National Happy Hour Day

The story

Surprisingly, what we now associate with post-work fun in cities actually originated with the U.S. Navy in 1914. Before that, social clubs with “Happy Hour” existed in 1900. The modern Happy Hour began during the Mexican-American war, particularly in Veracruz Harbor, where the U.S.S. Arkansas sailors became a focus for reporters seeking stories.

In 1914, a “Washington Times” article highlighted the contentment of U.S. sailors during their Happy Hour aboard ship, involving boxing matches, dancing, and drinking after busy days. Despite a ban on liquor in naval vessels from 1899, some sailors may have sneaked alcohol on board.

By the end of WWII, Happy Hours became a widespread practice in U.S. naval fleets. On April 25, 1959, a “Saturday Evening Post” article popularized the term for everyone outside the Navy. According to “Bustle”, an article titled “The Men Who Chase Missiles” described the financial hazards faced by those living on remote islands tracking missile launches, except for a few who spent too much during Happy Hour at the bar, where the money added up fast.