The Daughter's Gift: The Story of Sonora Smart Dodd
On a Sunday morning in 1909, Sonora Smart Dodd sat in a church pew in Spokane, Washington, listening to a sermon about Mother's Day. While she appreciated the tribute to mothers, her mind began to wander to a very special man in her own life: her father, William Jackson Smart. Sonora believed that fathers deserved a day of recognition just as much as mothers did. This spark of an idea would eventually grow into a national holiday celebrated by millions.
Sonora’s father was a remarkable person. He was a veteran of the Civil War who had moved his family to a farm in Washington state. When Sonora was only sixteen years old, her mother passed away during childbirth. This left William alone to raise Sonora and her five younger brothers. In those days, it was very unusual for a single father to raise a large family on his own. Most people expected him to give the children to other relatives to raise. Instead, William took on the challenge with strength and kindness. He worked the farm during the day and cared for his children at night, ensuring they were well-fed, educated, and loved.
- Veteran:
- A person who has served in the military or armed forces.
- Sacrificed:
- Gave up something important or valuable to help someone else.
- Campaigning:
- Working in an organized way over a long period to achieve a specific goal.
- Proclamation:
- A public or official announcement, especially one made by a leader like a president.
- Gratitude:
- The quality of being thankful and showing appreciation.
- tribute:
- An act, statement, or gift given to show respect, affection, or gratitude for someone.
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Preview questions from this passageShowHide
- 1What specific event was Sonora Smart Dodd attending when she first thought of the idea for Father's Day?
- 2Why was William Jackson Smart's decision to raise his children alone considered unusual for the time?
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About this biography passage for Upper Elementary
“The Daughter's Gift: The Story of Sonora Smart Dodd” is a biography reading passage about Father's Day History, written for Upper Elementary. It takes about 4 minutes to read (615 words) and comes with an interactive quiz and a printable worksheet with comprehension questions and an answer key.