fathers day

Most people know that Father’s Day comes a month after Mother’s Day. They also know that they should do something special for their father on that day. But did you know that the idea of Father’s Day came about at a church sermon in Spokane, Washington? Let’s explore the history of Father’s Day and why it is celebrated. 

Who came up with the idea of Father’s Day?

In short, the idea of Father’s Day actually came from a woman: Sonora Smart Dodd. When Sonora was just 16 years old, her father William Smart became a widower. His wife passed away after having their sixth child. Even though William was going through his own grieving process, he was still an incredible father to his six children. Being a veteran of the Civil War, William was not a stranger to hard work. If you are a single dad, you know that raising children on your own is no easy feat. 

During a Mother’s Day sermon in 1909, Sonora started to explore the idea of celebrating more than just mothers. While she no longer had her mom around, she certainly had her dad. By this time, Sonora was 27. As the sermon continued, she thought quietly about the effort and dedication her father put into raising her and her siblings on his own. Sonora wanted to show her appreciation and love to her father in a way that was not only unique, but also universal like Mother’s Day. 

I remember everything about him. He was both father and mother to me and my brothers and sisters.

Sonora Smart Dodd, interview from Spokane Daily Chronicle

Why Father’s Day is Celebrated Today

By the time 1910 rolled around, Sonora went to the Spokane Ministerial Alliance with a petition to recognize the devotion of fathers like William. Originally, Sonora asked for the celebration to take place on June 5, William’s birthday. However, the clergy couldn’t put something together that quickly and decided to have the celebration on the third Sunday in June instead. Father’s Day was first celebrated on June 19, 1910 in the state of Washington. That year, church sermons across Spokane honored fathers, living and deceased. Proclamations were issued by the Mayor and Governor of Spokane for this celebration. Sonora never could have imagined that a small idea could turn into a grand celebration for the state of Washington. But she didn’t stop there. Thanks to Sonora and her 60 years of pushing for official recognition, we now consider Father’s Day a national holiday.

All in all, mothers and fathers dedicate a great portion of their lives to their children. Fathers are not celebrated enough, but thanks to Sonora and the thought she had over 100 years ago, we recognize their dedication. By understanding the history of Father’s Day and why it is celebrated, you can be more intentional about how you show your appreciation. Make this Father’s Day the best one yet.

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