From tragedy to triumph: How one Spokane daughter created Father’s Day

This is part one of a three-part series celebrating the 115th anniversary of Father's Day – which began right here in Spokane.

The remarkable story of Sonora Smart Dodd and the worldwide movement that began in our city

Yesterday, we shared the powerful story of two fathers who chose forgiveness over anger for the sake of their children. Today, we want to tell you about another choice that changed the world—one made right here in Spokane 115 years ago.

A father’s devotion in the face of loss

The year was 1898. On a farm between Wilbur and Creston, Washington, tragedy struck the Smart family. Ellen Smart died, leaving her husband William to raise six children alone. Their daughter Sonora was just 16, with five younger brothers looking to her and their father for guidance.

In an era when single fathers were almost unheard of, William Smart faced an impossible choice. The conventional wisdom suggested splitting up the family—sending the children to relatives or institutions where they could receive “proper care.” But William Smart chose differently.

He chose his children above all else.

For the next eleven years, William worked tirelessly to keep his family together. He learned to mend clothes late into the night. He discovered how to braid his daughter’s hair. He figured out how to balance farming, household management, and the emotional needs of six grieving children. His hands became calloused not just from farm work, but from the countless small acts of love that parenthood requires.

A daughter’s recognition sparks a movement

Fast forward to May 1909. Sonora Smart, now Sonora Smart Dodd, sat in Central United Methodist Church listening to a Mother’s Day sermon by Dr. Henry Rasmussen. As the pastor spoke eloquently about mothers’ sacrifices, Sonora’s mind drifted to her father’s devotion.

She thought about those calloused hands that had braided her hair. The late nights spent mending clothes by lamplight. The determination to keep the family together when it would have been easier to let it fall apart. The quiet strength that had carried them all through their darkest days.

Fathers deserve recognition too, she thought.

That simple realization would change history.

Petitioning for fathers everywhere

In early 1910, Sonora presented a petition to the Spokane Ministerial Alliance at the YMCA building. She proposed that churches honor fathers on June 5th—her father’s birthday. The pastors, recognizing the merit of her idea but needing time to prepare special sermons and services, chose June 19th instead.

On that first Father’s Day—June 19, 1910—pastors across Spokane preached about the vital importance of fathers. The mayor issued a proclamation. The governor added his support. And Sonora? She loaded her infant son into a two-horse carriage and personally delivered Father’s Day gifts to shut-in fathers who couldn’t make it to church.

One woman’s love for her father had created a movement that would eventually circle the globe.

The spirit that endures

The spirit of honoring fathers that Sonora Smart Dodd kindled in Spokane runs deep in our city’s soil—planted in faith and watered with love. That same spirit animates the work of the Spokane Fatherhood Initiative today.

Just like William Smart 127 years ago, the fathers in our programs are choosing their children above all else. They’re learning to braid hair, mend relationships, and keep families together despite overwhelming challenges. They’re developing the calloused hands of love that come from doing whatever it takes for their children.

A choice that echoes through generations

But here’s what breaks our hearts: fathers ready to make that choice—fathers inspired by William Smart’s example and motivated by love for their children—are waiting weeks to get the help they need.

Remember the two men from yesterday’s story who chose forgiveness over justified anger? There are dozens more just like them on our waitlist right now. Fathers who want to learn. Fathers who want to grow. Fathers who want to be present and engaged.

They’re making the same choice William Smart made in 1898: choosing their children above all else. They just need the tools and support to succeed.

Continuing Spokane’s Father’s Day legacy

This Father’s Day marks 115 years since Sonora Smart Dodd convinced Spokane’s pastors to honor fathers. To commemorate this incredible milestone, we’re working to raise $115,000 to double our capacity and ensure no father has to wait weeks for support.

Because every child deserves a father who has the tools and support to be present, engaged, and loving. Every child deserves what William Smart’s children received—a father committed to their wellbeing, equipped with the skills to nurture their growth, and supported by a community that values strong families. Every child deserves to experience the transformative power of a father who chooses them first, celebrates their achievements, and guides them through life’s challenges with wisdom and care.

Join us this Sunday at Riverfront Park’s Lilac Bowl (1-3 PM) as we announce our Fathers of the Year and celebrate Gabriel’s Challenge. Let’s honor fathers together where it all began—right here in Spokane.

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Ron Hauenstein is Executive Director of the Spokane Fatherhood Initiative. This is part one of a three-part series celebrating Father's Day's 115th anniversary and SpoFI's campaign to double our impact.

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