Picnics, Parades And Recognition

Labor Day these days signifies many things to many people.  For some, it’s the reminder to pack away those whites and bid summer farewell.  For others, the day is about family, friends, food and the token political speech.  Labor Day makes getting in that last taste of summer an option. But, those willing to look at the roots of this holiday will find a day to honor contributions of hard working people. 

September, 5, 1882 marked the first Labor Day Celebration.  Some credit the Knights of Labor and some credit the Central Labor Union for throwing a parade in New York City in recognition of the labor movement.

President Cleveland, in 1894, officially made Labor Day a national holiday with observance the first Monday in September.  Fueled by workers deaths under government branches and an up-rise in strikes, Cleveland along with Congress saw the importance of observing the United States work force to settle unrest.  

Historically, parades and activities in Groton and adjacent towns have closed up shop and meshed the day of observance with celebration in any way possible.  

According to the Day on September 4, 1909, Groton merchants were closing businesses to prepare for the holiday. Reports said, “It will be well for Groton Householders to remember that Monday will be Labor day and to provide for home needs this evening.”

Labor Day picnics were and still are always a favorite activity.  Pioneer Hook and Ladder Company No. 1 along with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Golden Spur were local hot spots in the early 1900s for daytime gatherings filled with noshing and socializing. 

In 1908 the Day reported a quiet holiday saying, ”The best thing about Labor Day was the weather which was ideal, as the air was clean and pure and the sunshine just warm enough to be comfortable.”

With Labor Day roughly coinciding with the remembrance of the Battle of Groton Heights, open houses and events at the Groton Monument have always been open to the public.  The Anna Warner Bailey chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution in Groton traditionally held annual open houses followed by meetings at the Groton Monument. 

Many attended the State fair in Hartford and in 1914, the Norwich County Fair opened every Labor Day and had the biggest crowds since its inception 60 years ago.  A running race, peg race and motorcycle race with Norwich flyer Wild Bill Burdick were all part of the day’s fun.

Across the sound, the Fisher’s Island Yacht Club held a Labor Day regatta in the 30s which is now called the Labor Day Trophy Race.  Across the river, the Labor Day Parade of 1917 in New London reportedly consisted of hundreds of paraders marching.  A procession of American flags were followed by the Teamsters, CLU and Meat Cutters Union donning white aprons, carpenters, painter and plumbers carrying canes.  

While these days, we don’t see plumbers and butchers parading in celebration of a day in recognition of their efforts, the origins of this day sit quietly.  Although for some, the origin of Labor Day takes a back seat to the summer's end and festivities, the observance of this day is well worth considering.