The Origins of Mother’s Day

We all have our Mother’s Day celebrations and traditions. Whether it’s carnations, brunch, or maybe just a sentimental card and spending the day with Mom, Mother’s Day wouldn’t be possible without the author and originator of Mother’s Day, Mary Towles Sasseen. Mary lived in Henderson, Kentucky as a schoolteacher, where she established the early ideas of a Mother’s Day Celebration. She planned the Mother’s Day Celebration for her students and their parents and is attributed to be the author and originator of Mother’s Day.

Here are ten interesting facts about Mary Towles Sasseen that you can share with your mom this Mother’s Day:

1. Miss Mary Sasseen began teaching at the age of 25, and within the first few years of her career had already begun making plans for the first Mother’s Day Celebration.

2. Mary was as sassy and quick-witted as her name implies. She was once quoted saying, “Say what you’d like to say, just say it with a smile.”

3. The first Mother’s Day Celebration took place in Henderson in 1887.

4. Mary planned the first Mother’s Day program at her school on April 20, which was also the same day as her mother’s birthday.

5. Mary traveled far and wide at her own expense to promote Mother’s Day at other schools and educational conferences.

6. In 1893, Mary obtained national observance. Mother’s Day gained popularity in other states as well. In cities such as Boston, Brooklyn, and Little Rock, over 10,000 people were estimated to have participated in the day’s celebration.

7. Despite her passion for establishing Mother’s Day, Mary never experienced motherhood herself. She married in 1904, but in 1906, Mary and her unborn child passed away during childbirth.

8. Unfortunately, Mary did not live to celebrate an official Mother’s Day. With the continued efforts of Anna Jarvis, Mother’s Day was declared a holiday by President Woodrow Wilson in 1914.

9. In 1926, Mary was honored by the Kentucky State Legislature as the originator of the idea of Mother’s Day Celebration.

10. Mary Towles Sasseen’s final resting place is in fact in Henderson. The public can visit her grave at Fernwood Cemetery.

Mary Towles Sasseen will always remain an important and prominent historical figure in the hearts of Henderson residents. Community members and visitors are welcome to speak with historical researchers about Mary’s life here in Henderson by visiting the Depot Community Room at 101 N. Water Street.