HISTORY AND CONTROVERSY
The first known Father’s Day happened in 1908 in Fairmont, West Virginia. Hundreds of men died in the worst mining accident in United States history. Grace Golden Clayton proposed a service to honor those who died and all other fathers. The observance was not well known elsewhere and was not promoted nationwide. It fizzled out.
In 1909, Sonora Smart Dodd of Spokane, Washington, was inspired by Anna Jarvis and the Mother’s Day concept. (See my recent post on Mother’s Day).
Sonora’s father, William Jackson Smart, was a farmer and Civil War veteran. In 1898, William’s wife died while giving birth to their youngest child – of six. William was left to raise Sonora and her five brothers. Sonora and William are shown below.
Sonora convinced the Spokane Ministerial Association and the local YMCA to set aside a Sunday in June to celebrate fathers. The ministers chose the third Sunday in June, so that they would have more time to work on their sermons after Mother’s Day, which was on the second Sunday in May. The holiday began on June 19, 1910. Sonora delivered presents to handicapped fathers, boys from the YMCA wore fresh-cut roses on their lapels and ministers devoted their sermons to fatherhood.
The idea of a Father’s Day did not catch on nationally. Mother’s Day made more sense to more people. There seemed to be a competition of sorts. In what was a patriarchal society, did fathers need to be so honored? Did these manly men need or want flowers and presents?
Here is the timeline to make Father’s Day a natonal holiday:
- The bill was first introduced in 1913 and encouraged by President Woodrow Wilson. It did not pass.
- Eight hears later, President Calvin Coolidge resolved to help “establish more intimate relations between fathers and their children and to impress upon fathers the full measure of their obligations”.
- In 1966, President Lyndon Johnson signed an executive order that the holiday be celebrated on the third Sunday in June.
- In the Nixon presidency in 1972, Congress passed an act to make Father’s Day an official national holiday. Sonora died six years later at age 96.
Two economic events may have helped to push Father’s Day forward:
- The Great Depression. Men’s stores were not doing well with everyone “pinching pennies”. Father’s Day was seen as an opportunity to promote ties or socks for men as presents, since they may not otherwise buy them.
- World War II. Men were on the front lines. American troops were supported and the men were appreciated.
Society has evolved and the roles of fathers have changed. Today, we don’t see huge armies of men laboring in industrial factories, while women are hand-stitching and hand washing family clothing. Fathers and mothers are more likely to be partners in the responsibilities of family life.
Fathers now may impact child development in these ways:
- Emotional and social growth. The involvement and affection of fathers in their children’s lives may produce stronger emotional intelligence and better social skills.
- Cognitive development. Engaging in stimulating activities with their children – reading and problem solving – enhances their intellectual growth and academic performance.
- Confidence and resilience. Fathers help their children to build self confidence by encouraging them to explore and overcome new challenges.
- Reduced risky behaviors. Children with involved fathers are less likely to engage in criminal activities or substance abuse.
The remainder of this post will speak of affiliate marketing and my partnership with Amazon. A lengthy list of Father’s Day gift suggestions will be included.
AFFILIATE MARKETING
This is the process by which an affiliate may earn a commission by promoting a company’s products. The activity is tracked by affiliate links from one website to another. Affiliate marketing is projected to grow to $12 billion this year.
Please see in my upper menu – BECOME AN AFFILIATE M ARKETER – for details on this business opportunity.
The design below will also show a simplification of the affiliate marketing process.
AMAZON
The ideal partner for an affiliate marketer may be Amazon. There are many reasons. Amazon is well known for fast service, reasonably priced products and excellent customer care. As a customer and associate of Amazon, I know I can trust the relationship.
Amazon has even more attractive pricing on certain occasions. One of these is Father’s Day, coming up on June 15 this year.
I like to list product specials on such occasions, usually within the categories of fitness or outdoor activities. In addition to those, I want to list other gift items that seem to be attractive to me.
Each link below will show descriptions, pictures, price information and further links to similar items. Take a look!
Glass clock gift – from son or daughter. 20% off
Heating pad for neck and shoulders -16 % off
Personalized pocket watch – 30% off, less than $7
Grilling accessories – 33% off
Massage gun – deep tissue, 10 massage heads – 33% off
Cordless heating pad – for lower back. 25% off
Flashlight gloves – unique! 33% off
Phone docking / nightstand organizer – 10% off
Hand massager – 59% off
Back support pillow – for office, automobile – 10% off
Back scratcher – 4 separate heads, 41% off, less than $10
Gift basket of nuts – best seller! 7% off.
Multitool knife – for camping, fishing , hiking, repairs – 35% off
Mini electric chain saw – 23% off
Barbecue grill tools – under $20
Massage oil – 2 bottles. 10% off
Beard kit for grooming – 50% off. Less than $10
Survival kit – for camping, hunting, fishing. Less than $30
Men’s bifold wallet – wallet clip, card holder. Unique! 25% off
Ratcheting pocket screwdriver – 22 pieces. Less than $9.
SOME FITNESS ITEMS
Weighted jump rope – under $20
Ab roller wheel – 24% off
Arm trainer – 42% off
Resistance bands with handles – complete workout available. 33% off
Doorway pull up bar – 12% off
Foldable workout bench -38% off
25 lb. kettlebell – with other weights also shown – 20% off
Push-up board – build chest, triceps, shoulders – 20% off
Pull up bands – under $20
Hand and finger exerciser – I use something similar for finger arthritis – less tha $9
FINAL THOUGHTS
Since I am a father, I can certify that there is no greater happiness in life than to see my daughters become the outstanding women they are. Where did they get their genius IQs? Not from me. I believe they studied hard and had unique ambitions. They make me proud to be their father every day! Their mother and I were either very fortunate or we did some things right.
Either way, I am happy!
Please leave me any comments or questions in the “Comments” section below. Happy Father’s Day to all dads!
