Fathers’ Day Has always been about Ties and Socks

One father is more than a hundred schoolmasters –
an ancient proverb.
The Sydney Morning Herald,
Wednesday 3 September 1947, page 3

In Australia we observe Father’s Day on the first Sunday of September – this Sunday. It is a day for people to show their appreciation for fathers and father figures. Father figures may include stepfathers, fathers-in-law, guardians (eg. foster parents), and family friends.

Some things about Father’s Day don’t seem to have changed much over the years. The same presents, the same attitudes – all are evident from articles and advertisements from newspapers and magazines around the country from early 1900’s.

It is often a fascinating exercise to ‘travel back  in time’ by looking through TROVE.

What has changed is the role of fathers and their place in the family over the past century. Society has changed enormously – with families, gender roles and expectations having changed significantly…