Mother's Day Comes to Algoma

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Mother's Day in Wisconsin was proclaimed by Governor Francis E. McGovern on May 14, 1911. In his remarks on the day's observance, he said it was a recognition of “the noble purposes of celebrating the modest virtues that make true homes.” Continuing, he brought to mind the patriotism fostered by Washington and Lincoln saying, “that none the less will the celebration of Mother’s Day develop domestic virtues which are the foundations of good citizenship.”

Just over 100 years later, the day is special to some families and a poignant memory to others. While Mother’s Day had no effect on the bottom line commercially in the first few years, patriotism is not a part of it today. Though most churches recognize mothers, and fathers on Father’s Day in June, entire services are rarely planned with them in mind.

Mother’s Day was established in Philadelphia on May 10, 1910 by Anna Jarvis. Jarvis was commemorating the death of her own mother when she conceived the idea of setting aside a day each year in tribute of mothers. Not to be outdone, the first known Father’s Day observance was held in Spokane a few weeks later on June 19^th when Civil War veteran William Smart’s daughter so honored him.

It appears that early Mother's Day celebrations were part of worship in Methodist Church services, though by 1913 other religious organizations were also observing the 2^nd Sunday in May. Newspapers jumped on the bandwagon with poems in tribute and articles about a mother’s work and duties. Symbolizing the purity of a mother’s love, men, women and children were encouraged to wear white carnations. It took a few years before ads, such as Fluck's above, were suggesting gifts for mothers.No doubt the women delighted in the chocolates or a bouquet of flowers. The corset suggested in an Engelbert ad surely devastated the woman who received it and left the household in shambles for sometime.

Congress got into the act in 1913 recommending the special day on the 2^nd Sunday of May, but it was only a recommendation .After Smart’s daughter left Spokane, Father's Day fizzled. Woodrow Wilson spoke in honor of the Father’s Day celebration in Spokane and wanted to make the day official, but Congress balked with the collective thinking that such a celebration would be too commercial. In the mid-1920s President Calvin Coolidge thought a day for fathers should be observed though he never offered a proclamation. By the late 1930s, William Smart’s daughter had garnered the help of organizations that would benefit in a Father’s Day, mostly commercial groups which would profit financially. Congress was right that time! It was finally in 1966 that President Lyndon Johnson issued the first presidential proclamation designating the 3^rd Sunday in June as Father’s Day though it was Richard Nixon who signed it into law in 1972. 

Mother's Day was official long before Father's Day. As early as 1915 there was an international effort to promote and encourage the recognition of mothers. Honorary U.S. officers were former Presidents Theodore Roosevelt, William Taft and then President Woodrow Wilson who was in office at the time. Kewaunee’s Congregational Church also highlighted the day in 1915 when Pastor James Dean welcomed women. Pastor Dean said mothers were their children’s best friends, teaching them about God and that through Him, they would see each other again.

Old newspapers indicate Algoma’s Methodist Church was the leader in local recognitions of Mother’s Day. The church captured headlines in 1916 when Rev. Edward Brittain’s Mother’s Day sermon was reprinted for all to read. 

Western Union celebrated Mother's Day 1916 with a special telegram - delivered day or night - decorated with carnations. The Mother's Day Association named the white carnation the emblem of the day, hoping it would be worn by all as a tribute to one's own mother and as a tribute "to the gentle and noble motherhood of the land."

A year later, the congregation invited everyone to a Mother’s Day service. In addition to the sermon “The Motherhood of God,” a women’s trio sang “Memories of Mother” while “My Mother’s Song” was preformed as a woman’s solo. Thomas Edison’s feelings for his mother were part of the 1920 program. Edison credited his mother influence throughout his life and said without her encouragement, he’d have never become an inventor. Algoma Methodist’s 1923 program was the same as a broadcast on a New Jersey radio station that afternoon. 

National groups called for fitting sermons, and appropriate music. Schools were encouraged to have programs on the Friday of Mother’s Day weekend. Plain View School in Maplewood did just that in 1922 when all mothers of the district were invited to a program at 2:30, as regular school work would halt at that time. If it was convenient for fathers, they were invited too. Plain View continued the programs for some years.

Mother’s Day 1918 was celebrated in churches as a time when those who had sons, fathers and brothers serving in war would offer their prayers for them. A women’s prayer battalion was formed following a visit from the English founder. Thousands of women signed a pledge for daily prayer, ensuring the pastors a number of contacts outside of their normal church community.

Algoma’s local branch of War Mothers led observances in 1919 in the assembly room of the Training School, the earlier name for Door-Kewaunee County Normal School and later County College. Irene, Catherine and Ursula Jirtle offered a piano trio, followed by the War Mothers singing “Battle Hymn of Republic” and “America.” Walter Marquardt offered the recitation “Sailor’s Talk” while Mrs. Zander gave a tribute to Frank Lidral.  Rev. A.E. Schaub gave a talk on mothers. The War Mothers were honored to know their boys – Co. F, 128^th Infantry – were recognized by General Mangin, the Marshall of France. The tribute to Frank Lidral came after his family was notified that he was missing in action in France. Lidral was said to be one of the first “lads” to join Company F and one of the youngest as he had just turned 18 when he enlisted.

Mothers this year will surely be thinking of sons, husbands and brothers - but now also daughters, mothers and sisters - in the military just as the War Mothers did in nearly 100 years ago. Mothers young and old will be thinking of their children. Pastors will recognize mothers with special blessings and many will find day-appropriate sermons in the 4^th Commandment. More than likely many pastors will capitalize on the courageous Baltimore mom whose convictions and expectations swept the nation after being caught on network news. She exemplifies motherhood. A few more like her and the world would be a far better place!

Sources: Algoma Record Herald, Wikipedia.