You are invited to our Labor Day weekend open house on Friday, Aug. 29, and Saturday, Aug. 30, from 2 to 4 p.m.
Labor Day celebrates American workers and their past and current contributions to the success of our country. The first Labor Day took place on Sept. 5, 1882, in New York City. The Central Labor Union organized a parade of thousands of union members from all trades that culminated in a picnic for the members and their families. This form of celebration gained popularity across the country. On June 28, 1894, President Grover Cleveland signed a law officially making the first Monday of September a national holiday.
The railroads epitomized the concept of labor. Workers in nearly every category were needed to plan, build, operate, maintain, and supervise the daily functions of the industry. Further, because the railroads provided transportation, farmers shipped their products to the east, and factories shipped their farm machinery to the Midwest. The workers produced products that were marketed and shipped by railroads to every corner of the country.
So it is that on Labor Day, the workers and their families could have a day of fun and relaxation. The traveling carnival provided just such a day and evening. In the early days, the carnival rides and booths were transported by railroads.
The main attraction for most people was the rides, such as the Ferris wheel, roller coaster, octopus, tilt-a-whirl, miniature railway, and carousel. The carnival also provided booths for games to win “valuable” prizes. Do you remember the duck pond, balloon darts, water balloons, baseball throw, basketball throw, and guess the age/weight? Young men tried to impress their dates with their strength by attempting to ring the bell with the wooden hammer. If successful, they would “win a cigar.” If not, hence the saying, “close but no cigar!”
Perhaps the most appreciated booths were those that served famous “fair foods.” How can you forget cotton candy, fried dough, funnel cakes, ice cream, and caramel apples? Then add the main course of hamburgers, hot dogs, sausage sandwiches, fried onions, French fries and fried chicken. What a smorgasbord to choose from!
The Model Railroaders invite you to visit the Hobby Building Model Train Room to view our Labor Day carnival scene. The residents will be relaxing with their families and enjoying the carnival, picnics in the park, flying R/C airplanes, playing sports, boating, fishing, hiking, rock climbing, spelunking, and enjoying their favorite beverage.
The club invites you to visit the Hobby Building Model Train Room and see everything in operation on any Friday from 2 to 4 p.m.
The Model Railroaders Club is always looking for new members, and you are welcome to join us. Our next club meeting is scheduled for 9 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 3, in the Hobby Building Event Room. If you have any questions, please text Jim Lynam at 352-861-2822.
Happy Labor Day to all!
