THESE INTERETSTING ITEMS FROM THE COLLECTION OF ANDREW H., ARE FASCINTING BECAUSE:
- they show a style of packaging (the printed larger envelope) was in use since at least the 1940s;
- Fathers day was being celebrated in Australia in the 1940s;
- socks have been an ever-present present for fathers;
- and ‘Dad’ was being used in advertising material.
SOCKS IN A SPECIAL GIFT ENVELOPE 1938
On 24 August 1938, The Adelaide advertiser reported on a practice that started in the last few years:
Fathers’ Day On September 4 – Fathers’ Day will be held this year on Sunday, September 4. During the past few years it has become the practice to give a small taken of esteem to fathers on Fathers’ Day, and with this in mind, most of the Adelaide shops have made special provision for such gifts. Many shops have special gift envelopes, which can be presented with ties, socks and other small gifts.
FATHER’S DAY – WHEN AND WHY?
Our friends at Wikipedia provide this information:
In Australia, Father’s Day is celebrated on the first Sunday of September, which is the first Sunday of spring in Australia. Most families present fathers with gifts and cards, and share a meal. It is not a public holiday.
The idea of Father’s Day wasn’t initially well received in Australia in the 1910s and 1920s. Many thought it was either unnecessary or undermined a father’s assumed “supremacy” as head of the household. Newspapers at the time printed satirical poems and critical editorials of the new tradition. Father’s Day was originally observed in June, matching the USA date, with church services and the wearing of a red flower. In June 1925, Janet Heyden of Sydney (who also advocated for Mother’s Day celebrations in Australia) began collecting donations to bring cheer to elderly men in nursing homes.
While Mother’s Day became instantly popular, it wasn’t until the 1930s that Father’s Day came to be popularly celebrated in Australia on the first Sunday in September. The Father’s Day Council of Australia was established in 1957 and continues to honor distinguished fathers with an annual award. Father’s Day traditions in Australia include school crafts with handmade gifts and cards from younger children, taking dad out for lunch, BBQs, and outdoor family activities. Public schools often hold a Father’s Day gift stall with inexpensive presents for fathers, grandfathers, carers, or other role-models.
A NORTH AMERICAN IDEA 1913
The Sunday times, from Sydney, reported the first sighting of Fathers’ Day on 7 December 1913:
WHAT HAS FATHER DONE ? We have ‘Mothers’ Day,’ and now, If Uncle Sam is to give a lead, we are to have ‘Fathers’ Day.’ Later on from Jerusalem will come a proposal for ‘Uncles’ Day,’ and, not to be outdone in the era of brilliant suggestion, the Melbourne ‘Age’ will inaugurate ‘Aunties’ Day.’ In half a century or so to come, we should have run through the whole gamut, and worked away back to ‘Great-g-g-g-g-g-grand-pops’ Day’ and all that it will portend. The first Sunday in June of each year is to be called in the United States Fathers’ Day. ‘But is it really necessary to proclaim in so formal a fashion father’s decline from his former high estate?’ The ‘New York Post’ was prompted to ask when the proposal first saw the light of day. ‘Until our own era, his supremacy was taken as a matter of course. There was no Fathers’ Day in Greece or Rome. The head of a household needed no rose in his buttonhole to tell him that he was what he was…
By 1915 some celebrations of Father’s Day were being reported in the People’s weekly (South Australia) 19 June 1915:
MOONTA CHURCH OF CHRIST.
Father’s Day was celebrated at the above church on Sunday night, when the building was filled to overflowing. The decorations were appropriate and many of the congregation wore red flowers in honor of father. Pastor Allan’s address was heartily appreciated, and the singing was of an [ icap ing] character.
Socks in short supply 1947
FATHERS’ DAY OBSERVANCE Father’s Day was observed on Sunday, and thousands of fathers all over the State awoke to find presents from their children done up in special wrappers. For several days prior to the day, local stores had attractive window displays of gifts of all kinds. Local business executives reported yesterday that there was a constant trade. Things most sought after appeared to be handkerchiefs, singly and in fancy boxes, ties of many and varied hues, cigars and cigarettes. Socks were frequently inquired for, but these are at present in exceptionally short supply. Daily examiner, Grafton, 9 September 1947.
This 1949 purchase might have been scarce and more expensive
Women Rush Men ‘s Socks — Women rushed men’s sock counters in some Newcastle shops yes terday as a result of the statement that the price of socks is expected to go up 3/6 a pair. Some bought a dozen pairs at one purchase. The forecast of a rise in price was made in the Arbitration Court in Melbourne on Tuesday by Mr. D. E. Lewis, of Holeproof Hosiery Ltd. While some shops described the rush as “terrific,” others said their sales of socks had increased only slightly. One shopkeeper estimated he had sold 70 pairs to 4.30 p.m. There had been a constant flow since the shop opened. He had extra stocks for Father’s Day and for Christmas. At the rate of yesterday’s sales, these would last about another fortnight. Women did most of the buying yesterday, salesmen said. They paid to 9/6 a pair for English socks. Shops did not ration socks yesterday, but some women came back and made second buys, apparently thinking there was a quota for each customer. Newcastle morning herald, 19 August 1948.
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