“There is joy in work. There is no happiness except in the realization that we have accomplished something.” ~ Henry Ford
It has been 137 years since New Jersey established Labor Day as a holiday. In 1887, Oregon was the first state to grant legal status to the holiday but listed the date as the first Saturday in June. That same year Colorado, New York, Massachusetts and New Jersey adopted the holiday and proclaimed it be observed on the first Monday in September. In 1894, President Grover Cleveland signed a bill recognizing the first Monday in September as a national holiday.
The initial idea for Labor Day as a general labor festival originated in Canada in 1872, which today also celebrates “Labour Day” on the first Monday in September. Our holiday traces its roots back to 1882 when Peter McGuire, a union leader, suggested that there be a celebration honoring American workers and organized a parade in New York City. Initially, few participated and organizers worried that workers had been reluctant to surrender a day’s pay to join the rally. But soon the crowds began flowing in from across the city and by the end of the day it is estimated that 10,000 people had marched in the parade and joined the festivities afterward in what the press dubbed “a day of the people.” McGuire said that there was no particular significance to the date and it was chosen because it fell roughly halfway between the 4th of July and Thanksgiving.Labor Day is a continuing national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity and well-being of our country.
Enjoy a day off but take a moment to pay tribute to America’s labor force.
**The Voorhees Breakfast Rotary Club will be hosting their 2nd Annual Voorhees Community Yard Sale on Saturday, Oct. 5,from 10am-2pm at the Voorhees Town Center. This is a free event and will happen rain or shine. The Resident/Vendor Feeis $30 (you do not have to be a resident of Voorhees); Food Truck Fee: 10% of proceeds. For more information, contact Sue Bromley at (609)217-6235 or sbromley14@gmail.com
**Voorhees Township Public Works, in cooperation with the Camden County Board of Commissioners and Tab Shredding, is hosting a FREE paper shredding event on Saturday, Oct. 5, from 9am to noon at the Voorhees Town Center. For more information, call Public Works Department at (856)428-5499.
** The Animal Welfare Association will open its doors and campus for an afternoon of family fun at the Howl-O-Ween Trunk or Treat on Saturday, Oct. 19, from 1-4pm. Kids and furry friends can enjoy the outdoor activities, rain or shine. Enter the 50/50 cash raffle or participate in costume contests. Admission is free. Register to decorate a trunk athttps://give.awanj.org/HowlOWeen-2024 For more information, contact Meggin Olivo at (856)424-2288 x113
** The Camden County Board of Elections needs poll workers for the upcoming election. This year the Board of Elections is hiring employees 16 and over.
$300 for the day from 5am – 9pm, Tuesday, Nov. 5 (General Election).
For more information, call (856) 401-8683
** Voorhees Township is once again partnering with Morey’s Piers to offer discounted tickets for their amusement piers located on the Boardwalk in Wildwood, NJ. Tickets may be obtained in person from the office of the Voorhees Township Clerk (856) 429-7757 and are payable by cash only. Tickets are available to residents and non-residents.
