History of Father’s Day

A Babylonian youth named Elmesu carved the first known Father’s Day card in clay nearly 4,000 years ago. His special message wished his father good health and a long life. William Jackson Smart of Spokane, Wash., a man ahead of his time, is the inspiration for modern-day Father’s Day. Smart was a widower and Civil War veteran who was both father and mother to his six children for 21 years after the death of his wife. Smart’s daughter, Sonora Louise (Mrs. John Bruce Dodd), got the idea for Father’s Day in 1909 while listening to a Mother’s Day sermon at church. She encouraged local churches to institute a Father’s Day observance the following year (1910) on one Sunday in June, the month of her father’s birth. Through her efforts, interest in the celebration of Father’s Day grew and spread to other cities and states.
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Although many congressional resolutions proclaiming a national Father’s Day were introduced through the years, the holiday was made official in 1972 when President Richard Nixon signed a presidential resolution that declared Father’s Day as the third Sunday in June.
Hallmark Father’s Day cards through the years
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1920s
Cards were hand-colored before printing evolved, and this one offered Dad a hand as well. -
1930s
This Father’s Day card honored the dad who was proud of his wheels. -
1940s
Was Dad a fashion plate in the 1940s? Not so much… -
1940s
Images of fathers sitting in their favorite chair, reading the newspaper, were popular at this time, and for decades beyond as well. -
1950s
Hunting and fishing were common Father’s Day themes mid-century and beyond. -
1950s
Here’s a Fifties father getting his daily dose of news along with a Father’s Day tribute. -
1960s
Dad releases his inner hippie for a groovy Father’s Day. -
1960s
Again in his favorite chair, with his favorite reading material… -
1970s
Depictions of Dad in pursuit of their hobbies have been popular Father’s Day images, like this scene of Bowling Dad… -
1970s
And if he wasn’t a bowler, never fear, there were golfing and fishing choices as well. -
1980s
Dad brings home the bacon (or steaks) and cooks it on the grill. -
1980s
Dad’s always been a great guy, and now we’re telling him so. -
1990s
Every grown daughter knows that “Have you changed the oil in your car?” is Dad-speak for “I love you.” -
1990s
Finally! No fishing, no golfing, but a day to relax! -
2000s
Dad gets to shine as a helping, loving hand with the family. -
2000s
Poking fun at Dad’s habits was one of the signs of Father’s Day times. -
2000s
Music added fun to Father’s Day cards as the century turned… -
2010s
Little ones can sing or speak a special message to Dad with recordable sound cards. -
2010s
It looks like a normal greeting card, but hold it up to a webcam, and see the design come to life on your computer screen. A Father’s Day greeting that’s a century ahead of where we began… -
2010s
Love you still. Technology may change, but the need for love and connection do not. Happy Father’s Day!
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