Arise, then, women of this day!
Arise, all women who have hearts…
-Julia Ward Howe
Mother’s Day in America was first promoted by Julia Ward Howe, author of “The Battle Hymn of The Republic”. Although the idea for Mother’s Day was first promoted by Julia Howe, it was the daughter of one of Ms. Howe’s contemporaries who took up the cause and made it a reality.
In 1907, Anna Jarvis, a schoolteacher from Philadelphia, began writing letters to legislators and businessmen around the country asking them to recognize a special day for honoring mothers. She was inspired in this endeavor by the work of her own mother, Anna Maria Reeves Jarvis, who engineered the first Mother’s Friendship Day. This was an event meant to bring together families and soldiers of different political beliefs as the Civil War was nearing an end in the summer of 1865 .
Following in her mother’s footsteps, Ms. Jarvis’ efforts came to fruition in 1914 when President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the 2nd Sunday in May as Mother’s Day. “…. direct the government officials to display the United States flag on all government buildings and do invite the people of the United States to display the flag at their homes or other suitable places on the second Sunday in May as a public expression of our love and reverence for the mothers of our country.” The second Sunday in May was chosen to honor the anniversary of Ms. Jarvis’s mother, Anna Maria , who had died years earlier on that day.
As the holiday became commercialized in the 1920s, Ms. Jarvis became disillusioned with her accomplishment. She is reported as saying, “A printed card means nothing except that you are too lazy to write to the woman who has done more for you than anyone in the world. And candy! You take a box to Mother — and then eat most of it yourself. A pretty sentiment!” She spent the remaining years of her life working to have the true meaning of Mother’s Day returned to the public consciousness.
Mother’s Day in Oakland, NJ is an appropriate time to remember the work done by the Mother’s Club of Oakland. Founded in 1957 to supplement the needs of the Oakland Recreation Program, a group of mothers worked to provide uniforms for the cheerleaders. The Club has since sponsored new playground equipment, numerous academic awards, scoreboards and scholarships. They continue their close relationship with the Recreation Commission in the adminisitration of the new Rec Stand which opened recently to provide an array of refreshments and food.
One of many fundraisers sponsored by The Mother’s Club is planned for Friday, May 30th, to raise funds for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. The fundraiser is being held in memory of Maura Garramone. Maura was President of the Mothers Club in Oakland, a religious teacher at St. Mary’s Church, a Den Mother for the Cub Scouts in Oakland, and a member of the PTO for both Manito and Valley Middle School. It is an opportunity to give to a worthy cause and pay tribute to a great mom who’s spirit continues to guide and inspire.
The event, “Comedy Night for Breast Cancer Awareness”, is being held at the Oakland Senior Center located at 20 Lawlor drive. Tickets are $40.00 per person. Light buffet and dinner will be served. BYOB. Anyone wishing to attend please call Helaine Farrell at 201-651-1682.
The Oakland Journal congratulates all mothers on this day, and we offer an insightful quote from Mark Twain.
“My mother had a great deal of trouble with me, but I think she enjoyed it.”