What did "Sweep Day" refer to in the early 1900's?

Question

In a series of letters I have between my g-grandmother, her sister and her aunt, they refer to "Sweep Day." Is it cleaning day? or is it refering to a specific day ie. election day? or a holiday? or??  the date of the letter that mentions it is 8 Dec 1905 in Pennsylvania.

Thanks!

Linda Stienstra

Answer 1

My guess would be chimney sweeping.  Couldn't find a reference to a specific "sweep day" but chimney sweeping has quite a history.

Answer 2

Great question. I love these. I went to Google and searched for:

1905 "sweep day" Philadelphia

One of the results included a link to a 1905 issue of the  Scranton Republican, and specifically an article that included an advertisement for 

a No. 7 Broom, made from new corn, strongly sewed; the best weight for sweep - day purpose.

suggesting that your original hypothesis might have been accurate.

See http://www.newspapers.com/newspage/48263777/

Comments

Good find Jillaine!  All I got was chimney sweep information.  :-P