Labor Day in Madison County
LABOR DAY CELEBRATION
Source: Alton Telegraph, September 08, 1898
Monday Labor Day was celebrated in Alton. The Trades Assembly
Committee had made complete preparation and everything passed off
very pleasantly and successfully.
The sun was overcast with clouds during the afternoon, which made
the march less severe. The business houses were patriotically
decorated, and were closed from noon. At 2:30 p.m., the procession
formed at Turner Hall with mounted police in the lead, followed by
the Leclaire (Edwardsville) Band. Then came the various societies of
the Trades and Labor Assembly, barbers, butchers, printers, coopers,
glassworkers, brickmakers, cigar makers, etc. The Mayor, city
officials, and aldermen in carriages, Alton Juvenile Band, followed
by a long line of vehicles. At Turner Garden, addresses were
delivered, chief among which was that of Judge Oller of Litchfield.
Mr. Henry Penning introduced Mayor Brueggeman, who delivered the
opening address, and then the Mayor introduced Judge Oller, the
chief speaker. His address was a conservative presentation of the
labor question. He strongly opposed strikes. They were rarely of any
value to the strikers, and frequently were seriously detrimental to
them and their employees. The Judge urged arbitration, as best for
all. He mentioned a number of strikes in which he was called in to
consult, and when the laborer and employer were gotten together and
after a conference along lines of common sense as to what would be
best for all, by concessions from both sides, strikes were averted
or happily ended. He gave his hearers what might be termed a
practical and fatherly advice to avoid strikes, to meet their
employees not in anger, but in coolness, and consider their
circumstances and everything connected with the strike from the
standpoint of reason and fairness to all.
In the evening a dance was given in Turner Hall. The amusement was
indulged in until a late (or early) hour by a large company. The
observance of Labor Day in Alton was most successful, entitled the
committee who prepared the program, and all who contributed to its
success, to the thanks of the organization which it represents.
There were a large number of strangers in town to participate in the
observance of the day.
OBSERVANCE OF LABOR DAY
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 04, 1899
The observance of Labor Day in Alton was general. All business
houses closed at noon, and the business streets were profusely
decorated with flags and bunting in honor of the day. The Trades and
Labor Assembly had charge of the exercises of the day, and have made
elaborate arrangements to make the day a memorable one in labor
circles. The Jerseyville City Band arrived this morning, and with
the Alton Juvenile Band will furnish music for the occasion. The
program included a parade to leave Turner Hall, which marched
through the principal business streets and returned to Turner Hall,
where addresses were delivered by Congressman Jett Senator Brenholt,
Mayor Young, and Judge Oiler of Litchfield. This evening a dance
will be given at Turner Hall to close the day’s festivities.