“Happy Hour” usually refers to drinks at bars and restaurants, but there have been other definitions. “I’ve reached the age where ‘Happy Hour’ is a nap” (or “You know you’re getting older when happy hour is a nap") is a jocular one-line saying that has been printed on many images.
“Old-timer to a neighbor: ‘I’ve reached the age where the happy hour is a nap.’ — Orben’s Current Comedy“ was published in The Reader’s Digest in 1984. Orben’s Current Comedy was published by American comedy writer Robert Orben.
Wikipedia: Robert Orben
Robert Orben (born March 4, 1927) is an American professional comedy writer, although he also worked as a magician. He has written multiple books on comedy, mostly collections of gags and “one-liners” originally written for his newsletter, Orben’s Current Comedy, and has also written books for magicians. Later, Orben moved into politics, and in 1973 he became head speechwriter to Vice President Gerald R. Ford.
Google Books
The Reader’s Digest
Volume 124
1984
Pg. 54:
Old-timer to a neighbor: “I’ve reached the age where the happy hour is a nap.” — Orben’s Current Comedy
15 October 1984, Centre Daily Times (State College, PA), “Good Evening,” pg. 1, col. 3:
SLEEPY: Robert Orben tells about an old-timer saying to a neighbor: “I’ve reached the age where the happy hour is a nap.”
Google Books
Jest Another Good Clean Joke Book
B y Bob Phillips
Eugene, OR: Harvest House Publishers
1996
Pg. 196:
You know you’re getting old when the happy hour is a nap.
Twitter
Commodore Cat
@CommodoreCat
has “reached the age where Happy Hour is a nap”. *yoink*
10:15 AM - 7 Dec 2008
Twitter
Raquel_Soto
@Raquel_Soto
I’ve reached the age where the happy hour is a nap. #truisms #quotes
10:06 PM - 7 Mar 2009
Twitter
WillowForrestall
@willowforrestal
You Know You Are Getting Old When Happy Hour Is A nap.
4:02 PM - 28 Mar 2009
Twitter
FunnyOneLiners
@Funnyoneliners
You know you’re getting older when happy hour is a nap.
(via @The_Troy_Show)
1:12 PM - 30 Aug 2009
Google Books
Brain Rules for Aging Well:
10 Principles for Staying Vital, Happy, and Sharp
By John Medina
Seattle, WA: Pear Press
2017
Pg. ?:
I’ve reached the age where happy hour is a nap —Anonymous
Twitter
Shit Jokes
@ShitJokes
I’ve finally reached the age where Happy Hour is a nap.
12:13 PM - 9 Jan 2018
Above, a 1934 plaque from the Big Apple Night Club at West 135th Street and Seventh Avenue in Harlem. Discarded as trash in 2006. Now a Popeyes fast food restaurant on Google Maps.
Recent entries:
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“Never let someone who has done nothing tell you how to do anything” (6/6)
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Entry in progress—BP (6/6)
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Entry in progress—BP (6/6)
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“Never let people who have done nothing tell you how to do anything” (6/6)
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Entry in progress—BP (6/6)
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Above, Big Apple Corner at 54th Street and Broadway in Manhattan. Google Maps.
Above, John J. Fitz Gerald, from the Aug. 15, 1931, Binghamton (NY) Press, pg. 14.
Listen to Robert Emmerich introduce "The Big Apple," a hit song from 1937. Music written by Bob and performed by Tommy Dorsey's Clambake Seven with Bob on piano. Lyrics written by Buddy Bernier and sung by Edythe Wright. Audio provided by Dorothy Emmerich.
Also listen to a 1937 "The Big Apple" song by Ozzie Nelson and his Orchestra. See a 1929 photo of John J. Fitz Gerald and a 1931 photo of John J. Fitz Gerald.
This site is edited by Barry Popik.