Talking in an elevator with a group of total strangers can be somewhat awkward, to say the least. While they’re on the elevator, most people will fiddle with their smartphone or stare straight ahead to avoid engaging with other passengers in conversation. And that might be fine for the rest of the year, but it isn’t fine on National Talk In An Elevator Day. This holiday falls on the last Friday in July and encourages everyone to strike up a conversation with another person while you’re in the elevator.

The History Of Elevators

Since we couldn’t come up with the history for National Talk In An Elevator Day, we thought we’d take a few moments to talk about the history of the elevator. Elevators have been a piece of technology that’s been around since Biblical times. Some of the earliest elevators were known as hoists, and they used animals or groups of men to operate. The modern elevator, however, hasn’t been around for quite that long. The modern elevator can trace its history back to the beginning of the 19th century. These elevators were used in mines and factories and were steam-powered. Later, hydraulic elevators would be created. In 1852, the first safety elevator was introduced by Elisha Otis.

Facts About Elevators

The elevator is a piece of technology that millions of people interact with on a daily basis, but few people actually know much about them. To combat this problem, we’ve decided to list some of the most interesting facts about elevators that we think everyone should know.

• There are over 700,000 elevators in the U.S.
• According to statistical analysis, elevators are one of the safest modes of transportation.
• It’s been estimated that elevators are up to 20 times safer than escalators.
• On most elevators, the close button doesn’t actually work. It’s just there for the user’s peace of mind.
• Every three days, the elevators of the world carry the equivalent of the entire world’s population.
• The Roman Colosseum had elevators that were manually operated by slaves.
• The simple elevator was invented by the mathematician Archimedes in the 3rd Century B.C.
• The first manually controlled elevator in existence was the one installed at the Marriott in New York City.
• Elevator music began to appear in elevators during the 1920s.
• The average person who uses elevators will do so four times in a single day.
• Since 85% of buildings don’t have a 13th floor, most elevators don’t have a #13 button.

Observing National Talk In An Elevator Day

National Talk In An Elevator Day can be observed by simply engaging another elevator passenger in conversation, even though it might seem awkward. After you enjoy your elevator conversation, then use the hashtag #NationalTalkInAnElevatorDay to let everyone know that you’re observing this holiday.