The History of Father’s Day (and 7 Surprising Facts You Probably Never Knew)
What do Saint Joseph, collect calls, and roses have in common? They’re all part of the surprising story behind Father’s Day.
From medieval traditions to modern gift trends, this holiday has a rich (and sometimes quirky) history. Whether you're celebrating your dad, grandpa, or go-to father figure, here are seven facts that might just change how you see Father’s Day.
A Brief History of Father’s Day
While Mother’s Day was officially recognized in 1914, Father’s Day took a bit longer to become a household holiday.
The first known celebration happened in 1908 in Fairmont, West Virginia, as a memorial for miners who died in an accident. But it was Sonora Smart Dodd, inspired by her single father who raised six children, who truly championed the cause. Her first organized Father’s Day took place in Spokane, Washington, in 1910.
It took over 50 years for Father’s Day to become official—recognized as a U.S. holiday in 1972 by President Nixon. In Canada, the holiday has been observed since the 1920s, though it has never received (or needed) formal recognition.
What do Saint Joseph, collect calls, and roses have in common? They’re all part of the surprising story behind Father’s Day.
From medieval traditions to modern gift trends, this holiday has a rich (and sometimes quirky) history. Whether you're celebrating your dad, grandpa, or go-to father figure, here are seven facts that might just change how you see Father’s Day.
A Brief History of Father’s Day
While Mother’s Day was officially recognized in 1914, Father’s Day took a bit longer to become a household holiday.
The first known celebration happened in 1908 in Fairmont, West Virginia, as a memorial for miners who died in an accident. But it was Sonora Smart Dodd, inspired by her single father who raised six children, who truly championed the cause. Her first organized Father’s Day took place in Spokane, Washington, in 1910.
It took over 50 years for Father’s Day to become official—recognized as a U.S. holiday in 1972 by President Nixon. In Canada, the holiday has been observed since the 1920s, though it has never received (or needed) formal recognition.
7 Surprising Father’s Day Facts You Probably Never Knew
1. Father’s Day Has Deep Roots—and Varies Around the World
While North American Father’s Day is a modern creation, the concept dates back to the Middle Ages in Europe. Catholics celebrated Saint Joseph’s Day on March 19 to honor the foster father of Jesus (the ultimate stepdad)—a tradition still observed in countries like Spain, Italy, and France.
Today, Father’s Day is celebrated around the world on different dates:
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June in Canada and the U.S.
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September in Australia and New Zealand
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December in Thailand (on the King’s birthday)
No matter the timing, the meaning remains the same: honoring fatherhood and connection.
2. It Was Controversial at First
While Mother’s Day quickly gained popularity, Father’s Day struggled to find its place. Many dismissed it as unnecessary or too commercial. But for families who wanted to honor their fathers, the meaning was deeply personal.
One story that stands out is that of Grace Golden Clayton, who organized a service in 1908 in West Virginia to remember the 361 men—many of them fathers—who died in a mining accident. Though her event didn’t lead to a national movement, it reflected the growing desire to recognize the role of fathers in family and community life.
In the end, it wasn’t just retailers or politicians who made Father’s Day happen—it was people like Grace and Sonora Smart Dodd, who believed that dads deserved their own day of gratitude.
3. There’s an Official Flower for Father’s Day
Yes, just like moms get carnations, dads get roses. A red rose signifies a living father, while a white rose is worn in remembrance of a father who has passed.
4. Dads Get Love—But Moms Still Win the Gift Game
In 2024, Americans were expected to spend $22.4 billion on Father’s Day gifts—mostly on clothing, tools, and special outing gear.
But compare that to Mother’s Day, which raked in a massive $33.5 billion—dominated by flowers, brunches, and jewelry. Dads may be catching up, but moms still rule the retail world.
5. There’s a Father’s Day Song
Although it doesn’t have an official anthem, a few classics capture the spirit of the day. “Dance With My Father” by Luther Vandross and “Father and Son” by Cat Stevens are timeless tracks that tug at the heartstrings every June.
6. It’s a Big Day for Phone Calls
Phone companies report that Father’s Day is one of the busiest days for collect calls—especially back in the pre-cellphone days. Even now, it remains one of the most popular days to pick up the phone and check in with dad.
7. There Was Almost Just “Parents’ Day” Instead
In the 1920s and ’30s, there was a real push to combine Mother’s Day and Father’s Day into one unified celebration: Parents’ Day. Led by children’s radio entertainer Robert Spere, the idea was to avoid dividing affection between two holidays.
His suggested slogan? “A kiss for mother, a hug for dad.” The movement faded in the 1940s—but it’s a sweet what-if in the history of family traditions.
Celebrate Dad with Handcrafted Excellence
Whether your dad’s the grill master, the snack spread artist, the game night champion—or just the guy who always knows how to fix everything—he deserves a gift that’s just as memorable as he is.
This Father’s Day, we’ve curated a special selection of handcrafted gifts, complete with Father’s Day–themed engraving options to make your gift even more personal. From functional to sentimental, each piece is designed to bring people together—and look great doing it.
