In 1972, “Father’s Day” was officially made a holiday in the United States. This special day honoring our fathers became a nationwide holiday nearly 58 years after President Woodrow Wilson christened Mother’s Day. But where did it start?
The first documented service was held in Fairmont, West Virginia on July 5, 1908. The service was held by Grace Golden Clayton after the worst mining accident in United States history claimed the lives of hundreds of men. Clayton set the service to honor all men, especially those who died; however, this service failed to become an annual event.
A year later, in 1909, Sonora Smart Dodd had attended a church service on Mother’s Day and felt compelled to create a day to honor her father, William Jackson Smart, a Civil War Veteran and single dad of six. The first celebration was held on June 19, 1910, at a YMCA in Spokane, Washington.
According to Almanac.com, many men did not know what to make of Father’s Day at the time. They associated the day with Mother’s Day, which was popular with florists and crouched in terms of femininity. For fathers, it simply did not have the same sentimental appeal.
Lawrence R. Sammuel, author of American Fatherhood: A Cultural History, claims “Men had a different role in the family during the first half of that century. It was patriarchal, so they felt that a special day to exalt fatherhood was a rather silly idea, when it was mothers who were
underappreciated.”
My, how times have changed.
According to NPR, Father’s Day is the fourth largest holiday for sending cards in the United States. It lies behind Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day, and Christmas. Many believe the holiday has grown in popularity thanks to the Millennial and Generation Z communities. Of course, let’s not forget the pull that social media – where we are not only influenced by our peers, but are flooded with advertisements promoting this day as well.
So, what can we do to celebrate this special day? Here are a few unique ideas:
• Top Golf in Holtsville hasn’t claimed an official Father’s Day Celebration, but it is certainly a
great idea for dad. With about 102 bays and three floors, the facility also boasts a climate-
controlled area and exemplary food and drinks. Walk-ins are welcome, but reservations are
encouraged especially for groups of seven or more. Reservations open seven days prior, and
are to be made online.
• For those with smaller children, Harbes Family Farm in Mattituck is holding its annual Father’s
Day Celebration on June 18 and 19 from 10 am-6 pm with free admission for all dads. This
includes a Musical Hayride tour, pig races, and a Sports Zone with football, baseball and
basketball tossing games!
• At 3 pm, Chara’s Kitchen and Bellport Inn are offering a Father’s Day Celebration titled –
“Bourbon, Blues and BBQ.” The events invited dads to relax in their rather chic location while
they sip bourbon cocktails, listen to music, and let the restaurant take over the grill. Tickets can
be purchased online at www.charaskitchen.com.
If going out isn’t your thing for Father’s Day, there is nothing wrong with a traditional barbecue at home. Keep in mind: places like Omaha Steaks at the Smith Haven Mall are offering special steak gifts for Dad’s big day, and even certain value combo packages. Orders can be placed online and even delivered directly to your home.
Whatever you choose to do, we at The Messenger wish you a relaxing, enjoyable day with the special men in your life!
