It's hard to imagine a time when there was no Mother's Day! However, for a number of years, much of what our mothers have done for all of us went largely unrecognized. Luckily, a few determined women decided that it was time for a change.
Ann Reeves Jarvis
In the years leading up to the Civil War, Ann Reeves Jarvis hosted "Mothers' Day Work Clubs" during which she would teach local women how to properly care for their children. Following the conclusion of the Civil War, these gatherings evolved into "Mothers' Friendship Day", ladies and veterans of both sides of the conflict would come together in the name of reconciliation.
Julia Ward Howe
In 1870, Julia Ward Howe issued the "Mother's Day Proclamation," calling on women around the world to unite in promoting world peace. Howe also campaigned for an official "Mother's Peace Day" to be held on June 2.
Anna Jarvis
Ann Reeves Jarvis's daughter, Anna Jarvis is the reason we celebrate Mother's Day in its current incarnation. She created the holiday in 1908, envisioning a holiday that honored the sacrifices mothers make for their children. She wished for women to receive recognition for the difficult work of childcare and homemaking. Embarking on a large letter writing campaign and starting the Mother's Day International Association to work toward having Mother's Day recognized as an official state holiday, she saw her work come to fruition with the official declaration of the holiday in 1914.
Whether the special women in your life are advocates for world peace, caregivers extraordinaire, or their own brand of wonderful, we at Savington & Hill are here to help you celebrate them with gifts as unique as the ladies you love. Take a look at our Mother's Day Collection where we gathered our favorite Mother's Day designs.
