Mother’s Day Plaque in Reiger Park
Albion holds a rich history beyond our work ethic in the factories and passion for the river. Among our many stories is the telling of Mother’s Day, a tradition that resonates with love and gratitude, deeply rooted in the fabric of Albion’s community.
The journey of Mother’s Day in Albion traces back to the early 20th century when Juliet Calhoun Blakeley stood up for her beliefs and was recognized for it. The temperance movement, an urge for modesty and support of prohibition, was in full swing across the nation, its influence was just as strong in Albion.
Like most movements, there were people opposed to the temperance movement. It is claimed that one night, a few of the anti-temperance individuals in Albion forced three sons of prominent temperance leaders to spend the night at the local saloon.
Juliet Calhoun Blakeley, lived to be 102 years old
The next morning at church, Rev. Myron Daugherty was so distraught by these actions that he could not continue the service. This is when Juliet Calhoun Blakeley stepped into the pulpit and called to other mothers to join in protecting their families and movement. This was also Juliet’s 59th birthday.
Inspired by his mother’s actions, Blakeley’s son Charles wanted to remember her actions and those of all mother’s by wearing a flower “carnations in lapels, a red one for mothers who are living, a white one for mothers who are deceased” on the second Sunday of May.
Although Anna Jarvis in West Virginia was accredited with the site of International Mother’s Day, as the current president of the Albion Historical Society, Celeste Connamacher shared “the idea and evidence that Juliet’s sons spread the idea of honoring mothers on the second Sunday of May — Juliet’s birthday — has merit. Perhaps that is where Anna Jarvis got the idea. Albion held a Mothers’ Day celebration in 1877 — many years prior to the establishment of the holiday.” In 1990, Albion received a Michigan Historic Site dedication for the starting of Mother’s Day, located in Reiger Park.
Connamacher also expressed her beliefs that “parents are the basis for the people we become, and a mother was the parent mainly responsible for the formation of the youngsters in the 1800s. If her sons honored their mother the way history suggests, I would say that she was a much-loved mother. She was a gritty woman of principles.”
Gardner House Museum
Over the decades, Albion’s Mother’s Day festivities evolved, reflecting the changing times while staying true to the spirit of gratitude and appreciation. Today, we celebrate our mothers, grandmothers, and caregivers in ways as special as they are.
In honor of Albion’s rich history with Mother’s Day the Albion Historical Society will be hosting their annual Mother’s Day Tea at the Gardner House Museum on Saturday, May 11. Two seatings — 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. — are being offered. While the event is free, donations are gratefully accepted.
Since nobody is more “true blue” than dear mother, the menu will be accented by surprising and delicious blue items. Expect hot tea, delectable sweets, and a nutritious entree. Reservations are required to participate in the tea. To make reservations, contact Celeste at (517) 629-3276.
Information provided by Albion Historical Society – President Celeste Connamacher and member James Seidl.