June 19 is Father’s Day. The holiday falls annually on the third Sunday in June. The first Father’s Day was celebrated on June 19, 1910 in Spokane, Washington.
In 1924, President Calvin Coolidge urged state governments to observe Father’s Day. Soon the holiday had become a celebrated part of the retail calendar. Consumer spending this Father’s Day is expected to total $20 billion, according to the National Retail Federation.
But a national holiday honoring fathers did not become official until 1966, when President Lyndon Johnson issued a presidential proclamation declaring that the third Sunday in June would be Father’s Day. Fifty years ago, President Richard Nixon made this proclamation permanent in 1972.
From the Evening Tribune, Friday, June 19, 1925:
More handkerchiefs, more neckties, more socks for father—long live Father’s day.
Father never got much enthused about this Father’s day business until he found that it was another opportunity to add to his visible supply of wearing apparel, and ever since that time he has been a rank enthusiast.
He particularly likes the idea of receiving a real “loud” pair of socks from a flapper daughter, and how he “enjoys” paying for them at the end of the month. And then that new necktie that sonny always gives him—and then wears it until all the “new” come off. How he does love those neckties.
No joking—father does like to be appreciated. He was a little jealous when Mother had a halo placed upon her head, but e never said a word--just kept plodding away. He always knew that anything ever said about or done for Mother would not pay off the debt humanity owes to Mother, but right down deep in his heart, Father always believed that he deserved a little recognition for the part he plays in keeping the world turning on its axis.
So when somebody suggested a laurel crown for Father, he straightaway sanctioned the idea and it has grown until Father’s day has graduated into the calendar.
This year it falls on Sunday, June 21. Last year was the first time Father ever received widespread recognition with a “day” and he liked it so well that he believes he will relish one every year.
As a rule, Father doesn’t care to have anyone “make a fuss over him.” He is content to go on doing his bit by rearing his family and helping wherever he can in community betterment.
But he’ll have to admit that he’s a little blasé if he down’s wake up to the idea of being te center of attraction one day in the year.
Bring on the socks, the handgerchiefs and the neckties.
From the Evening Tribune, April 28, 1926:
By EDWARD M. RUTTENBER, International News Service
NEW YORK, April 28.—June 20 has been set aside as Father’s day by the associated men’s neckwear industries, co-operating with the National Association of Retail clothiers and Furnishers. The movement is nation-wide and families are being urged to buy father a new necktie on that date.
The backers of the movement hope it will be sort of second Christmas for the men who pay the bills. Trying to make a fashion plate of fathers is a task that should begin at the neck, according to Charles Stecher, secretary of the neckwear association and prime mover in the proposed event.
“Poor papa,” the only songs ever written about him hold him up to ridicule or stress his failings. In pointing out such injustices, Stecher urges the necessity of recognizing the virtues of the rentpayers of the land by an established annual event. “Mothers have heretofore received all the honorable mention,” said Stecher. “It is time something was done for the fathers. Mothers are a splendid institution but when all is said and done it takes two to make a home.”
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