History of Father's Day

Father's Day started in 1910 and is credited to Sonora Smart Dodd from Spokane.

The story is that she got the idea while listening to a Mother's Day sermon in church. The June holiday is recognized for being the birthmonth of Dodd's own father, who raised six children after their mother died in childbirth.

The event received almost immediate support, including that from William Jennings Bryan, President Woodrow Wilson and later by President Calvin Coolidge, who recommended it for national holiday in 1924. It wasn't until 62 years after its origin that it became a national holiday by President Richard Nixon.

It could be debated that the holiday started as early as July 5, 1908, when Grace Golden Clayton suggested to her Fairmont, WV congregation that the 250 fathers killed, including her own, in the nearby Monangah Miners Disaster in December of 1907, be honored.

Because of the many events that take place within the same holiday timeframe, this event was not promoted well. It didn't pick up momentum or gain awareness outside of Clayton's community to catapult into the modern holiday that we celebrate today.

Father's Day Facts

• There are over 66 million dads in America.
• There are over 22,000 sporting goods stores in the US.
• Almost 95 million Father's Day cards were given last year, of these 50 percent given by their children.

According to AskMen.com, the Top 10 Father's Day gifts are as following:

10) Grilling Tools - Since, apparently, the grill is his sanctuary.

9) Alcohol - A top shelf brand that dad is too frugal to spluge on.

8) Fishing Gear - To encourage the expansion of his hobby.

7) New Golf Clubs - Because better equipment means he'll play a better game.

6) A Personal Gift - Think something from the year he was born, how better to offer perspective?

5) Books - As long as they're personally relevant.  AskMen.com suggests Eat Like a Man.

4) Gadgets - Maybe an easy out, but there are gadgets for every hobby and every dad.

3) Meat - Getting a top dollar steak never gets old. Have it sent to the house for dad to show his skills.

2) Sport Tickets - Another no-brainer, but makes men very happy. 

And a chance for some time together. 

...and the top gift?

1) Landscape Services - Dear old dad is frugal and not the first to admit to wanting someone else to take care of the grass, but offering Dad a break through a prepaid service could be right up his alley. Let him enjoy the fresh mowed grass from a lawn chair.  With a six-pack.

Top Five Local Spots to Take Dad

Every major entertainment venue has something to offer dad each year. Consider these options:

 5) Muckelshoot Casino - Check out the brunch offer and let Dad get a card game in.

4) Emerald Downs - Free giveaways for Dad and a choice to spend your day with a combination of food, sports, gambling and family.

3) Tacoma Rainiers Baseball - Watch some of the new talent come through the ranks. Ackley just got called up, but who knows who's next?

2) Seattle Mariners Baseball - With Seattle baseball only 1 1/2 games from first place (at press time), now is a very exciting time to watch.

1) Favorite Restaurant - Show Dad you're paying attention to his favorite and take him where he wants to go.  Could be Spuds on Alki, Dick's in Seattle or the taco truck down the road. Just grab the tab.