Wouldn’t it be nice to know how Father’s Day became a national holiday? No worries. This article will fill you in with some fascinating details. Father’s Day didn’t become a national holiday until 1972? That’s right—it took over 60 years from the first celebration to become officially recognized. It also has a surprising journey to national recognition.
How Father’s Day Became a National Holiday?
While Mother’s Day was quickly embraced and became official in 1914, Father’s Day faced a rocky road to recognition. Explore why this holiday took so long to establish and discover its fascinating history. So, stick with me and we will figure out how Father’s Day became a National Holiday, I Promise.
When was Father’s Day first celebrated? The answer might surprise you. The first recorded Father’s Day service occurred on July 5, 1908, in Fairmont, West Virginia.
This exceptional service happened after a devastating mining accident claimed hundreds of lives. Grace Golden Clayton, a devoted minister’s daughter, suggested a service to honor all fathers, especially those who had perished in the mine. However, this observance remained a local event that few people outside the area knew about.
Meanwhile, another woman was preparing to make Father’s Day history across the country in Spokane, Washington.
Sonora Smart Dodd: The Mother of Father’s Day
In 1909, Sonora Smart Dodd attended a Mother’s Day church service and had an inspiration. Her father, William Jackson Smart, was a Civil War veteran and farmer who raised Sonora and her five brothers single-handedly after their mother died during childbirth in 1898. Moved by his dedication, she convinced the Spokane Ministerial Association and the YMCA to set aside a Sunday to celebrate fathers.
Though she initially proposed June 5 (her father’s birthday), the ministers selected the third Sunday in June to allow more preparation after Mother’s Day. So, on June 19, 1910, the first widely recognized Father’s Day events took place:
- Sonora delivered presents to disabled fathers
- Boys from the YMCA decorated their lapels with roses (red for living fathers, white for deceased)
- Local ministers dedicated their sermons to fatherhood
This celebration caught public attention and set Father’s Day on the path to becoming a national holiday. Yet the journey had only just begun.
Why Did Father’s Day Take So Long to Become Official?
Why was Father’s Day controversial at first? There were several interesting reasons:
- Gender perceptions: Men in the early 1900s found the idea too sentimental and effeminate. Fathers viewed themselves differently from mothers, who are “that tender, gentle army” (President Wilson described them).
- Commercial skepticism: Many men scoffed at what they perceived as another commercial holiday designed to sell gifts, often paid for by fathers themselves!
- Patriarchal views: During the first half of the 20th century, men held a different family role. As the dominant figures in society, many felt that a special day to celebrate fatherhood seemed unnecessary when mothers were the ones truly underappreciated.
Despite these obstacles, Father’s Day eventually gained momentum thanks to several key factors.
The Long Road to National Recognition
When did Father’s Day finally become official? Here’s the timeline of its journey:
- 1913: The first bill to recognize Father’s Day was introduced in Congress but failed to pass despite President Woodrow Wilson’s support.
- 1924: President Calvin Coolidge signed a resolution supporting Father’s Day to “establish more intimate relations between fathers and their children and to impress upon fathers the full measure of their obligations.”
- 1966: President Lyndon Johnson signed an executive order declaring Father’s Day on the third Sunday in June.
- 1972: Under President Richard Nixon, Congress finally passed an act making Father’s Day an official national holiday, nearly six decades after Mother’s Day achieved the same status.
Economic Forces Behind Father’s Day’s Rise
Two major economic events helped push Father’s Day toward national recognition:
The Great Depression
During the economic hardship of the 1930s, struggling retailers promoted Father’s Day as an occasion to purchase necessary items for dad, like neckties, socks, and other practical goods he might not buy for himself. This commercial angle helped normalize the holiday in American culture.
World War II
With millions of men serving on the front lines, supporting troops, and showing appreciation for fathers became patriotic acts. The war created a natural opportunity to honor dads and their sacrifices, further cementing Father’s Day in the national consciousness.
The Changing Role of Fathers
Why did Father’s Day change over time? The holiday’s evolution mirrors the changing role of fathers in society.
In early America, fathers were seen as breadwinners and disciplinarians. Today, we recognize that fathers play much more diverse and nurturing roles in their children’s lives. Modern fathers are partners in parenting—changing diapers, helping with homework, and providing emotional support.
Research shows that fathers significantly impact child development by:
- Encouraging independence and healthy risk-taking
- Building confidence and self-esteem
- Providing unique approaches to problem-solving
- Modeling healthy relationships
This transformation in how we view fatherhood has given Father’s Day new meaning. Rather than simply celebrating with material gifts, the holiday now acknowledges the profound emotional and developmental gifts fathers bestow on their children.
Father’s Day Around the World
While Americans celebrate Father’s Day on the third Sunday in June, other countries honor fathers on different dates:
- In Catholic countries like Spain and Portugal, Father’s Day falls on March 19—the Feast of St. Joseph (the earthly father of Jesus)
- Taiwan celebrates on August 8 (8/8) because the Mandarin word for “eight” sounds similar to “papa”
- Thailand observes Father’s Day on December 5, the birthday of their beloved former King Bhumibol Adulyadej
When Did Washington State Celebrate Father’s Day?
As mentioned, the first recognized Father’s Day celebration occurred in Spokane, Washington, on June 19, 1910. This pioneering event helped put Father’s Day on the map nationally. It established Washington state as the birthplace of this now-beloved holiday. Sonora Smart Dodd, who founded the celebration, lived to see Father’s Day become official in 1972 and passed away at age 96 in 1978.
Celebrating Dads Today
Today, Father’s Day is one of America’s most popular holidays. It’s typically celebrated with outdoor activities like grilling, fishing, camping, or sports—activities that many dads enjoy. But more importantly, it’s a day to acknowledge fathers’ vital role in our lives.
So this Father’s Day, while you’re giving Dad that new fishing rod or grilling tools, remember this holiday’s long journey to recognition. It’s a reminder that fatherhood has evolved from a distant, authoritarian role to one of engaged partnership and emotional connection.
How will you honor your father this year? Whatever you choose, know you’re participating in a hard-won and significant tradition. Here are links to gift a father for Father’s Day:
A Magnetic Screwdriver: https://amzn.to/3GQxJKy
References
Happy Father’s Day – MRG Apartments. https://www.mrgapartments.com/2017/06/happy-fathers-day-2/
When did Father’s Day start?. https://www.madmysha.com/post/when-did-father-s-day-start
Why Is Father’s Day In June?. https://www.grunge.com/899906/why-is-fathers-day-in-june/
Father’s Day — Ellii (formerly ESL Library). https://ellii.com/lesson/1876-father-s-day
Free tutorial: LEGO Mindstorms NXT robots, Lucky eight challenge. http://drgraeme.net/DrGraeme-free-NXT-G-tutorials/Ch18/Ch18V1G/default.htm
The African American Lectionary. http://theafricanamericanlectionary.org/PopupLectionaryReading.asp?LRID=215
The Spirit of Juneteenth: Honoring Freedom, Legacy, and Guidance | guidancewhiskey.com. https://guidancewhiskey.com/the-spirit-of-juneteenth-honoring-freedom-legacy-and-guidance/
Your Health and Wellness Team
mybluegenes.com
rachele@mybluegenes.com