Happy Labor Day from Barbara Todd and Michael Valencia, Casa Bella Realty, LLC!!!
Tomorrow in the US, Labor Day is referred to as the unofficial end of summer. In Maryland, many families tend to take this opportunity to get away and have one last vacation down OC, enjoying the sun, sand, and other fun-filled activities.
Next week, public pools will close, the kiddos will head back to school, fall soccer will start, and we will start to see signs of the changing seasons.
But do we know the origin of this holiday? Well, here is a quick history: It was created by the labor movement in the late 19th century and became a federal holiday in 1894. It originated during one of American labor history’s most dismal times. At the height of the Industrial Revolution, in the late 1800s, the average American worked 12-hour days and seven-day weeks in order to make a basic living. Even though there were restrictions, in some states, children as young as 5 or 6 worked in mills, factories and mines across the country and only earned a fraction of what was paid to adult counterparts. Working conditions were often unsafe and occupational health and safety were not heard of. Labor unions grew more prominent and vocal and began organizing strikes and rallies to protest these conditions and compel employers to change hours and pay. The thought of a “workingmen’s holiday,” began to take root across the county and many states passed legislation recognizing it. In an attempt to settle the unrest and to repair ties with American workers, Congress passed an act making Labor Day a legal holiday in the District of Columbia and the territories. On June 28, 1894, President Grover Clevelend signed it into law.
So while we may celebrate with parades, picnics, barbecues, and other public gathers, maybe we should think about the reason this holiday came about: It is a day to pay tribute to the contributions and achievements of American workers.
And in addition to keeping the meaning of Labor Day in mind, if you are like me, you may be heading to the stores to take advantage of buying more Fall decorations to add to the many I already have – but, hey, one can’t have enough of the warmth and love of the Fall colors and cute signs, and the great smelling candles, can we???
And if you may be thinking about selling your home or buying a new one, please give us a call. We would be more than happy to work with you achieve the American workers dream of owning your own home.
