For many, Labor Day marks the end of summer and the start of the school year. When we first moved here, the streets rolled up after Labor Day. Restaurants and motel/inns closed and things got real quiet. The “season” such as it was, pretty much ended and summer visitors, for the most part, went home. Local folk resumed conversations with themselves, both literally and figuratively, as the run up to fall and winter began. Community activities became more internally directed. We re-calibrated our lives and slowed down.

Back in the late 1800s, in New York City, the first Labor Day occurred under the direction of the City’s Central Labor Union. The goal was to bring together small unions to gain strength and power. The originators hoped to create an event that would bring together different types of workers to meet and recognize common interests.

The problem, however, was that no government or company recognized the first Monday in September as a day off work. This was somewhat resolved by declaring a one-day strike when all striking workers marched in a parade and then ate and drank at a giant picnic.

Labor Day was invented because workers felt they were working too many hours and days. In the 1830s, manufacturing workers were logging 70-hour weeks. The hope for organizers was to shorten hours toward an eight-hour day with more days off and reduce the work week to six days. Labor Day became a national holiday in June of 1894. But not everyone observed the “holiday” and got time off. Today some businesses observe Labor Day as a holiday, some don’t. Many businesses remain open and workers work. Now, for many, Labor Day marks a time for big sales and/or long drives back home.

For me, Labor Day is a reminder of many with whom I have worked. Here in Maine, my home now for nearly 50 years, in particular, I recall my time in the shipyards with lots of terrific people. I have photographed alongside workers at Goudy and Stevens, Washburn and Doughty, Hodgdon Yachts, and Bristol Marine, over the years. The results of their labors can be seen frequently along the Maine coast and beyond. There were O’Hara draggers, ferry boats, sailing yachts, repairs, modifications, painting, refits, and complete overhauls. Intensive efforts masterfully carried out. It has always been an honor, and instructive, to record the work of these individuals, their skills recognized around the world.

The photo shared today was made at Goudy and Stevens in the ’80s. I don’t recall which vessel was under construction at the time, but it may have been a “Seabank” project. 

For all the workers out there, happy day, and thank you!