Father’s Day Musings
World's Greatest Dad!
By Dariel Bendin
Being something of a cynic, I’ve always thought most holidays were dreamed up by some copywriter at a greeting card company. It turns out, although the origin of Father’s Day, isn’t cut and tried, it may just be a sweet little holiday designed simply to say, “Thanks, Pop.”
The most widely accepted “origin” of Father’s Day is that it was conceived by one Mrs. Sonora Smart Dodd.
One Sunday in Spokane, Wash.in 1910, our heroine, Mrs. Dodd sat listening to her preacher’s sermon glorifying motherhood, when she began thinking about her father, William Jackson Smart who had raised her and five brothers after his wife died in childhood. She immediately proposed a day celebrating those sacrifices made by the the father, an idea which was supported heartily by the town’s ministers and officials. Mrs. Dodd hoped that June 5 would be chosen for the celebration, as that was her father’s birthday. But the ministers felt they needed more time to organize and create their sermons on this brand new subject. June 19, w hich was the third Sunday in June that year, was the chosen date.
Advertisers and newspapers around the country were quick to endorse the new holiday. Noted orator William Jennings Bryan joined the cause, but others were reluctant. Members of Congress, all male, felt the idea was too self-serving.
By 1916, Mrs. Dodd found herself with a very important supporter, as President Woodrow Wilson and his family observed the new Father’s Day. Another president, Calvin Coolidge would also promote Father’s Day, advising the states to celebrate as well. He felt that a holiday especially for fathers might encourage more men to meet their family obligations.
Meanwhile, retail support of the holiday continued to grow. During the 1930s, the Associated Men’s Wear Retailers in New York City formed a special National Father’s Day Committee. (The group would change its name to National Council for the Promotion of Father’s Day in 1938, expanding its reach by incorporating other trade groups.)
Despite the efforts of many people, official recognition of Father’s Day was not forthcoming. In the late 50s, Sen. Margaret Chase Smith wrote to Congress, imploring them to honor both parents equally.
It would not happen until 1972, when President Richard Nixon formally signed it into law.
Another origin theory is that – as early as 1905 – West Virginia minister Dr. Robert Webb observed a father’s day of sorts at the Williams Memorial Methodist Episcopal Church South of Fairmont.
Harry Meek, who was president of the Chicago branch of the Lion’s Club has also been named as the original promoter of Father’s Day in 1915. He claimed he chose the third Sunday in June because it was the closest to his birthday.
Sake Says Love
Sake to you Dad for Fathers Day!
Japan celebrates Father’s Day on the third Sunday of June, just like here in the U.S. But in Japan, sake glasses are a thoughtful gift for Dad. Or beer.
American men love their beer, but would you even consider a sixpack of Coors Light for Father’s Day?
examiner.com
When Is Father’s Day Anyway?
In the lion’s share of world nations, including Sri Lanka, Slovakia, Ecuador, Ethiopia, France, Mauritius, Mexico and Zimbabwe Father’s Day is celebrated on the third Sunday of June, just like here in the U.S.
In Belgium, however, June 14 is dad’s day. Brazilians and Samoans honor their fathers on the second Sunday in August.
Down under, Aussies remember Dad during the first Sunday of September, as do their neighbors in Fiji, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea.
Taiwanese folks unofficially celebrate their Baba Day on August 8, the eighth day of the eighth month.
In Thailand, Father’s Day is the birthdate of the king, currently Dec. 5 for King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX)
When I was a boy of 14, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be 21, I was astonished at how much the old man had learned in seven years.–Mark Twain
Father’s Day Gift Suggestions From the Internet
We’ve included the entire URL, so go to http://www.myrtlebeachalternatives.com and click on the link for the Father’s Day feature story. Once the story comes up you’ll be able to click the links to get to each Father’s Day blog. Or just copy the entire URL and paste it into your browser Happy shopping!
This gal’s blog post offers a list of what she rates as the best online golf stores. With Father’s Day right around the corner, you might want to add “Better late than never” to your card.
Where better to turn for your Geek Dad’ special gift than the geek’s consumer advisor Wired magazine? This address will take you directly to their Geek Dad Blog.
• Mint.com
This is an interesting list of just 11 items that Dad might enjoy. But not everyone agrees with author Joshua Ritchie’s ideas.Commenters have added a few of their own.
Is your dad a high tech golfer? Maybe he’d like a rangaefinder. If his short game needs a little help, check out the putter on this list. Or read about the next great driver.
If your dad’s a tree hugger, there are some great eco-friendly gift ideas here. You may be surprised at the wide range of items available.
Cover art: Dad, Fishing. Cartoonish Ben Batsford captured on canvas by his daughter,North Carolina artist Ramona Batsford Bendin. A posthumous Father’s Day gift.
