Did you know Father’s Day was founded right here in Spokane in 1910? Sonora Smart Dodd, a Spokane native, worked to create the holiday to honor her single father. The Dodd Home, a 2010 addition to the National Register of Historic Places, is a great stop when walking through Spokane’s East Central Neighborhood. Read on to learn more about this historic holiday, and get great ideas on fun outings to celebrate dad this Father’s Day!
Accounts of the inception of Father’s Day point to one woman: Sonora Smart Dodd. She came up with the idea while listening to a Mother’s Day sermon, in the company of her father, at Central Methodist Church in 1909. Sonora was primarily raised by her father, William Smart, so it is no surprise that she was bothered that mothers received a day of praise while fathers fell by the wayside. Dodd had plenty of reasons to give her father praise. William Smart was a Civil War veteran and cared for his six children after his wife died during childbirth.
Sonora, a prominent member of the Spokane community, took the idea of Father’s Day to the local YMCA. The Spokane YMCA, along with the Ministerial Alliance, endorsed Dodd’s idea and helped spread the word by celebrating the first Father’s Day in 1910.
Father’s Day, however, did not gain national prominence until 1924 when President Calvin Coolidge recognized Father’s Day and encouraged all states to do the same. In 1966, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed an official proclamation calling for the third Sunday in June to be recognized as Father’s Day. Six years later, President Richard Nixon signed an additional proclamation permanently observing Father’s Day on the third Sunday of June. While Father’s Day has risen to national, and even international, prominence, Spokane will forever be remembered as the holiday’s birthplace.
The Dodd Home
Sonora Smart Dodd lived in Craftsman-style home on South Arthur Street, which was built by her husband, John Bruce Dodd in 1913. During their time residing in the home, Sonora witnessed her idea of the Father’s Day holiday rise to national prominence. Upon her death in 1978, the Spokesman-Review credited both Sonora and her husband for “enriching the religious, civic and cultural life in Spokane,” as well as “giving Spokane credit in the eyes of the nation and the world.”
With this legacy, the Dodd Home is on the National Register of Historic Places, having earned this distinction in 2010 upon the centennial of Spokane’s first Father’s Day celebration. Today, The Dodd Home is a private residence, but the outside can be viewed as part of Historic Spokane’s “East Central Heritage” Tour.
Planning a fun-filled Father's Day can be essential to let Dad know just how much you care. There are numerous events and things to do across Spokane on Father's Day and here are some of our top suggestions.
Give the Gift of Golf
Spokane golf courses are some of the best in the Inland Northwest, with many world-class courses to choose from. If your dad is an avid golfer, then give him what he really wants this Father's Day: a relaxing day out on the green!
If you aren't quite sure which course to take Dad to, check out our golf page for quick course facts and pictures. Some of our favorite local golf courses include Liberty Lake's public course and The Creek at Qualchan Golf Course.
Take Dad on the Beer & Cider Trail
If your dad is a fan of craft beer, then there is no better way to celebrate Father's Day in Spokane than on the Beer & Cider Trail. Download the web-based app and earn points toward prizes as you tour and taste.
With top-tier breweries like No-Li Brewhouse, Iron Goat, and Brick West Brewing Co. along the way, this tour through Spokane's ale houses gives you and Dad a true taste of the city's best beers. Learn more about this and other Spokane Tours & Experiences here.
Father’s Day at Riverfront Park
While any day at Spokane's Riverfront Park is amazing, Father's Day is even better! With numerous discounts and deals for dad on many of the park's attractions and events, you really can't beat a Father's Day spent in the park.
Check out the Numerica SkyRide or the Looff Carrousel, where dads ride free all day with the purchase of one regular-priced ticket.
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