Interesting facts about why we have Labor Day

      Over 10,000 citizens marched down the streets in Manhattan, after demanding changes that brought the average 12-hour a day, 6 days a week to an end or should I say a recognition for change, establishing The Adamson Act, September 3rd, 1916, to change that rule to an 8-hour work day. Did you also know, that in those early 1900s there was a class action demanding that no one other than the upper class could wear white?. Thus making the saying" Blue collar" born because of after the civil war, it became harder to distinguish women coming from old money or new money. The higher class women made this ridiculous fashion rule to weed out those who were out of place. 

    Labor Day is also known as the unofficial end of Summer, and the end of hot dog season. It is also the end of 3-day weekends until November. The earliest documented Labor Day parade was held in New York City in 1882. The Knights of Labor, 2 years later, the largest workers Association in the United States, made it a Holiday to occur on the first Monday in September. In 1894, Grover Cleveland made Labor Day into a Federal holiday, paying tribute to All American Workers. There has been a dispute as to who really can be credited for suggesting the Holiday. The working man and woman "should be" recognized and with time off with pay for all they do and the struggle to keep up with the growing economy.

     Let us thank a Carpenter. His name is Peter McGuire (1852 - 1906), who was a great Labor advocate from New York City. He organized the first Union of Carpenters in St Louis. Suggesting higher wages. He co-founded what became the American Federation of Labor. He also contributed to the demand of only 8 hour work days. There is a statue in his honor that reads "Father of Labor Day" in Pennsauken New Jersey, where he died in 1906. A New Jersey machinist, also is focused on improving working conditions for American laborers. His name is Matthew MaGuire (1855 - 1917). Matthew led strikes for shorter work days. He also had a lifelong commitment to workers rights and should also be credited for this holiday we call "Labor Day". 

     God bless America and God bless all of the hard-working men and women who from the past, the present and the future, who strive to provide for their families in steady work. May the efforts of All American Unions and founders of Justice for the hard-working people be noted this day, and really always. 

    Now go have a hot dog and enjoy the fruits of your labor! You deserve it!