The Origins of Labor Day
We're about to hit the one of the busiest holiday weekends at the Lake of the Ozarks. The school year has already started, but Labor Day is a chance for family and friends of all ages to enjoy one last weekend before summer unofficially draws to an end. This "summer blowout" is how most of us tend to think about Labor Day - barbecues, boating, and summer fun - but how did this American holiday begin? Your friends at Arrowhead Title, Inc. are here to delve into the history of Labor Day with you so we can learn more about this great holiday.
Bleak Beginnings
The history of Labor Day dates back to the height of the Industrial Revolution in the late 1800s. While this was a highly successful time for America's economy and manufacturing, it was a dismal time for America's workers. Most workers worked twelve-hour shifts, seven days a week, simply to earn a basic living. While some states had restrictions in place, many children (some even as young as five or six) worked alongside the adults - for a fraction of the pay. As if these extended workdays weren't enough, many of the workers battled with unsafe work conditions and limited access to breaks, restrooms, and even fresh air.
Brave Opposition
Labor Day commemorates the brave men who decided the American workers had suffered long enough and that it was time to demand better hours, better pay, and better working conditions. Workers in several different cities began organizing massive strikes and rallies in protest. Unfortunately, some of these rallies became violent and resulted in the deaths of workers and law enforcement alike.
The jury is still out on exactly who should be credited with the foundation of Labor Day, but most narrow it down to one of two specific individuals. Some people believe that a man named Peter McGuire should deserve the recognition, whereas others believe that Matthew Maguire deserves the credit. Regardless, both men served leadership roles in major labor organizations and played significant roles in establishing Labor Day as a holiday.
Exciting Success
Despite the long uphill climb, American workers succeeded in their quest. The very first Labor Day celebration was held in 1882, and it became an official federal holiday in 1894. The Fair Labor Standards Act was passed in 1938, which established the 40-hour work week and a national minimum wage (among many other things).
Today, Labor Day is celebrated as the last summer holiday. Family and friends travel to their favorite destinations around the country and celebrate with family picnics, fireworks, cookouts, and anything else they desire.
Happy Labor Day from Arrowhead Title!
To all the residents and tourists who plan to celebrate Labor Day at the Lake, the team at Arrowhead Title would like to wish you a safe and happy Labor Day Weekend. If you are thinking about relocating to the Lake of the Ozarks and are planning to purchase a home in the near future, we hope you'll keep us in mind as your trusted Lake of the Ozarks title company. We would love to work with you!
The Lake of the Ozarks' Most Trusted Title Company
The history of Labor Day dates back to the height of the Industrial Revolution in the late 1800s. While this was a highly successful time for America's economy and manufacturing, it was a dismal time for America's workers. Most workers worked twelve-hour shifts, seven days a week, simply to earn a basic living. While some states had restrictions in place, many children (some even as young as five or six) worked alongside the adults - for a fraction of the pay. As if these extended workdays weren't enough, many of the workers battled with unsafe work conditions and limited access to breaks, restrooms, and even fresh air.
Brave Opposition
The jury is still out on exactly who should be credited with the foundation of Labor Day, but most narrow it down to one of two specific individuals. Some people believe that a man named Peter McGuire should deserve the recognition, whereas others believe that Matthew Maguire deserves the credit. Regardless, both men served leadership roles in major labor organizations and played significant roles in establishing Labor Day as a holiday.
Exciting Success
Despite the long uphill climb, American workers succeeded in their quest. The very first Labor Day celebration was held in 1882, and it became an official federal holiday in 1894. The Fair Labor Standards Act was passed in 1938, which established the 40-hour work week and a national minimum wage (among many other things).
Today, Labor Day is celebrated as the last summer holiday. Family and friends travel to their favorite destinations around the country and celebrate with family picnics, fireworks, cookouts, and anything else they desire.
Happy Labor Day from Arrowhead Title!
To all the residents and tourists who plan to celebrate Labor Day at the Lake, the team at Arrowhead Title would like to wish you a safe and happy Labor Day Weekend. If you are thinking about relocating to the Lake of the Ozarks and are planning to purchase a home in the near future, we hope you'll keep us in mind as your trusted Lake of the Ozarks title company. We would love to work with you!
The Lake of the Ozarks' Most Trusted Title Company
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