In the United States, Mother’s Day experienced a series of false starts before eventually transitioning into the “Hallmark” holiday that we celebrate today.
In 1858, Anna Reeves Jarvis was the first woman to hold an official celebration of mothers when, in her home state of West Virginia, she instituted Mothers’ Work Day to raise awareness about local sanitation issues.
During the Civil War, the scope of Mothers’ Work Day included keeping sanitary conditions on both sides of the battlefield. Meanwhile, Julia Ward Howe, author of the “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” attempted to institute a national celebration of mothers that honored women’s inclinations toward peace.
In 1872, she initiated and promoted a Mother’s Day for Peace, to be held on June 2, which was celebrated the following year by women in 18 cities across America.
The holiday continued to be honored by Bostonian women for another decade, but eventually phased out after Howe stopped underwriting the cost of the celebrations.
We can see that Mother’s Day had a rocky start. And having said that, aren’t we glad we have it now? Happy Mother’s Day to all the mothers out there.
Birthday greetings full of love and happiness for my very own Ariel, from her family and Mom and Dad. She is celebrating her 17th birthday on Sunday, May 11.
Join the Beverly Breast Cancer Walk for the three-mile walk-run through Beverly/Morgan Park in Chicago. The event takes place on May 11 and kicks off at 8 a.m. at Ridge Park, 96th and Longwood Drive, Chicago. For additional information, go online at www.beverlybreastcancerwalk.org.
The Crisis Center for South Suburbia hosts the Longest Day of Golf on Thursday, May 8. Events take place at the Silver Lake Country Club and includes the chance to golf 54 holes in one day. To see how you can join in the fun, contact Janice at (708) 429-7255.
A great opportunity to show your own expressions of art may be had in our very own Oak Lawn Library, 5300 W. 95th St. Local artists have an opportunity to exhibit their pieces in the second floor gallery. The 2008 dates are still available for your “show.” You may print out an application form at www.oaklawnlibrary.org or contact Linda Olsen at (708) 422-4990 for additional information.
Let’s go fly a kite. The 4th Annual Statewide Kite Fly takes place at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 10 and the Oak Lawn Park District is participating. Bring the whole family out to join in the fun. Call the park district at (708) 857-2420 for additional information and the exact location of the kite event.
The Genesis Therapy Center located at Pilgrim Faith Church is offering Parenting Education group from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays. Classes start on May 7. Call Rebecca at (708) 535-7320 for more information or to register.
“You know you are a Chicagoan if you believe ‘Thou shalt not put ketchup on hot dogs.’” Thanks to George Cundari for sharing this tidbit. I would love to hear from you. Please send me upcoming events, celebrations or birthdays you want to share. I may be reached by calling (708) 422-0949 or going to DMZ92@yahoo.com.
All the best until next week, Donna.