Sonora Smart Dodd initiated Father's Day in 1910 in Spokane, Washington.

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Dodd's inspiration came from a sermon on Mother's Day, leading her to advocate for a day to honor fathers.

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Raised by her father after her mother's death, Dodd believed fathers deserved recognition for their leadership and love.

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With the support of the local church and the YWCA, the first official Father's Day was celebrated in Spokane in 1910.

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It took several decades of lobbying for Father's Day to become a nationally recognized holiday.

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Dodd was a multi-talented individual, being a painter, writer, and businesswoman.

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Her great-granddaughter, Betsy Roddy, has become more involved in sharing the story of Sonora Smart Dodd.

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MyHeritage.com helped uncover historical documents and artifacts related to Dodd's contributions.

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Roddy had a close relationship with her great-grandmother and cherishes the mementos she received.

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Until recently, Roddy kept her knowledge of being the insider of Father's Day mostly to herself.

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