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19th Century, adamson act, back to school, camping, congress, fun facts, history, holiday, illois, labor day, lions pride, monday, new york city, oregon, parties, president grover cleveland, railroad, strike, USA, weekend, workday
It may be hard to believe, but this Monday marks the unofficial end of summer. Families 
will likely find themselves partaking in the same festivities that they took part in on Memorial Day – camping, parties and other outdoor events, before heading back to their regular school year routines. Let’s celebrate the unofficial end of the season with fun facts about the upcoming holiday, Labor Day!
- During the 19th Century, American workers typically worked long, 12-hour workdays, seven days a week.
- On September 5, 1882, NYC workers took a day without pay to protest. They wanted 8-hour workdays and fair working conditions. The protest became an annual event.
- Oregon was the first state to officially recognize the holiday in the year 1887.
- Labor Day became a national holiday after a political fiasco. Illinois railway workers were on strike, protesting higher wages. President Grover Cleveland was under pressure to end the strike. He deployed 12,000 troops and violence ensued; two workers were killed as a result. The disaster made national headlines and upset workers all over the country. To make amends, Congress passed a bill making Labor Day an official holiday.
- According to historians, the common expression, “You can’t wear white after Labor Day,” comes from the early 20th People of the upper class would return home after their summer vacations and pack away their lightweight, white clothing as they returned back to work and school.
- The Adamson Act was passed on September 3, 1916, establishing 8-hour work days.
There you have it! Six fun facts that you can use this weekend to impress your friends and family.
Although many of us consider Labor Day as merely an extended weekend, it’s important to remember the origin behind the holiday. Just think about how different our lives would be if our forefathers hadn’t protested for fair working conditions. We think we can all agree that we’re glad that they took a chance and stood up for their rights.
The Lions Pride office will be closed on Monday, September 3, in observance of the holiday. Have a safe, enjoyable Labor Day weekend!
