Labor Day History and Trivia

Who was the founder?
Peter McQuire, general secretary of Carpenters and Joiners and co-founder of the American Federal Labor Union. Although Peter McQuire, is formally credited, many believe that Matthew McGuire, a machinist, is the true founder.

When was Labor Day first observed?
Tuesday, September 5, 1882

How was the first Labor Day celebrated? On that first Labor Day, in New York City, more than 10,000 workers marched in a parade from Broadway up to Union Square.

How did Labor Day come to be celebrated at a specific time of year? In 1983, Labor Day was celebrated on September 5, 1883. In 1984, The Central Labor Union selected the first Monday of September to be the formal day for celebration of a "working man's holiday," and recommended to other similar organizations across the nation to adopt this New York City tradition.

When was Labor Day formally adopted as a national holiday and by which president? On June 28th, 1894, President Grover Cleveland, a foe of organized labor movement, but under heavy voter pressure, signed the national holiday bill formally designating the day and month for Labor Day.

Enjoy your Labor Day and Play.

Sources of information:

U. S. Department of Labor
http://www.dol.gov/opa/aboutdol/laborday.htm

Labor Day Trivia - Know how Labor finally got it's day
http://www.purpletrail.com/partytrail/holiday_parties/labor_day/labor-day-history-trivia