The History of Father’s Day”...

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" The History of Father's Day " ...

Contrary to popular belief, Father's Day was not established by

Hallmark, American Greetings or others to grow the greeting card

business. In fact, there were no Father's Day cards when the holiday

was contemplated.

Mrs. Dodd, of Washington, first proposed the idea of a " father's

day " in 1909. Mrs. Dodd wanted a special day to honor her father,

Smart. 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 that 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

signed a presidential proclamation declaring the 3rd Sunday of June

as Father's Day.

Father's Day has become a day to not only honor your father, but all

men who act as a father figure. Stepfathers, uncles, grandfathers,

and adult male friends are all honored on Father's Day.