For most of us the arrival of Labor Day is a mixed blessing. Summer is over—along with family vacations and lazy weekends at the pool. That’s the kind of sad part. The good news is kids start back to school, the crisp days of autumn arrive and the those truly organized among us even start Christmas shopping. Traditionally, Labor Day is also the time when all our white clothes get pushed to the far reaches of the closet, where they’ll wait until next summer. Although as American Fashionauthor Charlie Scheips so fabulously said, “I’m sure the Queen of England at Christmastime puts on white ermine once in a while. So if it’s good enough for her, it’s good enough for everybody else, right? You don’t have to be a fascist about it.”
But fashion aside, Labor Day is also a three-day weekend, an excuse for another epic BBQ, back-to-school shopping and last minute beach trips. Let us improve your knowledge (and give you some talking points for that next outdoor party) about Labor Day. And give thanks to the workforce of America, as Labor Day is set aside as a way to honor their contributions and achievements, with of course, a day off work. Is this a great country or what?
1. Leading the Way
The first state to recognize Labor Day as an official holiday was Oregon. In 1887 they put the day on the calendar.
Read Related: Salute Summer’s End with A Labor Day Party
