Labor Day is a federal holiday in the United States that is celebrated on the first Monday in September. The holiday purely commemorates the labor movement and the achievements of American workers. It is one of the original ten federal holidays that were established in the early 20th century.

The concept for Labor Day was first proposed by Peter J. McGuire, a carpenter, and co-founder of the American Federation of Labor. In 1882, McGuire was speaking to a group of workers in New York City and proposed the idea of a holiday to honor workers. The workers liked the idea and decided to hold a parade to celebrate their work. The first Labor Day parade was held on September 5, 1882, in New York City.

Sept 5, 1882 on the front page of the Buffalo Evening News paper, “A GREAT PARADE””Twenty Thousand Workingmen in Line in New York””A MAMMOTH PICNIC TONIGHT”“NEW YORK, Sept. 5. – The parade of workingmen today under the auspices of the Central Labor Union was one of the largest ever seen in New York. Every branch of labor was represented, including piano makers, jewelers, shoemakers, dock builders, cigarmakers, longshoremen, clothing cutters, frame makers, and bricklayers, from New York, Brooklyn, Jersey City, Newark, Connecticut towns, and other places. The number of men in line is estimated at 20,000. The procession moved at 10 o’clock up Broadway, witnessed by thousands. Many banners and mottoes were displayed. At Union Square, the procession was reviewed by Rev. Dr. McGlynn, John Swinton, and other prominent citizens. Amon the inscriptions displayed on the banners were the following:- “No Land, No Money, No Monopoly”, “Down with Tenement-house System”, “Labor Pays All Taxes”, “The True Remedy is Organization and the Ballot”, “Don’t Forget the Penal Code on Election Day”, “Labor Built this Republic, and Labor Must Rule It”, “Down with Contract Convict Labor”, “Close the Stores at 6 P.M.”. The demonstration ends tonight with a monster picnic at Elm Park, for which 50,000 tickets have been issued. Many establishments were closed today to enable men to join the parade. Today’s demonstration is officially declared as intended to inspire the working people with a friendly feeling for one another, so that by concert of action they may at some future day be disentralled from the yoke of capital.”

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A Staff Illustrator, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The New York Times 06 Sep 1882 “WORKING MEN ON PARADE””AN ORDERLY LABOR DEMONSTRATION””TEN THOUSAND MEN IN LINE”“The parade of the working men yesterday, although not so large as its organizers had predicted was conducted in an orderly and pleasant manner. Those who rode or marched In the procession were cheerful, and evidently highly gratified with the display. Nearly all were well clothed, and some wore the attire of fashionable cut The great majority smoked cigars, and all seemed bent upon having a good time at the picnic grounds. The originators of the labor demonstration, as the parade was spoken of, frankly admitted that the working men were determined to show their numerical strength in order to satisfy the politicians of this City that they must not be trifled with. The leaders of the movement were satisfied. however, that fully 30,000 or 40,000 men would be in line. Considerable disappointment was therefore expressed when It was discovered yesterday that the number did not exceed 10.000. Many band of musicians were employed by the working men. The extensive cigar manufactures and other establishments where skilled labor is required were closed for the day so that the employees might appear in the parade. It was said the absence o many members of the organizations was due to the fact they preferred to enjoy the day in quiet excursions to Coney Island, Glen Island, and elsewhere.” Full Article can be read here. (Article will open in a new tab. Hover over with your mouse and click the + to enlarge the file for easier reading.)

In 1887, Oregon became the first state to pass legislation making Labor Day a state holiday. By the decade’s end, Colorado, New York, Massachusetts, and New Jersey had all followed suit. It wasn’t until 1894 that Congress passed a bill making Labor Day a national holiday. The bill was signed into law by President Grover Cleveland.

Since that time, Labor Day has become a federal holiday in the United States and is celebrated on the first Monday in September. It is a day to honor the achievements of workers and to celebrate the labor movement. Over the years, Labor Day has become a symbol of the hard work and dedication of the American worker. It is a day to celebrate the many achievements of workers and to recognize the vital role they play in our economy. Even back in 1882, McGuire suggested that a holiday be created that would celebrate American workers and their contributions to the country. He also proposed that the holiday be used as a day for workers to lobby for better working conditions and pay.  After all the beginning of this quest evolved out of labor unions fighting for worker’s rights throughout the 1800s.

Up until this time holidays in America were common observations to celebrate a date of special significance or time of year. Dates that were created by the observance of the people of the events which the times commemorated.  Labor Day is the first holiday ever created by law.

Labor Day is now celebrated in every US state and territory. The holiday falls on the first Monday in September and is in most cases a paid day off for workers. Schools and many businesses are also closed on Labor Day.

This holiday is a day to celebrate the achievements of American workers. It is also a day for workers to lobby for better working conditions and pay. The holiday was created in the late 19th century as a way to celebrate the labor movement and the accomplishments of American workers. The first Monday in September is designated as Labor Day in the United States.

How Labor Day is celebrated in the United States

Labor Day is celebrated in many different ways across the United States. Some people use the long weekend as an opportunity to travel or take part in outdoor activities. Others use it as a chance to relax at home or spend time with family and friends. Many people also attend Labor Day parades and picnics.  In its origin, many of the workers elected to forgo the organized march and instead took quiet excursions to Coney Island, Glen Island, and elsewhere!

The week leading up to Labor Day in the past was often referred to as “Labor Week”. This is typically when unions hold conferences and meetings across the country. Many labor organizations also use this week to recognize achievements made by workers and unions throughout history.

Leave me a comment. What will you be doing for Labor Day? Do you have any favorite go-to recipes?

I’ll be making the following this weekend to go along with some smoked pork.

Covered Dish Salad

Frozen Chocolate Pie

Purefoy Hotel – Baked Lima Beans with Tomatoes