SCOUTING YESTERDAY | South Dakota helped launch Mother’s Day in 1909; Huron mom honored in 2026
This week in South Dakota history: April 3-9
A devoted commitment to her church, her community and her children earned a Sioux Falls widow recognition as South Dakota’s Mother of the Year, according to the April 9, 1951, edition of the Lead Daily Call.
Notable among Anna Larson’s accomplishments was the influence she taught her children to bring into the world, raising attorneys, academics, a musician and a minister, all while serving her community — achievements worthy of praise from the official sponsor of Mother’s Day.
Larson represented the ideals of American Mothers, Inc., a charitable organization that grew out of the efforts of Anna Reeves Jarvis, organizer of the first Mother’s Day celebration.
According to the organization, the first celebration was held in West Virginia in 1908. The next year, South Dakota became the first state to officially observe Mother’s Day with a proclamation by Gov. Robert Vessey, and by 1914, the day was observed nationally.
Future First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt launched an American Mothers initiative to expand Mother’s Day for the benefit of mothers and children in need in 1931. Partnering with J.C. Penney’s Golden Rule Foundation, charitable committees of American Mothers organized across the nation.
With committees recognizing notable women in their state, among the 50 honorees, one remarkable nurturer is awarded the title of national Mother of the Year, with the goal of both recognizing the hard work and accomplishments of the recipient while also serving as inspiration to others.
The American Mothers South Dakota committee has recognized many caring mothers, including suffragette and 1947 recipient Mamie Shields Pyle, mother of Gladys Pyle, who became the first female U.S. senator to win an election without previously being appointed to the position.
Exceptional South Dakota mothers have also risen to recognition beyond state borders. Cora Hjertaa Stavig took the national Mother of the Year title in 1964, according to the Argus Leader, and Jean “Dawn” Morris in 2001.
This year, the South Dakota American Mothers committee selected Winter Hendrickson of Huron as the 2026 South Dakota Mother of the Year. According to the organization, the wife, mother and advocate “is a reflection of quiet strength, faithful service, and the belief that saying yes to one child can change generations.”
Notable events in South Dakota history
25 years ago — High winds fueled the fiery destruction of a Sioux Falls’ apartment complex, according to the April 8, 2001, edition of the Argus Leader. Nearly every city firetruck and more than 40 firefighters responded to the inferno on Valhalla Blvd just south of the Sioux Empire Mall. All residents were able to escape without injury.
50 years ago — South Dakota’s state flower, the Pasque flower, put on a unique display for the Mitchell area, according to the April 5, 1976, edition of The Daily Republic. Blooms of the “Easter flower” were reported to be covering hillsides throughout the James River Valley.
75 years ago — Upset over the contract, famed pianist Jose Iturbi cancelled his performance at the Aberdeen Civic Arena just moments before the show, according to the April 9, 1951, edition of the Rapid City Journal. After a delay, the Spanish performer was persuaded to take the stage, blaming problems on his manager, he praised the community for their role in the show.
100 years ago — South Dakota druggists were declining to stock certain health products containing alcohol, according to the April 8, 1926, edition of the Argus Leader. The state’s strict prohibition laws left retailers fearing prosecution for distributing the products.
125 years ago — U.S. authorities concluded Northwestern Railroad employee W. F. Robinson had not robbed the federal government after receiving eye witness reports of the depot worker stealing mail sacks and using them for grain delivery, according to the April 4, 1901, edition of The Brookings Register. Investigators found the Robinson had merely purchased undeliverable sacks originally intended for a “U.S.A. Peterson.”
