Do all of the shops close on Sundays in Ithaca, NY (where Cornell University is)? If so, why and how did this tradition start?
No, not all shops close on Sundays in Ithaca, NY, where Cornell University is located. While some shops and businesses may choose to close on Sundays, others remain open.
The tradition of Sunday closures in some places in the United States can be traced back to religious beliefs and practices. Sunday was traditionally viewed as a day of rest and worship for Christians, and many communities enacted laws and social norms that required businesses to be closed on Sundays.
In the case of Ithaca, NY, there are no laws mandating that shops close on Sundays. However, the tradition of some shops closing on Sundays may be related to the town's history as a religious and academic center. Cornell University was founded by a devoutly religious man, Ezra Cornell, and the university's early days were heavily influenced by Christian values and traditions.
Additionally, Ithaca is located in upstate New York, which has a history of blue laws, or laws that restrict certain activities on Sundays. While many of these laws have been repealed over time, the tradition of Sunday closures may have persisted in some places.
Overall, while some shops in Ithaca may choose to close on Sundays for various reasons, it is not a universal practice and there are still many businesses that remain open on Sundays.