“When you’re young, you think your dad is Superman. Then you grow up, and you realize he’s just a regular guy who wears a cape.” – Dave Attell
You probably didn’t know that the origins of Father’s Day date back to both the worst mining accident in U.S. history and an everyday hero. Here’s how…
It All Began with a Tragedy
The accident occurred on Dec. 6, 1907, when methane gas exploded in a connected series of West Virginia coal mines. The tragedy killed more than 360 miners and left about 1,000 children fatherless.
Local resident Grace Golden Clayton proposed that a special ceremony be instituted and a day set aside to commemorate the 250 victims who were fathers. And that’s what they did.
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Two years later, a Spokane, Washington woman named Sonora Smart Dodd campaigned tirelessly for a national day to honor fathers. As one of six children raised by a single dad and Civil War veteran, Dodd held her father in great esteem.
Dodd’s special event on June 19, 1910, received an official proclamation. In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson even spoke at the Spokane celebration. (Which is why Dodd is generally considered to be the “mother” of Father’s Day.)
However, Congress resisted Wilson’s attempts to make it an official holiday, fearing it would be too commercialized. In fact, 
it wasn’t until 56 years later—1972—that the day became a permanent national holiday.
Still Your Hero
At Custom Craft, we have a myriad of ways to let your dad know he’s still your hero. From personalized mugs and thermoses, to baseball caps and T-shirts.
Show us your design, or let us help you create just the right message for that special guy. We can personalize just about anything!
It’s not too late—contact Custom Craft today!
Sources:
Featured Image: Creative Commons Photo, Public Domain
Tribune-Democrat
Fatherly
National Geographic
