The Delaware Valley’s Role In The Founding Of Mother’s Day

A mother-daughter team from Philadelphia was campaigning for a conflict resolution and peace after the devastating American Civil War.

Anna Jarvis, also known as “Mother Jarvis,” was a lifelong activist who organized women’s brigades, encouraging Confederate and Union neighbors to “heal the scars of the American Civil War.”

The Mother of Mother’s Day

After Mother Jarvis’ death in 1905, her daughter Anna continued the campaign. She continued a fervent letter campaign to influential Americans, such as President William Taft, former President Theodore Roosevelt and local merchant John Wanamaker, to accord women the recognition they deserved.

By 1907, the letters finally paid off. The first observance of Mother’s Day was held in West Virginia and in the Wanamaker Auditorium in Philadelphia, which could seat only one-third of the 15, 000 attendees.

By 1912, 45 states observed Mother’s Day on the second Sunday of May. And in 1914, President Woodrow Wilson signed the Congressional resolution declaring the holiday.

Just two women from Philly made it happen. A little local history.

Happy Mothers Day my South Jersey ladies!

-The Yummygal