Another Labor Day weekend is just around the corner. Labor Day. What’s it really all about? We all suppose it has something to do with labor; tote that barge, long hours, cubicles, 9 to 5, the banks are closed as is the post office, and there’s a lot of sale shopping going on. Without Googling it (how did we survive before Google) can you speak of the authentic origin of Labor Day?
The Number 499
You know I’m going to spill the beans on the origin of Labor Day, but before I do that let me take a pause here to tell you about the number 499.
Behind the scenes of this website/blog I have what is known as a dashboard. Every website has one and I’m certain you can easily surmise what’s on said dashboard. Think car dashboard and you’re in the right ballpark. This morning I opened the dashboard like I do pretty much every morning and the number 499 caught my eye.
I had to do a double take because this post, once I hit publish, will be our 500th post on this little site of ours. Holy Moly! 500 posts. That’s a lot of jibber jabber, a lot of pictures, a lot of travel tips and a lot of stories told. It’s also a lot of pressure to get it right.
The Number 500
How do I mark the occasion of our 500th post? Should I only write 500 words? As in exactly 500 words. I did that when I wrote the 250th post. Maybe I should go out and buy 500 lottery tickets? Hm… probably not. Or, should I plan 500 days of travel? Fabulous idea but unrealistic, for now. I will have to give it a bit more thought. In the meantime…
The Origin of Labor Day
Back to the origin of Labor Day. According to History.com (yes, I had to Google it)
- “…observed on the first Monday in September. It was created by the labor movement in the late 19th century and became a federal holiday in 1894.”
I could be wrong, but I’m betting very few people in the US think about the Industrial Revolution when it comes to planning their 3-day Labor Day weekend. For the average person, Labor Day is the last weekend before another school year begins. It marks the end of summer, which is high on my list as I count the days until fall. Labor Day is a chance to take one more long weekend getaway with the family. Or, maybe it’s the weekend to thoroughly clean the house and car because it may not get done again for months. Nah…
The National Highway – Maryland, USA
Labor Day Road Trip
We’re soon off on a road trip but we’re waiting until the day after Labor Day because the 3-day weekend also equates to traffic from hell on the highways. We’ll be exploring more of Maryland before making our way north to Delaware following the Harriet Tubman Byway. Hopefully, as always, you’ll follow along with us.
I think, I will stop here at exactly 500 words.
Instagram Feed
I’m so very impressed Patti that you have written 500 blog posts. That’s like in my dreams. I’ve very inconsistent with blogging. Yet, you consistently plug away posting and writing awesome content. So a massive congratulations for all your efforts and growing a fabulous blog community. I also wish to take this opportunity to thank you for your support over recent years while I’ve been blogging. Best wishes on your upcoming road trip and enjoy Maryland and Delaware 🙂
Estelle Anderson recently posted…7 Amazing Travel Destinations From Guest Travel Bloggers.
Thank you so much, Estelle, for the very kind words.
Congrats on reaching 500 posts!!! Which made me think.. I have NO idea how many posts we have written, but now I will probably go and take a look. I like the 500 word idea, but hopefully you had a computer counter and didn’t have to do it by “hand”.. one word at a time haha.
Thanks for the education re labor day. Much to learn there for me, having not grown up in the U.S. I don’t have all that history that most do.
Peta
Now I’m curious, Peta. How many posts have you published? 🙂 And, yes, I have a word counter.
You are so funny. Congrats on your 500th…That is a lot of writing. And as a writer, I can appreciate the effort that takes. Have fun on your after holiday, holiday. Ah, the joys of retirement and empty nesting.
Hee! Hee! I seriously had no idea I was at 499, hard to imagine but here we are. We’re looking forward to a few days on the road exploring new places. We’ll keep you posted.
Patti and Abi, congratulations on #500! That’s a ‘labor’ of love that requires a special celebration. Enjoy your post Labor Day road trip. We have already started our Labor Day weekend by beginning preparations for Dorian which will likely arrive on our coast by Monday. Hip, hip, hooray, it’s Labor Day!
Oh boy Suzanne, I hope Dorian decides to stay clear and not cause too much damage. Hunker down and take care!