Victorian America Celebrates Labor Day
.
Labor Day is annually held on the first Monday of September. It was originally organized to celebrate various labor associations’ strengths of and contributions to the United States economy. It is largely a day of rest in modern times. Many people mark Labor Day as the end of the summer season and a last chance to make trips or hold outdoor events. [source]
.
Victorian America Institutes Labor Day!
.
The first Labor Day was held in 1882. Its origins stem from the desire of the Central Labor Union to create a holiday for workers. It became a federal holiday in 1894. It was originally intended that the day would be filled with a street parade to allow the public to appreciate the work of the trade and labor organizations. After the parade, a festival was to be held to amuse local workers and their families. In later years, prominent men and women held speeches. This is less common now, but is sometimes seen in election years. One of the reasons for choosing to celebrate this on the first Monday in September was to add a holiday in the long gap between Independence Day and Thanksgiving.
.
.
Drawing of First United States Labor Day Parade held in New York City on September 5, 1882 as it appeared in Frank Leslie’s Weekly Illustrated Newspaper’s September 16, 1882 issue. Image: Public Domain, courtesy of Wikipedia.
.
The Wichita Daily Eagle of Wichita, Kansas on January 1, 1890.
.
…During a Dark Time in U.S. History…
.
Labor Day, an annual celebration of workers and their achievements, originated during one of American labor history’s most dismal chapters. In the late 1800s, at the height of the Industrial Revolution in the United States, the average American worked 12-hour days and seven-day weeks in order to eke out a basic living. Despite restrictions in some states, children as young as 5 or 6 toiled in mills, factories and mines across the country, earning a fraction of their adult counterparts’ wages. People of all ages, particularly the very poor and recent immigrants, often faced extremely unsafe working conditions, with insufficient access to fresh air, sanitary facilities and breaks.
.
.
During this time, influential events played a role in selecting September for Labor Day, as well as modifying work hours, safety regulations, honoring unions for each trade and skill, eradicating child labor, and so much more. These include: Boycott of Pullman Cars, Haymarket Riot, and many more.
.
Victorian America Argues for Shorter Work Day
.
The Evening Bulletin of Maysville, Kentucky on April 8, 1890.
.
Governor Humphreys issues Labor Day Proclamation in Kansas. The Humboldt Union of Humboldt, Kansas on August 16, 1890.
.
Official Holiday, One State at a Time
.
In 1887 Oregon became the first state of the United States to make Labor Day an official public holiday. By the time it became an official federal holiday in 1894, thirty U.S. states officially celebrated Labor Day. Thus by 1887 in North America, Labor Day was an established, official holiday.
.
Following the deaths of workers at the hands of United States Army and United States Marshals Service during the Pullman Strike of 1894, the United States Congress unanimously voted to approve legislation to make Labor Day a national holiday and President Grover Cleveland signed it into law six days after the end of the strike.
.
.
“…first Monday of September in each year shall be a legal holiday in this state to be known and designated as “Labor day.” The Bismarck Tribune of Bismarck, North Dakota, on January 28, 1890.
.
Victorian Labor Day Events
.
Speeches
.
The Saint Paul Globe of Saint Paul, Minnesota, on August 9, 1890.
.
Parades and Picnics
.
Lancaster will celebrate Labor Day in September with parade and picnic. The Times of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on June 29, 1890.
.
Concerts
.
Concert on Labor Day. Harrisburg Telegraph of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania on August 23, 1890.
.
Amusements
.
Amusements on Labor Day. Oshkosh Daily Northwestern of Oshkosh, Wisconsin on August 22, 1890.
.
Galas
.
Grand Gala Day. Ontario Beach. Democrat and Chronicle of Rochester, New York on August 30, 1890. Parachute Jump! Fireworks! 54th Regiment Band Concerts.
.
A Holiday!
.
Weekly Republican-Traveler of Arkansas City, Kansas, on August 28, 1890.
.
No one works on Labor day! Lawrence Daily Journal of Lawrence, Kansas on August 6, 1890.
.
With a Purpose!
.
“Every Good Citizen should give aid in making Labor day a matter of general public interest.” The Kansas City Gazette of Kansas City, Kansas on August 30, 1890.
.
Because of our Victorian American ancestors’ efforts, the United States of America is a different place today. We no longer work six days a week, sixteen hours a day. Factories cannot employ children. Unions and safety laws make most workplaces far safer than they once were.
Thank you, Victorian America, for Labor Day.
.
.
Related Articles
.
.
Related Articles: Victorian American Holiday Observances
.
.
Updated May 2022
Copyright © 2016 Kristin Holt, LC
Victorian America Celebrates Labor Day Victorian America Celebrates Labor Day
