Happy Fathers Day

Father's day was originally created after being inspired by mothers day. The idea was brought up by a woman in Spokane, Washington who was inspired by a sermon on Mother's day. Why were fathers not recognized in the same way as mother's?? Sonora Smart Dodd had been raised by her father as had her siblings after their mother passed away. Thus began Dodd's fight to have father's recognized as well.

Protestant churches and local groups were the first places that she visited to share her thoughts. It was decided that on the third Sunday in June everyone should wear a rose to help bring recognition to Father's day. The first father's day recognition was hosted in churches that also helped remind all that their heavenly father loved them all. However, this was just the beginning as Dodd wanted to share her idea of a father's day with others

Local celebrations including getting politicians involved would help promote the cause of father's day that began in the church. Sadly, it was not catching on as Mother's day had and by 1920 the newly promoted day had started to disappear. Dodd herself let the cause slip for a bit but in the 1930's tried even harder to bring recognition to father's day. Perhaps it would be a surprise to you but it was actually the Associated Men's Wear Retailers of New York City that began a promotion of Father's day.

The new theme "Give Dad Something to Wear" was shared by florists, tobacconists, stationers and men's clothiers around the United States. In 1972 President Richard Nixon joined the campaign and signed a proclamation proclaiming the third Sunday in June as Father's Day. The holiday that was started by Sonora Smart Dodd to celebrate her own dad continues on today.