Memory
According to History, In the 1900s in West Virginia, the late Anne Reeves Jarvis created Mother’s Day Work Clubs, so women would know how to raise their children properly.
1868 Mother’s Friendship Daycare: Mothers unified former Union and Confederate Soldiers to promote peace.
1870-Juliette Ward Howe wrote a Mother’s Day Proclamation promoting World Peace celebration every June 2nd.
Late 1870’s-Juliet Calhoun Blakely created a local Mother’s Day in Albion, Michigan.
Late 19th and early Century-Together, Mary Towles & Frank Hering organized a Mother’s Day.
In the 1900s- the daughter of the late Anne Reeves Jarvis, known as Anne Jarvis, wanted Mother’s Day as a holiday to honor Mothers sacrificing for their children.
In 1908- John Wanamaker, Philadelphia Store Owner, financially supported Anne Jarvis for a Mother’s Day Celebration.
In 1908- the first Mother’s Day celebration was held at a Methodist Church in Grafton, Virginia.
Jarvis wrote letters to newspapers & campaigned to politicians demanding a special day to honor Mothers.
1914-President Woodrow Wilson made the official Mother’s Day Celebration on the second Sunday of May.
Message
Jarvis initially dreamed of wearing a carnation as a badge or symbol, visiting Mom, and attending church. She did not intend for Mother’s Day to become commercialized, where businesses profit over products.
1920-Jarvis begged patrons to stop buying gifts, flowers, and cards.
1920-1948- Jarvis used her wealth to take businesses to court for using the term Mother’s Day. She openly protested against charities, confectioners, florists, and more. Before her death, she tried to remove the holiday from the calendar.
Meaning
How did you celebrate Mother’s Day? What does it mean to you?
After the memory, message, and meaning, how did you celebrate Mother’s Day? Did you celebrate with Faith, Funeral, Food, Family, and Fun? Remember, Anne Jarvis did not want one to be tempted or forced to buy things for their Mothers but to call and visit. Sometimes, the little things without money mean the most.
“Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise; 3that it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth,”
Ephesians 6: 2-3.
Faith
Did you attend church service? Did you honor your Mom?
Parishioners from Christ The King Baptist Church could pre-order red (If Mom is alive) or white flowers (if she was deceased) for Mother’s Day Service. After service, Muffins for Moms were free and available, along with bottled water and a cup of Juice for all Mothers.
Funeral
Do you remember your Mom or Grandma? Did you go to the gravesite or listen to her favorite song or tune honoring her?
Food
Families from different churches, backgrounds, and homes congregated together at local restaurants to honor Moms who were not allowed to cook, so families took them out to eat.
Milwaukee, WI
El Greco Restaurant
After church luncheon with Family and Friends
Family
Perhaps you ate food with the family.
Fun
Did you play games alone or fellowship with the family?
However you spent your day, we wish you a Happy Mother’s Day.
Mother’s Day Celebration may be over, but keep celebrating anyway. Happy Mother’s Day!
Reporter Jude 