
Whether you are planning time with friends and family, having some time, or even working this holiday, here are some fun facts to take with you:
- Labor Day was initially celebrated on a Tuesday. The Central Labor Union planned the first celebration holiday in New York City on Tuesday, September 5, 1882. This was a parade to show support for all the unions.
- There are a lot of people that often wonder why there is no white after labor day. Though it is not as much of a Fashion faux pax anymore to wear white after the holiday, it was in the 19th century. The driving thought behind wearing white is relaxing during the summertime, not to be worn when returning to school.
- It marks the end of hot Dog Season. Peak Hot Dog Season is considered between Memorial day and Labor Day. During this time, it is estimated that Americans will eat 7 billion of them!
- The largest union today is the National Education Association. Including inactive and lifetime members, they have roughly 3 million members.
- In 1887, Oregon was the first state to celebrate Labor Day as a legal holiday.
- The decision to make Labor Day the first Monday of September was approved on June 28, 1894.
- Americans worked 12-hour days seven days a week during the 19th century. Thankfully, The Adamson Act was passed on September 3, 1916, to establish an eight-hour workday.
- In 1894, President Grover Cleveland and the US Congress made it a national holiday.
- Labor Day is celebrated on a different day in most countries. Many choose May Day, which is on May 1, as their day to honor working people.
- There is controversy about who proposed Labor Day as a holiday. Some say it was Peter J. McGuire, the co-founder of the American Federation of Labor. Others believe that it was Matthew Maguire, a member of the International Association of Machinists.
Sep 7 20