The first official Labor Day was celebrated in New York City on September 5th 1882. It included a parade with thousands of marchers, a large picnic was offered after the parade with a roasted steer. This set the tone for future celebrations.
Oregon was the first state to adopt it as a state holiday. Many states followed suit until, in 1894 Grover Cleveland signed it into law and moved the holiday to the first Monday in September. This was halfway between Memorial Day and Thanksgiving.
Labor Day was the last day of summer with the swim club pools closing for the season. The next day, many schools started their year.
As a young married adult, my first and present husbands were in unions and had picnics in city parks. My first husband, Mike, was a leader in the auto workers. He would ride in a float or drive his scooter most of the parade route.
My second husband, john, worked for the postal service in the maintenance craft and usually volunteered to work to get sorting machines cleaned and repaired.
The Mackinac Bridge Walk has been a tradition since 1959. The bridge is closed to drivers from 9 to 11 am so walkers can walk across the span of the bridge , about 5 miles. It starts with the Governor leading the thousands of michiganders to leisurely walk the bridge. I have participated several times with a group of Amigo scooter riders to promote inclusion in the walk. Many stroller and wagons are used to cross. The views from the bridge are breathtaking, especially, when a large ship is below the bridge. School busses are used to return walkers to their cars.
Whether you march in a parade, picnic or relax listening to a football game, take time to appreciate the change of the season.
***. poem
Take Stock
Cooler mornings, sunny afternoons.
Parades celebrate over one hundred thirty years of workers in the US labor force. Large barbecues along with the last swimming day.
School starting the next day, some lament.
Whether you walk, march or play in a park,
Labor Day is fun for all.
carolaspot@aol.com
copyrighted 8/7/26
traveling up and down the blind highway 