Labor Day

Labor Day

Labor Day was first celebrated on Tuesday, September 5, 1882 in New York City, in accordance with the plans of the Central Labor Union. 
The founders of this day were Peter J. McGuire and Matthew McGuire. Peter was a General Secretary of the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners along with being a co-founder of the American Federation of Labor. Peter was the first to suggest a day to honor those "who from rude nature have delved and carved all the grandeur we hold." Matthew, a Machinist, proposed the holiday in 1882 while serving as Secretary of the Central Labor Union in New York. Many believe Matthew was the founder of the holiday. However, its unclear. The Central Labor Union adopted a Labor Day proposal and appointed a committee to plan a demonstration and picnic.
On September 5, 1883, the second Labor Day was held. (By the Central Labor Union.)
In 1884, the first Monday in September was decided to be the holiday. (This was decided by the Central Labor Union.)
The idea spread like wildfire with the growth of labor organizations. Then, finally, in 1885, Labor Day was celebrated in many industrial centers around the country.