A Brief History of Father’s Day

Contrary to what some might believe, Father’s Day did not begin to be celebrated simply as a proposal by card sellers. In fact, the history of Father’s Day suggests it was more out of a legitimate wish to celebrate a father.

While scholars have speculated that the real origins of Father’s Day actually dates back to more ancient times, in America the holiday’s origins can be traced back to the early 20th century. To be more precise the year 1910 is cited as the first Father’s Day celebration on the third Sunday of June.

In 1909, in Spokane Washington, a lady by the name of Sonora Smart Dodd became inspired by a Mother’s day sermon. In many respects understandable, after all a mother and father go hand in hand. For Sonara however, she had relied more on her father, Henry Jackson Smart, in her mother’s absence and wanted to recognize that.

Therefore, it was that on the 19 June 1910, a Father’s Day sermon was held in Spokane Washington. This sermon also had the backing of the mayor of Spokane and governor of Washington.

With such political backing, there was a chance that Father’s Day could become more widely celebrated. In addition, in 1924 President Coolidge gave his public approval to plans for a national Father’s Day.

While this represented progress, it would be some time before it received further government support. In 1956, a Joint Resolution of Congress recognized the observance of Father’s Day.

What followed proved to is a key moment in the holiday’s history. In 1966, President Lyndon Johnson signed a presidential proclamation, which set aside the 19 June as Father’s Day. In addition, that the Father’s Day period was to be a celebrated national holiday.

It’s tempting to assume that with that proclamation, the history is complete. After all, the holiday had come into being. It is worth noting, however, that another important development took place in 1972 when President Nixon, following on from Johnson, signed into law a permanent US Father’s Day which would be observed on the 3rd Sunday of June.

With that, the period of legislative ratification for Father’s Day was complete. Since then, it has become one of the most popular card-sending holidays. Sales estimates in 1999 put the figure at 95 million.

In the current day, Father’s Day and Mother’s Day very much go hand in hand. While, as is clear from history, this has not always been the case with Christian churches only previously celebrating the latter. In many respects, it was the 62-year period from 1910 to 1972, which made the holiday what it is today. Thanks to Sonara, her father and subsequent US Presidents, fathers and father like figures are celebrated every year on the 19 June.