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For dads aiming at marital bliss, a new study suggests just two factors are especially important: being engaged with the kids, for sure -- but also doing a fair share of the household chores.more>> For dads aiming at marital bliss, a new study suggests just two factors are especially important: being engaged with the kids, for sure -- but also doing a fair share of the household chores.more>> Whether fathers like to grill out, watch sports or play with new tech gadgets, they deserve to be recognized in a way that's as unique as they are.
more>> Whether fathers like to grill out, watch sports or play with new tech gadgets, they deserve to be recognized in a way that's as unique as they are.
more>> Forget the ties and buy something your father will truly want this year.more>> Forget the ties and buy something your father will truly want this year.more>> Don't buy the tie! There's no need for your standard go-to Dad's Day gift this year. Try one of these simple projects as a Father's Day present.more>> Don't buy the tie! There's no need for your standard go-to Dad's Day gift this year. Try one of these simple projects as a Father's Day present.more>> Click through for more on this story.more>> This year, get a little creative with your kids and make Dad feel special with a homemade treat.more>> This Father's Day, take a minute to think about the kind of dad you want be.more>> This Father's Day, take a minute to think about the kind of dad you want be.more>> When and why did we start honoring our fathers? Learn what year Father's Day became an official U.S. holiday and who came up with the idea.more>> When and why did we start honoring our fathers? Learn what year Father's Day became an official U.S. holiday and who came up with the idea.more>> Fathers interested in creating a sense of closeness with their daughters should look for fun things to do together, a new study suggests.more>> Fathers interested in creating a sense of closeness with their daughters should look for fun things to do together, a new study suggests.more>> Remember your dad on Father's Day. Choose a gadget that fits his interests or activities, and watch his eyes light up.more>> Remember your dad on Father's Day. Choose a gadget that fits his interests or activities, and watch his eyes light up.more>> Father's Day is just around the corner, and if you haven't planned anything for dear old Dad, check out this list of fun Father's Day activities.more>> Father's Day is just around the corner, and if you haven't planned anything for dear old Dad, check out this list of fun Father's Day activities.more>>
Would you believe that Father's Day was the brainchild of a woman?
So thankful to her father was Mrs. John B. Dodd, born Sonora Smart, of Spokane, Washington, that she pushed for an annual Father's Day Observance in 1909. Her own father was a civil war veteran and was widowed when his wife died in childbirth. He was left with six children to raise.
Mrs. Dodd began circulating petitions and within a year, the city of Spokane agreed to honor Fathers on the 3rd Sunday in June, close to her father's birthday. Meanwhile, cities and towns all across America began to celebrate Father's Day. The idea became so popular that others joined in her crusade. Harry C. Meek even began to travel the country speaking and campaigning on behalf of a nationally recognized Father's Day.
In 1924, President Calvin Coolidge backed the idea of a national Father's Day and in 1966, President Lyndon Johnson declared Father's Day a national holiday. It was signed into the books in 1972 by President Richard Nixon.
Mrs. Dodd even designated a flower for Father's Day: the rose. Red roses are given for a living father and white ones are for remembrance if he has passed away.
