents' Day, as we reflect on the leadership and sacrifices of George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and all U.S. presidents, let us also take a moment to honor the role of towns like Harrison, whose residents continue to shape the national landscape.  The industry that President Taft was noting is gone but residents’ hard work in a variety of professions continues to make the Town of Harrison, the Beehive of Industry.

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