🧀 Personalized Cheese Slicer & Cutting Board (Maple or Walnut)
Choose from live edge or straight edge and walnut or maple. For the dad who loves a little friendly competition, these boards come with pegs and optional playing cards—and free engraving to make it one of a kind.
🪵 The Homestead 18x16 Edge Grain Maple Cutting Board
Sturdy, spacious, and beautifully made—this board is built for big meals and big moments. Personalize it with a message or name he’ll see every time he preps something great. Featuring bold, grill-inspired engravings that’ll make him king of the backyard BBQ.
🎲 Walnut or Maple Cribbage Boards (Live Edge or Straight Edge)
Compact and clever, this board features a built-in wire cutter and a sleek footprint—perfect for cheese lovers and professional snackers alike. We personally love the cheese pun / dad joke worthy engraving options.
Let customers speak for us
Kelsey&Ireland Team
Quality work and excellent customer service
What an absolute pleasure this order was. From start to delivery our bulk order of client gifts was so easy, an incredible value and we cannot recommend Roots to Table enough.
Personalized Live Edge Charcuterie Board, Black Walnut Rustic Cheese Boards, Custom Engraved Wood Serving Tray Wedding & Housewarming Gift
Sara Nieves
My clients RAVE!
I have gifted this cutting board to my clients throughout 2025. All of them have raved about the board’s look and quality! Pair it with a Charcuterie idea book and you’ve got yourself a great house warming gift! The seller’s are also fantastic; they communicate well and deliver as promise!
The Tree Series Personalized & Hand Crafted Live-Edge Maple Charcuterie Board
Etsy customer
Great Gift for my husband for father’s day. He loves it
The DAILY BLOCK: 12x8 Edge Grain Maple Cutting Board
Etsy customer
It was a great father’s day gift for my husband. He loves it
The DAILY BLOCK: 12x8 Edge Grain Maple Cutting Board
Etsy customer
They were very responsive when I called. The personalized crib board is beautiful, smooth and came in a box all wrapped up so I can present it as a gift just as it is. Great presentation!
Personalized Cribbage Board, Maple or Black Walnut Crib Boards with Live Edge Design, Rustic Game Board with Peg Storage, Custom Engraved Gifts, Fun Family Game
Etsy customer
Absolutely beautiful anniversary gift! Prompt shipping and arrival!
Black Walnut Live Edge Charcuterie Boards - Heartwood
Etsy customer
We had a mishap with our order and the team was very easy to work with and had us our desired order fast! I am so happy with how everything turned out! It was a wedding gift and they loved it!!
THE SPROUT & SEEDS: Hand Crafted Maple Charcuterie Boards
Etsy customer
Am I ever happy with my board! Having a memory from our late grandmother is something to Cherish! Thank you so much for your help. Lovely product, amazing customer service and quick shipping to boot!!
Personalized Recipe Cutting Board, Custom Maple Charcuterie Board with Handwritten Recipe Engraving. Gift for Housewarming, Mom, Grandma
Etsy customer
Cribbage boards usually, if not always, come with pegs. This board did not. Very unusual. I thought pegs would be included. My only negative.
Personalized Cribbage Board, Maple or Black Walnut Crib Boards with Live Edge Design, Rustic Game Board with Peg Storage, Custom Engraved Gifts, Fun Family Game
Gina Evangelista
Perfect Thank you gift
We love our gift . The cutting board is beautiful!
Personalized Live Edge Charcuterie Board, Black Walnut Rustic Cheese Boards, Custom Engraved Wood Serving Tray Wedding & Housewarming Gift
Marie Railey
this as a forever memory!
This was a lifetime keepsake for my grand daughter’s Wedding!
They were absolutely thrilled to be remembered this way!
Highly recommend a gift such as
this as a forever memory! Thank-you for your gracious care and delivery!
Black Walnut Live Edge Charcuterie Boards - Heartwood
Etsy customer
They were amazing with quick responses..and ideas when I was at a loss. They were SUPERFAST with shipping and it arrived FOUR days early...with proofs prior! It is absolutely gorgeous...
Personalized Cribbage Board, Maple or Black Walnut Crib Boards with Live Edge Design, Rustic Game Board with Peg Storage, Custom Engraved Gifts, Fun Family Game
Etsy customer
Beautiful and fast ! Packaged amazing! This will make a great gift 😊
Jigsaw Puzzle Coasters Set of 4. In Maple or Black Walnut
Stephanie McLeod
Spectacular quality
Received my board today and it’s beautiful. From the packaging that is filled with warmth when you open the box to the out standing workmanship. The quality of the board is exceptional, even to the personalized engraving. You can feel the creativity, love and heart and soul that Charlene and Jason put into their designs and the passion for what they create.
The DAILY BLOCK: 12x8 Edge Grain Maple Cutting Board
MONICA R.
Gorgeous and Fast!!!
This board is INCREDIBLE! Charlene handpicked the boards for the wood color and grain that I liked. I was able to select the boards that I liked, along with designs and engravings for the front and back of each board. She sent me pictures of the designs and fonts for approval. I ended up buying 4 boards. I know I will definitely buy from them again. Thank you for such great quality products and fast service!!!
Black Walnut Live Edge Charcuterie Boards - Heartwood
