The Story 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 cards!
Mrs. John B. Dodd, of Washington, first proposed the idea of a "father's day" in
1909. Mrs. Dodd wanted a special day to honour 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 that she realised 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 American 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's Day has become a day to not only honour your father, but all men who
act as a father figure. Stepfathers, uncles, grandfathers, and adult male friends
are all honoured on 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 cards!
Mrs. John B. Dodd, of Washington, first proposed the idea of a "father's day" in
1909. Mrs. Dodd wanted a special day to honour 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 that she realised 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 American 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's Day has become a day to not only honour your father, but all men who
act as a father figure. Stepfathers, uncles, grandfathers, and adult male friends
are all honoured on Father's Day.
Celebrating Father's Day
Everyone celebrates Father's Day a bit differently, but if you are looking for
something a bit different then here are some things/ways you might consider
Flowers - Yes flowers! How many ties does 1 dad need?! If you know your dad has a
special flower then a bunch would be a nice gesture. If you are unsure what type of
flower, then the elegance of a single rose will let him know you care
Homemade Card/Picture - It doesn't matter if you're 8, 28 or 48, a handmade card or
note from the heart speaks more of your feelings than the store bought variety. If
your artistic ability is a bit lacking check out our selection of Father's Day pictures
that you can print out and colour
Home cooking - Give mom the day off as well and invite them both over for a good
home cooked meal. But remember today is not the day to test out that new recipe.
Play it safe and stick to dads favourite
Dinner - If your not the home cooking type - then nothings better than being treated
to a tasty meal at a nice restaurant surrounded by the ones you love. It doesn't have
to be anywhere fancy, depending on your dad it could be the neighbourhood diner
or even the locale pizza parlour..
Munchies - Does your dad have a sweet tooth? A plate of those homemade cookies
or his favourite pie tastes even better when he knows it comes from your heart
Make Dad a bookmark or a tie... What about A Book of Vouchers where he gets to
choose his treat? If you are unable for whatever reason to give him these gifts, one
that he is sure to absolutely love is a Box Full of Hugs...
Everyone celebrates Father's Day a bit differently, but if you are looking for
something a bit different then here are some things/ways you might consider
Flowers - Yes flowers! How many ties does 1 dad need?! If you know your dad has a
special flower then a bunch would be a nice gesture. If you are unsure what type of
flower, then the elegance of a single rose will let him know you care
Homemade Card/Picture - It doesn't matter if you're 8, 28 or 48, a handmade card or
note from the heart speaks more of your feelings than the store bought variety. If
your artistic ability is a bit lacking check out our selection of Father's Day pictures
that you can print out and colour
Home cooking - Give mom the day off as well and invite them both over for a good
home cooked meal. But remember today is not the day to test out that new recipe.
Play it safe and stick to dads favourite
Dinner - If your not the home cooking type - then nothings better than being treated
to a tasty meal at a nice restaurant surrounded by the ones you love. It doesn't have
to be anywhere fancy, depending on your dad it could be the neighbourhood diner
or even the locale pizza parlour..
Munchies - Does your dad have a sweet tooth? A plate of those homemade cookies
or his favourite pie tastes even better when he knows it comes from your heart
Make Dad a bookmark or a tie... What about A Book of Vouchers where he gets to
choose his treat? If you are unable for whatever reason to give him these gifts, one
that he is sure to absolutely love is a Box Full of Hugs...
Father's Day
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Thematic Units, Printables and/or Lesson Plans for use in your homes, homeschool,
classroom or community centres.
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