Labor Day

In 1985 Barb celebrated Labor Day in the true sense of the term. She was REALLY in labor and gave birth to Alyssa.

Historically, Labor Day evolved from a machinists' labor union in New York City in the late 1800s. This union were protesting seven-day work weeks, and the use of child labor. They organized a day off work to recognize workers and threw a picnic to celebrate.

In the years to follow the holiday spread through industrial centers of the country. Soon many local municipalities and states passed legislation to recognize the holiday.

In its origins Labor Day evolved with the industrial revolution and the labor movement that originally formed unions. Today it's more of a marker of the end of summer, the start of school, and the transition into Fall.

Regardless, the history of Labor Day seems more interesting than many of the "Hallmark holidays" to promote sales for the company. Secretaries' Day? Mother-in-Laws' Day? Sweetest Day?

I hope everyone has a relaxing day off. We're looking forward to visiting with family and having a couple burgers and dogs, plus my Mom's famous Detroit-style potato salad.

Ready? Set? Light up those grills!