Happy Labor Day

[Pat Young]

Happy Labor Day to all!

The day has its origins in post-Civil War New York in 1882. Two Irish American labor leaders, Peter Maguire who organized the Carpenters Union and Matthew Maguire of the Machinists, are each credited with calling for the first Labor Day in 1882. The day followed a growth in the city's labor movement as well as the blocking of street marches of workers by police. The first labor parade in 1882 started small with only two hundred marchers, but it grew to over ten thousand men and women by the time it concluded. The parade terminus was festooned with American, French, Irish, and German flags symbolizing the presence of immigrants and native-born in labor's ranks. You can read more on Labor Day's origins here: http://www.gompers.umd.edu/grossman labor day.pdf

 

[Pat Young]

The first Labor Day in NYC 1882

 

[Pat Young]

Women workers often had their own unions or sections and the wives of union members organized auxilleries.

 

[Pat Young]

Although there were racially integrated unions in the 1860s, and the Knights of Labor accepted black members, the rise of Jim Crow and widespread racism meant that by the 1890s many unions excluded black workers.

 

[18thVirginia]

How interesting and thank you, Pat.

 

[Buckeye Bill]

Great stuff, Pat!

 

[Seduzal]

Always wondered how Labor Day came about, now I know. I always thought it was another extra days work.
Thanks for sharing.

 

[Pat Young]

How interesting and thank you, Pat.

Thank you and glad you enjoyed it.

 

[Pat Young]

Great stuff, Pat!

Thanks

 

[Pat Young]

Always wondered how Labor Day came about, now I know. I always thought it was another extra days work.
Thanks for sharing.

Thanks as well for reading.

 

[Pat Young]

So far, the Labor Day weekend has been lovely in NY.

 

[JerseyBart]

Happy Labor Day weekend to everyone.

 

[Northern Light]

Thanks as well for reading.

I have no problem with labour, unless there are children as an end result! Happy Labour Day, to all, especially those who are labouring this weekend!

 

[diane]

Indians had zero input for this celebration! The information is great. Thanks, Pat!

 

[major bill]

When was the last time anyone went to a Labor Day Rally? Sadly the holiday is fast becoming just another day off from work.

 

[Northern Light]

When was the last time anyone went to a Labor Day Rally? Sadly the holiday is fast becoming just another day off from work.

When was the last time anyone had a Labour Day Rally?

 

[chellers]

Thanks for this post, Mr. Young, and have a great Labor Day holiday!

 

[Pat Young]

Thanks for this post, Mr. Young, and have a great Labor Day holiday!

Thank you.

 

[Pat Young]

If you go to The Immigrants' Civil War facebook page, we are holding our annual Civil War Film Fest.

 

[Pat Young]

Here is the link to the facebook page for the Civil War Film Fest:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Immigrants-Civil-War/138503516222788