www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday June 11, 2008 - 25 The story behind Father's Day How the tradition of celebrating Dad's Day began Hunter, gatherer, man of the family, father figure--however they are perceived, fathers have long played an important role in nurturing and supporting their children. The story behind the first Father's Day and celebrations that followed are testament to the high regard and appreciation held for fathers around the world. The first Father's Day tribute dates back nearly 4,000 years ago. A Babylonian youth named Elmesu carved the first known Father's Day card in clay with a special message that wished his father good health and a long life. Father's Day as we know it today, was first created by Sonora Smart Dodd of Spokane, Washington. While listening to a Mother's Day sermon, she was compelled to establish a celebration for fathers as well. Dodd's father, a widower and Civil War veteran, raised her and five siblings for 21 years after their mother died. Dodd encouraged local churches to institute a day of observance for fathers and chose June 19, 1910 as the first celebration since her father was born in June. Even though it was widely celebrated for decades, Father's Day wasn't officially recognized as a national day of observance until 1972. From early on, many countries, including Canada, chose to adopt Father's Day as a national celebration and with few exceptions, most celebrate on the third Sunday in June. Around the world, families recognize fathers by spending the day together and showering them with cards and gifts as expressions of love and appreciation. Hallmark has been making Father's Day cards since the 1920s and now offers close to 800 different kinds of cards that not only recognize biological fathers, but other father figures including stepfathers, grandfathers, brothers, sons-in-law and uncles. What's more, new technology has led to a variety of greeting card innovations, including a song card that lets you record a personal message for your father. (NC) Dorval Crossing 300 North Service Road West www.blazerformen.com 905-338-0322 DON'T LEAVE THE DOCK WITHOUT IT! AERIAL PHOTOS ALL-NEW LABELLED MORE THAN 320 IO, LAKE ONTARIslands sand & The Thou of Quinte Including The Bay facilities, inas and Full details on mar ages, repair islands and anchor things to do ices, shopping and serv The Bible for cruising boaters since 1984, PORTS is the onestop information source for boaters who travel. Considered essential onboard equipment, it helps boaters plan their trip, then it goes along for the ride, telling readers what to look for, how to get there safely, and what they'll find once they arrive. An invaluable resource, PORTS is used all season long! PORTS Cruising Guide to Lake Ontario and the Thousand Islands ALL NEW 2008 Edition completely updated with ALL NEW labeled aerial photos! -THE-LAKE NIAGARA-ON TO COBOURG KINGSTON + BRIGHTON TO E CRUISE GUID BAY OF QUINTE N YOUNGSTOW BAY TO CHAUMONT NDS THOUSAND ISLA E CRUISE GUID THIS FATHER'S DAY, LET SWISS CHALET DO THE GRILLING Bring Dad into Swiss Chalet on Father's Day & we'll give him a FREE, slow cooked 1/3 Rack of Ribs with the purchase of a Classic Quarter Chicken. It's our way of saying, Thanks Dad. Rd g Trafalger Rd. shown EXPANDED GUIDE TO DINING OUT What to know befo Cover may not be exactly as Border Crossing re you go! $42.95 ISBN 1-895161-14- 2 Rd Argus Trafalgar PORT ERAGE OF EVERY COMPLETE COVADIAN AND US SHORES ON THE CAN RT FULL DISTANCE CHA RDINATES AND OUR INCLUDES GPS COO Glenashton Dr. 8th Line S. Ser vice R d E. Ave. Cross Upper Middle Rd. E. DON'T LEAVE THE DOCK$ WITHOUT IT! .95 Available at your favourite marine stores! To find a dealer near you, visit portsbooks.com 217 Cross Avenue (905) ( ) 844-9170 1011 Upper Middle Road East ( ) (905) 844-8751 42 Family Happens at Swiss Chalet Expiry Dat: June 15, 2008 (Father's Day). LIMITED TIME OFFER. Valid only at listed locations. valid only with purchase of a classic Quarter Chicken. Not Valid in combination with any other offer. Valid in the Dining Room only. While supplies last. ® Reg. T.M. Cara Operations Limited.