Father's Day Started at the Y & Continues Every Day at Middlesex YMCA

More than a century ago, the first Father's Day was celebrated at the Spokane YMCA on June 19, 1910. Sonora Louis Smart Dodd, the daughter of a single father and Civil War veteran, was inspired by a Mother’s Day sermon and wondered why there was no holiday for fathers. 

After receiving support from Spokane ministers, the YMCA celebrated the first Father's Day 104 years ago.

On Sunday, June 15, the Middlesex YMCA joins the nation in celebrating Father’s Day and recognizing the impact fathers and adult male role models make in children’s lives. A leading nonprofit in fostering positive youth development, the Y remains dedicated to providing resources and opportunities for fathers to further involve themselves in the well-being and development of their children.

The Middlesex YMCA offers a variety of programs that foster understanding and companionship between children and their caregivers such as Parent/Child Dance,Sports and Movement, Octoberfest Open Camp, and Parent/Child Aquatics. In communities across the country, the Y is committed to ensuring that the 9 million children and teens in YMCA programs reach their full potential by helping them grow—physically, mentally and socially—from young children into active, engaged members of their communities. To learn more about programs and activities available at the Middlesex YMCA view our Summer 2014 Program Guide or visit midymca.org