A BIT OF HISTORY
Father’s Day in the United States is celebrated on the third Sunday in June, which will be June18 in 2023. The holiday for dads was an outgrowth from Mother’s Day. My prior post gave a brief history of Mother’s Day, with gift suggestions.
Father’s Day, however, did not catch on as quickly as Mother’s Day. Florists thought that “fathers haven’t the same sentimental appeal that mothers have”.
On July 5, 1908, a church in West Virginia held an event explicitly for fathers. This was to honor the 362 men who had died in a coal mining explosion the previous December. There was no attempt to make this a tradition at that time.
The real beginning of Father’s Day was June 19, 1910. The idea came from Sonora Smart Dodd, of Spokane, Washington. Her mother had died giving birth and she and her five siblings were raised by her father, a Civil War veteran. She wanted to honor her father and local religious leaders supported her.
President Woodrow Wilson liked the idea. He was also involved in the creation of Mother’s Day.
But it was not until 1956 that the U.S. Congress passed a resolution to recognize Father’s Day. Not only that, but it took 10 more years before President Lyndon Johnson officially set the third Sunday in June as a national holiday ….and an additional 6 years before the holiday was permanently established.
Fortunately, Sonora Smart Dodd lived to the age of 96 and was able to see the holiday firmly set. It had been a struggle.
The remainder of this post will show listings of gift ideas for fathers.
AMAZON
As an Amazon associate, I am able to use their links within my posts and benefit from activity on those links. This has no effect on the pricing, except that I am able to show discounts as I become aware of them. Amazon links will show illustrations, detailed information, prices, reviews and similar options at other price points.
Since my niche is home workouts, I will include fitness and sports items, but not exclusively. Each link will lead to many other gift items.
Polo Ralph Lauren men’s apparel – up to 34% off
Bowflex kettlebell – 25% off
Barbecue grill accessories, with golf motif – 29% off
Weight bench – 38% off
148 piece tool set – 13% off
Resistance band set – 40% off
Indoor cycling bike – 34% off
Smartwatch with fitness tracker – 33% off
Cordless head shaver, for bald men – 21% off
Smart jump rope – 33% off
DICK’S SPORTING GOODS
I have been a customer of Dick’s Sporting Goods for several decades. Their inventory, prices and service are outstanding, based on my experience. As an associate, I now keep a permanent link at the side of my website for Dick’s Sporting Goods and can benefit from any purchases from the link. Father’s Day bargains are plentiful.
For complete information on Father’s Day suggestions, summer sale items and details on specific needs, simply:
- Click on the red link
- Note the question “What are you looking for?”
- Go from there
FINAL THOUGHTS
Sonora Smart Dodd’s dad was a fitting prototype for Father’s Day, as he managed the upbringing of 6 children without the presence of their mother.
All of us fathers appreciate being recognized on the third Sunday in June these days.
Please show appreciation of your dads. They deserve it!
Leave me any comments or questions in the “Comments” section below. Or email me, richard@myworkoutathome.com.
Let’s all stay active and enjoy the great outdoor weather!
