A bit of history about LABOR DAY
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| 1956 postage stamp |
How Labor Day Originated
In the spring of 1880, General Secretary P.
J. McGuire, of the United Brotherhood of
Carpenters, first originated the observance of a distinct and now holiday- with parade and
picnic - to be known as "Labor Day." He broached the idea to several labor men and then to the Central Labor union of New
York, and got them to adopt it. The first
Monday in September, 1882, was agreed upon
as the day for the first public observance of
'' Labor Day."
The first attempt was deemed
to be so successful by the Central Labor
union that it decided to celebrate the first
Monday in September every year as labor's
holiday. The plan was then indorsed by the
annual convention of the American Federation of Labor, and by the general assembly
of the Knights of Labor. The idea met with
favor in other cities and states, and the labor
organizations in them observed the day in
various ways - by parades, festivals, excursions, or meetings, and have continued to do
so. - Carpenter.
from THE EVENING GAZETTE
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1889
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| Labor Day Parade, Union Square, New York, 1887. Image ID: G91F182_026F |
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