The History of Labor Day

Labor Day Weekend is here! While most of you know that Labor Day is a holiday designed to celebrate the hard work and achievements of American workers, many focus on that fact that we all get a 3-day weekend. We are busy organizing weekend plans, like what to eat, where to watch fireworks and what other activities to participate in with family and friends. Do you ever think about how this holiday came about though?

History of Labor Day

Labor Day was created by the labor movement in the late 19th century and became a federal holiday in 1894. Learn a little more about how Labor Day originated with this video from History.com:

Labor Day Facts 

1. Original Labor Day festivities included speeches, a picnic, an abundance of cigars and Lager beer kegs mounted in every conceivable place.

2. Labor Day started in Chicago as a protest campaign in support of the 8-hour work day.

3. The first Labor Day celebration in New York City was designed as a way to appease city workers after numerous strikes and in some cases even violence.     

4. Oregon was the first state to declare Labor Day as a state holiday, followed in suit by Colorado, New York, Massachusetts and then New Jersey.

5. Labor Day has been celebrated on the first Monday of September ever since President Grover Cleveland declared that day Labor Day in 1894.

6. In the 19th century, Americans worked 12-hours, 7 days a week.

7. The Adamson Act was passed on September 3, 1916 to establish an 8-hour work day.

8. There is still a Labor Day parade in New York City that takes place throughout the 20 blocks north of the 1882 labor march.

Labor Day is still celebrated all across the country, and even around the world. Traditional Labor Day activities include parades, picnics, barbecues, fireworks and other public gatherings. Today, Labor Day marks the unofficial end of summer, when the children have headed back to school and the weather is about to change again.

Summerset Boat Lifts wishes you a Happy Labor Day Weekend! Be safe out on the water, the lake will be busy for the holiday. If you're boat lift needs repairs after dealing with the rough waters this weekend, give the best boat lift dealer at the Lake of the Ozarks a call at 573-348-5073! 

Summerset Boat Lifts

1165 Jeffries Road Osage Beach, MO  65065

573-348-5073

Email:info@summersetboatlifts.com

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