The Story Behind Father's Day

Holiday founded at a YMCA to honor father of six motherless children

On June 17, 2007 when millions of fathers enjoy gifts and cards nationwide, most of them will be unaware that, in addition to their children, they also owe special thanks to Sonora Louise Smart the founder of Father's Day.

Eighty-nine years ago at a YMCA in Spokane, Wash., this dedicated daughter honored her father by calling for an annual Father's Day. The inspiration for Father's Day struck Sonora in 1909, while listening to a sermon celebrating Mother's Day. She thought of her father, a Civil War veteran, who had raised her and five brothers after their mother died in childbirth. Sonora shared her idea with local Protestant ministers at the Spokane YMCA who passed a resolution to observe a Father's Day.

The Spokane YMCA sponsored the first celebration on June 19, 1910. June was her father's birth month. Ms. Smart suggested honoring fathers through religious services, special meals, small gifts and wearing roses. The Father's Day idea spread rapidly, and in 1924, President Calvin Coolidge recommended a national observance.

"Being a father in 2005 comes with a much different job description than in Sonora's day," said Barbara Taylor, Associate Director for Child Care and Family Programs for the YMCA of the USA. "Fathers are earning this day of recognition more than ever before. At the YMCA we've seen fathers take a much more active role in raising their children joining family activity nights, volunteering with their kids, arranging child care and participating in one-on-one programs. Fathers deserve a pat on the back and, of course, all the support community organizations like YMCAs can give them to make their job easier and more enjoyable."

Sonora Louise Smart Dodd died at the age of 96 but her legacy lives on. A monument to Sonora's holiday stands at the Spokane YMCA where today thousands of fathers and their children enjoy a wide range of family programs.

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Your Best Fathers Day Resources:

1. Father's Day | June 19, 2005 | Dad | Gift Ideas | Present | Tools | Electron...
... A Little Father's Day History Sonora Louise Smart Dodd first brought up the idea of a father's day in 1909. She wanted a special day to honor her father, William Smart. When Sonora's mother died in ...
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2. thewireweb: History > Father's Day
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3. GeoParent | Family | Dads: The History of Father's Day
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4. Village People and the YMCA Song - History of Father's Day
YMCA History Fatherís Day On June 18, when fathers across the nation enjoy gifts and cards from their loved ones, most will be unaware that they are celebrating a holiday imagined by a grateful ...
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5. Father's Day Tips, How-Tos: Recipes, crafts, activities, projects...
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6. Father's Day - Holidays
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8. Notes From Louise: History of Father’s Day
See Below for the Index of Previous "Notes" History of Fatherís Day Dear Friends: Last month we featured a story we called "history of Motherís Day" which was a huge hit (if you missed it here's a ...
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11. Dictionary.com/Father's Day Word Origins
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16. History of Fathers Day, Origin of Fathers Day, Fathers Day History
Father's Day Father's Day History Dad Humor Dad Used To Say Father's Day Gift Ideas History Of Father's Day Sonora Dodd, of Washington, can be said to lay the foundations and originator of the idea ...
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17. Pennsylvania: Hunt. Fish. Shoot. » Father’s Day
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18. My Gifts for Men - Great gifts and gift ideas for him
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21. Father's Day Brainstorming and Writing (Lesson Plan)
... Share the following basic information about the history of Father's Day with your students: The founding of Father's Day is associated with Mrs. John B. Dodd of Washington State. Mrs. Dodd's mother ...
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22. Father's Day (Doctor Who) Encyclopedia Article, Definition, History, Biography
Father's Day (Doctor Who) Encyclopedia Article, Definition, History, Biography Home: Encyclopedia: Father's Day (Doctor Who) Recommended Sites for Father's Day (Doctor Who): Looking For father's day ...
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23. Father's Day history, information activities and puzzles.
Father's Day Father's Day history, information, links, activities and puzzles. Father's Day falls on the third Sunday in June. The day is set aside to honor Fathers for all their contributions. Gifts ...
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24. Father's Day.it : BARWARE gift ideas for Dad!
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26. Thematic Resources- Father's Day Sites
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27. iVillage - The Internet for Women: Discussing Women's Issues
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... This timely unit combines a crossword puzzle, a word search, and a reading comprehension on the history of Father's Day. Father's Day (primary) Father's Day is the third Sunday in June. This timely ...
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30. Learn Father's Day history.
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