Monday Musing about Labor Day

Happy Labor Day!!

September 5th, 1882 this day was dedicated to celebrating the American worker on the first Monday in September. There’s some disagreement as to who gets credit for this holiday, but we won’t go into that today. We can thank our neighbors in Canada for this holiday. In 1872, a parade was held protesting the 58-hour workweek.

A little research turned up the fact that in the 1880s, people worked 12 hour days, 7 days a week! Children 5 and 6 years old could work! It wasn’t until 1916 that the Adamson Act was passed. This act established the 8-hour workday. 

I worked in retail distribution for many years. During September, October, November, and the first two weeks in December it wasn’t uncommon for us to pull 12-hour days Monday through Friday with 8-hours on Saturday and on occasion, Sunday. As a member of management, I was expected to be present before and after the day started. Our job was to ensure the stores had every available item a customer might need in preparation for Christmas. Did I get tired of the long hours? Sure. But logistic was my field and not once did I resent having my job.

So thank you to all my brothers and sisters who, as Alabama sang, move it on down the line.

But Labor day marks a few more events. Like not wearing white after the first Monday in September. Chanel is credited with blowing that silly idea out of the water and making white a year round color.

 

 

 

[image error]And the first Waffle House opened on Labor Day. I remember my first trip to Macon, Georgia. (A state I fell in love with) We were opening a returns center in Macon and I flew into Atlanta and drove the rest of the way. It seemed to me there were Waffle Houses on every corner! Later, I learned Georgia was the home state for them.

 

One more update…but this ties back to last Monday’s post. The two puppies that were dumped in our neighborhood have been adopted and will get to stay together! Yea to my next door neighbor!

So go enjoy this holiday. You’ve earned it. Stay safe!