New York, 1900. “Labor Day parade crowd, Main Street.” Detroit Publishing Company Source: Shorpy
Labor Day is dedicated to celebrating the achievements of the American Worker. First celebrated in New York City on September 5th 1882 by a parade of 10,000 workers. Founded when many in America worked 16 hour days in harsh work environments. Labor Day became a national holiday in 1894 after President Grover Cleveland signed the bill into law. Interestingly enough he was a staunch opponent of organized labor groups but pushed Labor Day through congress to stop riots that were breaking out across the US.
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Do you know your Labor Day food Factoids? Take this fun 6 question quiz first.
The average score is 30%. How’d you do?
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1. Most people consider Labor Day an American Holiday, instead it has origins in Canada stemming from labor disputes in 1870.
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2. It’s the 3rd most popular grilling holiday.
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3. According to the National Hot Dog and Saugsage Council, hot dog season begins on Memorial day and ends on Labor Day.?
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4. Waffle House national food chain opened its first outpost on a Labor Day
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5. If you are from the south you’ve probably heard it’s the last day to wear white.
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- Wear nude shoes instead – they make you look thinner and longer
- Accessorize – the new Winter White handbags or a scarf.
- Layers – white is okay to wear with heavier pieces like sweaters and jackets
6. According to the U.S Census ?
- Unemployment rate held at 9.1% August 2011
- 153.2 million people age 16 and up make up the us workforce (July 2011)
- Average commute is 25.1 minutes
- 3.2 million communters travel 90 or more minutes to work each day
- 16.5 million Americans leave for work between midnight at 6am
- 5.9 million people work from home
7. Where do Americans work?
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- Teachers: 3,039,523
- Janitors or building cleaners: 1,478,204
- Hairdressers, stylists or cosmetologists: 395,503
- Bus drivers: 265,429
- Computer operators: 101,889
- Bus drivers: 265,429
- Bakers: 117,405
- Telemarketers: 55,733
- Telephone operators: 32,394
- Actors: 10,980
8. Healthcare is the most rapidly growing industry with the highest demand for new employees.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statics News Release 9/2
deanna says
I LOVE this photo. Thanks for sharing some history.
xoxoxo