Labor Day - 9/5/1882

NJ Unemployment Rate 1978-2002 Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics National Archive Photo: Unemployed march in Camden, NJ ca. 1935

Labor Day: How it Came About; What it Means
This Department of Labor article wonders if it was Matthew Maguire or Peter Mcguire that formulated the original idea and celebration on September 5, 1882 in NYC. One thing is almost certain, an 1885 change to Monday for the official celebration makes Labor Day our first "3-Day Weekend" holiday!

Labor Day: How it Really Began
Dick Meister's article for LaborNet begins: It was a grand day in San Francisco. Brass bands blared...
Hmm, wasn't the first Labor Day celebrated in NYC?

Our Labor Day
Back to NYC we go in this account by John Shepler.

The Origins of Labor Day
PBS weighs in with an interesting article about a strike at Pullman Rail Cars in Illinois and probably supports the NYC 1882 date, though they have the event taking place in 1892.

Regardless of the actual factual information, if any, Labor Day is a time to reflect on the successful efforts of American workers to achieve equitable treatment in both wages and time worked. Here's an:

Eclectic List of Events in U.S. Labor History

Jimmy Hoffa: The Man Behind the Mystery

Where is Jimmy Hoffa?

The Search for Hoffa and Hughes

New Jersey Specific Labor Stops of Interest

American Labor Museum The Botto House National Landmark.	Schiffenhaus Packaging Chosen by the New Jersey Historical Society to document changes in NJ industry over the last century.
Paterson History Interesting information about the industry of the past.	Smithville Mansion Former industrial hamlet is converted to a county park.
John A. Roebling Co. Invented wire rope and installed it on the George Washington Bridge.	Wheaton Village Watch glassmaking at the replica of the original 1888 factory.