As a trainman for the Erie-Lackawanna in the 1960's, I had heard stories that the observance of Mother's Day was originally started by an official of the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western RR ( and Baltimore & Ohio RR) during WWII. Passenger conductors and trainmen, collectors and flagmen wore either a pink or white carnation with their uniform on that day each year. Even though this tradition was no longer followed (under E-L)...on the few times in early 1970's when I was working the former Lackawanna Railroad M&E Division as an EL passenger conductor on Mother's Day, I made sure my crew still had a proper carnation to wear.
Here is the 'official' story...
"Mother's Day"
Carroll County Times article for 10 May 1998
By Jay A. Graybeal
The May 9, 1942 issue of the Binghamton, N. Y. Sun newspaper published a brief history of the first
Mother's Day observance which mentioned the role of J. Hampton Baumgartner, a former Westminster, MD
resident:
"Here's the Story of America's first Mother's Day we believe to be true. Personal acquaintance with the
man who had much to do with establishment of the day as living American Custom leads us to credit his
version.
He is J. Hampton Baumgartner, manager of public relations of the Lackawanna Railroad. He prepared
the publicity and helped to organize the first observance in accordance with the idea originated by Miss
Anna Jarvis, of Philadelphia.
Miss Jarvis presented the suggestion to her friend, Charles S. Selden, of Baltimore, superintendent of
telegraph of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad.
Mr. Selden consulted Mr. Baumgartner, an associate official of the railroad, and an appeal was issued
through the press that on a certain Sunday in May Americans pay homage to the memory of mothers
everywhere. Miss Jarvis' idea was accepted immediately by individuals and by numerous organizations.
The railroad officials developed a plan that resulted in thousands of employees of their company, the
Baltimore and Ohio, wearing in their lapels, or as corsages, on a designated Sunday in May, pink flowers
in honor of living mothers and white flowers in honor of deceased mothers.
And so, having established Mr. Baumgartner as an authority on the origin of Mother's Day, The Sun
takes pleasure in presenting this tribute, of which he is the author."
The Sun also printed the above mentioned tribute by Baumgartner entitled, "Mother's Day":
"Mother's Day was a beautiful conception, a glorious inspiration. It gave expression to a desire which for
ages had been pent up in the heart of mankind. Pluck the loveliest, the most fragrant blossom in the
garden, and present it on that day to your Mother. And while doing so, repeat to her the intimate story
of your love and devotion. Be sure to tell her, with reassuring earnestness, that your affection for her is
as constant, that your love for her is as ardent as it was in childhood, when you were utterly dependent
upon her.
She will be delighted -yes, gratified-to have you tell her so again, for no doubt she misses, to a much
greater degree than you realize, the daily association and companionship between her and you in the
days of yore, which companionship the routine changes of life have made it impossible for both of you
to enjoy during recent years.
You whose Mother has gone to her blessed reward can perform no finer act of devotion, in fact you can
render no greater homage, than to commune with her in spirit, turning back the pages of time and once
again sitting on her knee to imbibe the sweetness of her character and the gentleness of her manner
that have helped to make you a better person and that will keep you steadfast in that determination."
Mr. Baumgartner had a printed version made of his tribute which he mailed to acquaintances. The
example in the Historical Society's manuscript collection was sent to Mary Test Kimmey in 1945 who,
incidentally, is remembered as a mother of the Historical Society.
Happy Mother's Day mom, a white carnation for you today.
Your loving son, Walter
Walter M. Matuch
