Have A Safe and Happy Labor Day!

What do you know about the history of Labor Day?

Yes, it is typically the first Monday of September. The last major holiday of the summer-time ushering us into the great fall season. It's also a great excuse for family and neighborhood gatherings and parties with hamburgers and hot dogs too, but what else do you know about Labor Day?

Labor Day is the first Monday in September and is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity and well-being of our country.

More than 100 years after the first Labor Day observance, there is still some doubt as to who first proposed the holiday for workers.

Some records show that Peter McGuire, general secretary of the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners and a cofounder of the American Federation of Labor (AFL), was first in suggesting a day to honor American workers. Research also indicates that Matthew Maguire, secretary of Local 344 of the International Association of Machinists in Paterson, N.J., proposed the holiday in 1882 while serving as secretary of the Central Labor Union in New York.

What is clear is that the Central Labor Union adopted a Labor Day proposal and appointed a committee to plan a demonstration and picnic. The first Labor Day holiday was celebrated on Tuesday, September 5, 1882 in New York City in accordance with the plans of the central union.

In 1884 the first Monday in September was selected as the holiday, as originally proposed, and the central Labor Union urged similar organizations in other cities to follow the example of New York and celebrate a "workingman's holiday" on that date.

Through the years the nation has given increasing emphasis to Labor Day. The first governmental recognition came through municipal ordinances passed during 1885 and 1886. From them developed the movement to secure state legislation. The first state bill introduced into New York legislature, but the first to become law was passed in Oregon on February 21, 1887. During the year four more states -- Colorado, Massachusetts, New Jersey and New York -- created the Labor Day holiday by legislative enactment. By the end of the decade, Connecticut, Nebraska and Pennsylvania followed suite. By 1894, 23 other states had adopted the holiday in honor of workers, and on June 28th of that year, Congress passed an act moving the first Monday of September of each year a legal holiday in the District of Columbia and the territories.

Wherever you go, whatever you do in observance of Labor Day 2011, have a safe and happy "workingman's holiday" and a wonderful 4th quarter and fall season ahead. Enjoy your last holiday of the Summer of 2011.

Sara Hibbard is a licensed Realtor in the state of Georgia. Sara is easily reached at 770-399-8108 or 404-660-2481. Check out Sara's websites at www.SearchWoodstockHomes.com, www.ShopCantonHomes.com, www.SaraHibbard.com and www.SaraHibbardRealEstate.com. Sara Hibbard is Glad Georgia Real Estate Is On Your Mind!