The History of Father’s Day…

Father’s Day, contrary to popular misconception, was not established as a holiday in order to help greeting card manufacturers sell more cards. In fact, when a “father’s day” was first proposed there were no Father’s Day card!

Mrs. John B. Dodd, of Washington, first proposed the idea of a “father’s day” in 1909.

Mrs. Dodd wanted a special day to honor her father, William Smart. William Smart, a Civil War Veteran, was widowed when his wife (Mrs. Dodd’s mother) died in childbirth with their sixth child.

Mr. Smart was left to raise the newborn and his other five children by himself on a rural farm in eastern Washington state. It was after Mrs. Dodd became an adult she realized the strength and selflessness her father had shown in raising his children as a single parent. The first Father’s Day was observed on June 19, 1910 in Spokane Washington.

At about the same time in various towns and cities across America other people were beginning to celebrate a “father’s day”. In 1924 President Calvin Coolidge supported the idea of a national Father’s Day.

Finally in 1966, President Lyndon Johnson signed a presidential proclamation declaring the 3rd Sunday of June as Father’s Day.

Father Day has become a day to not only honor your father, but all men who act as father figure. Stepfathers, uncles, grandfathers, and adult male friends are all honored on Father’s Day.

Father’s Day is a unique opportunity for dads and their children to learn more about each other and have fun in the process. Take time to reconnect with your with father. Stop putting off spending time together today because you could miss the opportunity to do so in the future.

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!!