The Story on Father’s Day

Father’s Day didn’t become a national holiday until 1972 when President Nixon made it so. 1972! Most of the readers of this blog were probably alive then. The writer certainly was. That’s fascinating, considering Mother’s Day became official in 1914.

History of Father’s Day

There are two stories regarding when the first Father’s Day was celebrated. Most recognize June 19, 1910 as the date. Sonora Smart Dodd developed the idea at a Mother’s Day celebration at church. She wanted to honor her father, a Civil War veteran, that raised six children by himself after his wife died during childbirth. She wanted to pay homage to him and other fathers like him.

However, two years earlier, on July 5, 1908 in Fairmont, WV, a Grace Golden Clayton encouraged her church to celebrate fathers that passed away during a deadly mine explosion that killed 361 men.

While Father’s Day was celebrated locally in several communities across the US, it wasn’t until 1924 that President Calvin Coolidge recommended Father’s Day become a national holiday. No official action was taken at that time. In 1966, Lyndon B. Johnson, through an executive order, designated the third Sunday in June as the official day to celebrate Fathers. Yet, it wasn’t until 1972, under the Nixon administration that Father’s Day was officially recognized as a national holiday.

Gift Giving on Father’s Day

Like most holidays, Father’s Day started out as an honorary celebration that quickly became commercialized. In 1938, The National Council for the Promotion of Father’s Day was established by men’s clothing retailers in New York City. The organization promoted Father’s Day and the holiday gained more popularity. Could this be why ties for Father’s Day are so popular? We would say, Yes!

The Father’s Day Council still exists and has since joined forces with its Mother’s Day-related counterpart. Every year, it gives out Father of the Year awards and raises funds for family-related charities. Meanwhile, Father’s Day has become more and more important to retailers each year. It’s estimated that Americans spend about $15.5 billion dollars on Father’s Day.

Today, ties for Father’s Day are very stereotypical. It’s a better option to spend some time with dad barbequing, fishing, golfing or doing whatever it is he enjoys. If you are too far away to hang out with dad this year, send him a gift he is sure to love. In need of inspiration? Check out the great gift baskets that Heart of the Desert makes. What dad wouldn’t love pistachios, popcorn, chocolates and maybe some coffee or wine?

Heart of the Desert is a working pistachio ranch and vineyard with four retail establishments in New Mexico. They are best known for their farm fresh pistachios and Award-Winning New Mexico wines. Each store offers wine and pistachio tastings. They offer worldwide shipping and produce attractive gourmet baskets that make great corporate and family gifts. The main store, on the ranch in Alamogordo, offers farm tours that showcases how pistachios are grown and processed as well as a stunning Tuscany themed patio that overlooks the groves and is available for weddings, private parties or enjoying a relaxing glass of wine.