History Of Labor Day

The history of Labor Day involves two men, Peter J. McGuire and Matthew Maguire, who committed themselves to bettering the working conditions of the common laborer. In the late 1800s, at the time of the Industrial Revolution, the workday was commonly twelve hours long and lasted from Sunday through the following Saturday. Little time was given to the workers for staying home or tending to personal affairs. Even children were not immune from working long hours. The trade unions were founded as a collective voice to improve working conditions and to bargain for wages and benefits. Though historians may differ on who to credit for the beginning of the holiday, the historic meaning of Labor Day is clear: it was to be a workingmen's holiday complete with a street parade, a festival, and rousing speeches.

Red-headed Irish American Peter McGuire served as the general secretary of the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners and co-founded the American Federation of Labor. According to one version of the history of Labor Day, McGuire was the first to propose setting aside a particular day to honor the American worker. At the May 18, 1882 meeting of the Central Labor Union in New York City, McGuire proposed "a festive day . . . [to] permit public tribute to American industry." Other sources attribute the holiday's beginnings to Matthew Maguire, a machinist who served as secretary of the Central Labor Union. Maguire later became secretary of the Local 344 of the International Association of Machinists in Paterson, New Jersey. It's believed that Maguire sent out invitations to the first event, celebrated on Tuesday, September 5, 1882 in New York City. Mr. and Mrs. Maguire, joined by Henry Ward Beecher, rode in a carriage at the beginning of this parade. Beecher was a reformer and abolitionist preacher whose sister, Harriet Beecher Stowe, gained fame as the author of Uncle Tom's Cabin.

Both Peter McGuire and Matthew Maguire were involved in the Central Labor Union. Perhaps it's because the last names are so similar that the history of Labor Day is unclear as to which one was the first to have the idea. Some researchers speculate that McGuire is given the credit because of Maguire's socialist activities. Early sources favor giving the title of "Father of the Labor Day" holiday to Maguire, including the Paterson newspaper, Morning Call, and a note in an 1898 book called Curiosities of Popular Customs. However, McGuire claimed the title for himself in 1897. The historic meaning of Labor Day is more important than who founded it. All can agree that both men were important reformers and leaders in the movement to improve the horrific working conditions of so many. Reforms were needed to shorten the long workweek. Scriptures tell us: "And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made" (Genesis 2:3).

The first event, in 1882, was attended by at least 10,000 workers. Most of them left their jobs, without permission, to march to Union Hall in New York City. The following year, the holiday was celebrated on the same date, September 5, 1883. It was held on the first Monday in September for the first time in 1884 and other industrial cities were encouraged to hold similar events. Detroit, the automotive capital, held its first event on August 16, 1884. Though the state of New York was the first to introduce a bill to make the event a state holiday, Oregon was the first to actually pass legislation. This happened on February 21, 1887. With about half the states now celebrating this special holiday, Congress passed legislation on June 28, 1894, which was signed into law by President Grover Cleveland. The first Monday in September was finally an official national holiday. The meaning of Labor Day to its founders and supporters is even more significant when considering its uniqueness. The holiday doesn't honor any specific person or the American Presidents or commemorate a historic event. Instead it honors the enduring work of common laborers and the achievements of the movement. The worldwide community, beginning with Canada in 1894, selected May 1 (or May Day) as their recognized International Labor Day. Some speculate that President Cleveland lobbied for a September date, not only to highlight the date of the original parade in 1882, but because of his staunch views against the socialists who wanted the May 1 date.

In recent years, the meaning of Labor Day seems to have been lost. Instead of attending city-wide street parades and listening to political speeches, workers and their families think of the three-day-weekend as one more chance for summer fun before settling into the autumn routine of school and preparing for the cold winter days to come. It's still a festive time: retail stores hold gigantic back-to-school sales, beaches are crowded, national parks and campgrounds are full. But surely even the most dedicated shopper and the fun-seeking vacationer can take a few minutes to remember two energetic and dedicated men, Peter J. McGuire and Matthew Maguire. Researchers may argue about which one was the "Father," but no one can deny that each one played an important part in the history of Labor Day. Due to their efforts, the working man didn't just get his holiday. He also received long-overdue and well-deserved recognition for his contribution to our nation's economic prosperity.

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