Some people think the observance celebrates, William “Boss” Tweed. He wasoOften erroneously referred to as "William Marcy Tweed", and widely known as "Boss" Tweed.
This American politician was most notable for being the "boss" of Tammany Hall, the Democratic Party political machine that played a major role in the politics of 19th century New York City and State.
This American politician was most notable for being the "boss" of Tammany Hall, the Democratic Party political machine that played a major role in the politics of 19th century New York City and State.
Tweed was born on this day in 1823. At the time, he was the wealthiest and most powerful politician.
While being considered the “poster boy” for political corruption, Tweed is still known by many as one of the most notorious politicians in American history. He died on April 12, 1878, in jail, after being caught with millions of dollars of stolen public money.
Others believe that National Tweed Day celebrates the fabric. Originally produced in Scotland, the durable textile was initially handwoven.
While the rough, woolen cloth is sturdy, it is also known for being lightweight. The traditionally earthy colors blend well with the Scottish landscape as well. Different families of tweed fall into various categories and styles.
The estate the tweet represents, the sheep from which the fabric is woven and the patter all determine the particular kind of tweed it becomes. Famous fictional characters who wore tweed include Sherlock Holmes, James Bond and Professor Henry Jones (aka Indiana Jones).
Combining the Tweeds
Several actors have portrayed Boss Tweed in film, too. You may recognize Jim Broadbent for his portrayal of William "Boss" Tweed in Martin Scorsese's 2002 American epic historical crime/drama film 'Gangs of New York'.
The actor’s wardrobe may also contain a few pieces of tweed, too. One of his more notable tweed-wearing characters was Professor Horace E. F. Slughorn in the Harry Potter film series.
While Vincent Price may be more well-known for other sinister characters, he also portrayed the notorious politician in the American Broadway musical comedy Up in Central Park.
The woolen textile didn’t make much of a stage presence, though. However, Price also voiced Professor Ratigan in the 1986 American animated family/mystery film 'The Great Mouse Detective'. Based off of the evil nemesis, Moriarity, from the Sherlock Holmes stories, we circle back to all things tweed.
"Boss" Tweed also shows up on screen two other times. The actors who portrayed him were American actor Philip Bosco and American stage, film and television actor Edward Andrews.
However, neither the three-hour 1986 American drama/history television film 'Liberty' or the one-hour CBS American black and white historical anthology television series The Great Adventure (1963–1964) are available for viewing.
HOW TO OBSERVE
Wear a tweed hat, vest or suit. While wearing your tweed, learn more about William “Boss” Tweed. Discover more about his impact on New York. Watch one of the movies mentioned above.
Read a book about textile or about "Boss" Tweed. May National Day Calendar® suggest American writer and professor emeritus of City and Regional Planning at the University of Pennsylvania Seymour J. Mandelbaum's 1965 book Boss Tweed’s New York?
Use #NationalTweedDay to post on social media.
HISTORY
National Day Calendar® continues to research the origins of this
textile holiday.
#NationalTweedDay
@tweedmaker
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