West Virginia 2008 Official State Travel Guide - (Page 30) REPORTS MOTHER’S DAY by Melissa Butheau Wonderful West Virginia Celebrating 100 YEARS Special events are planned throughout the year to mark the holiday’s centennial celebration. For more information, call 1-800-CALL WVA or check out the “If you go …” section below. Visitors at the Mother’s Day Shrine, Grafton e. Ann Marie Jarvis pictured below. IN MOM’S Honor It is said that nothing is stronger than a mother’s love. But in the case of Anna Jarvis, it was a daughter’s affection and dedication that led to the creation of Mother’s Day in 1908. Founded in the West Virginia town of Grafton – and celebrating its 100th anniversary this year – the holiday was inspired by Anna’s late mother, Ann Marie Jarvis. IF YOU GO: Anna Jarvis Birthplace Museum, 304.265-5549, www.annajarvis house.com International Mother’s Day Shrine, 304.265.1589, www.mothersday shrine.com Mother’s Day Shrine in Grafton . Within three years, Anna had achieved part of her goal – helping pass a city resolution to found the holiday, and holding a memorial service celebrating the outstanding work her mother accomplished. Three years later, the movement gained momentum with an official Mother’s Day service at Andrews Methodist Episcopal Church in Grafton, and a declaration marking every second Sunday of May as the holiday. Anna’s efforts quickly spread nationwide. By 1909, 45 states had adopted the holiday and within a year West Virginia Governor William E. Glasscock issued the first Mother’s Day proclamation. In 1914, Congress passed a resolution submitted by Anna to create Mother’s Day, which President Woodrow Wilson approved. e A mother of 13, Ann Marie was also active in the community. She is credited with organizing women’s work clubs, which helped decrease child mortality by educating young mothers on proper sanitation practices in neighboring Webster. Under the direction of Ann Marie, the women in her clubs also nursed ill Civil War soldiers, regardless of which side they fought on, and tirelessly worked to settle post-Civil War strife. One often-noted effort to create such harmony (“Mothers Friendship Day,” held in Pruntytown) resulted in tears on both sides. Anna had often heard her mother say there should be a day commemorating the hard work of women caring for their family and others. So after her mother’s death in 1905, she set out to make that dream come true. COME SEE WHERE IT ALL STARTED This year’s 100th anniversary makes it a great time to explore the town where Mother’s Day originated. Visitors to Grafton today can tour the former Andrews Methodist Episcopal Church, site of the first Mother’s Day service. Built in 1873, it is now the International Mother’s Day Shrine and also includes a fascinating museum that’s certainly worth a visit. The Anna Jarvis Birthplace Museum in nearby Webster is a history buff’s dream. The well-maintained house still displays much of the family’s century-old household items and clothing, including Civil War relics from when the home was commandeered by the Union army. 30 1 - 8 0 0 - C A L L W VA http://www.annajarvishouse.com http://www.mothersdayshrine.com
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