Toad Hollow Day of Encouragement
Spread kindness like confetti and watch the world sparkle! A sprinkle of encouragement is all it takes to help someone achieve their dreams.
While Toad Hollow is a somewhat fictional place, its power to encourage people is utterly real. Learn more about and celebrate Toad Hollow Day of Encouragement!
History of Toad Hollow Day of Encouragement
Started by a teacher and storyteller named Ralph C. Morrison, Toad Hollow Day of Encouragement developed naturally several decades ago. Mr. Morrison was a teacher who had heard about the name of Toad Hollow County School in Kalamazoo, Michigan and because he loved the name “Toad Hollow”, he began using it creatively in some of the stories he told.
When the Toad Hollow stories became popular, Kalamazoo County offered Mr. Morrison a spot in a rarely used park so that he could tell his stories. A non-profit organization was started that built an 1800s town and pioneer homestead in the park, which was called Toad Hollow.
For several years, Toad Hollow has become a delightful place where events such as historical reenactments, Renaissance fairs, craft classes and much more take place. Classes for skills such as candle making, quilting, blacksmithing and soap making offered a glimpse into skills from the previous century. It became an opportunity for children and adults to step back in time and enjoy the past!
Even after the property was no longer available for their use, the people who volunteered there still kept the idea and inspiration of Toad Hollow in their hearts. Events were still held, such as picnics and barbecues, and magical stories continued to be told.
One of the most important things that came out of the experience was the annual celebration of Toad Hollow Day of Encouragement. The purpose of the day was said to be a day to make a “heartfelt connection” with other people in the local community and to share a kind word with those around you.
Now, Toad Hollow Day of Encouragement is here to raise awareness for the simple practice of being encouraging and kind to those nearby.
How to Celebrate Toad Hollow Day of Encouragement
Consider some of these special ways to celebrate and enjoy Toad Hollow Day of Encouragement:
Be an Encouragement to Someone
Send a card, say a kind word or tell someone how much they are appreciated in observance of Toad Hollow Day of Encouragement. Even if the person isn’t aware of the legend behind Toad Hollow, they certainly will still appreciate the care and attention they are given in honor of the day.
Visit a Pioneer Village
Even though Toad Hollow no longer exists as a place in Michigan, other parks and museums are available where visitors can get a taste for what life in the past was like for early Americans. Check out one of these:
- Conner Prairie Farm, located in Fishers, Indiana, is a living history museum that recreates historical life along the White River.
- Ozaukee County Pioneer Village in Cedarburg, Wisconsin, offers living history that includes at least 24 different buildings that have been brought together from the late 1800s and early 1900s.
- Salem Pioneer Village, located in Massachusetts, is another living history museum that recreates the first city of Salem as it was in the 17th century, when the Pilgrims settled there.
