1899 Labor Day Association History
Hosmer Indiana at Morgan Park
Weather: It had rain for two days prior to the Celebration but clouds cleared and sunshine came out for the Labor Day Celebration.
The American Federal of Labor along with UMWA and Carpenter’s Union planned and put on the Celebration. 8,000 to 10,000 people were in attendance.
The Federation of Labor # 7513 asked all work in Petersburg cease at noon—President C. S. Chambers and J. L. Stewart, Secretary
There were 5 bands in the Parade and over 1,500 marched in the Parade. After the Parade ended at the Court House there was food for over 1,500 hungry marched ate—Bar B Q beef, fried chicken, mutton, pies and cakes. After all were fed, they moved around to the North side of the Court House were the 29 members of 4th Regiment Band of Mt. Vernon, Illinois entertained all.
After the concert, speakers addressed the crowd. T. H. Dillion of Petersburg, Indiana started the speeches, Martha A. Bigler, Indiana State President of the Ladies Labor Union followed. Next V.R. Greene and Mr. Glover of Ayrshire Coal Mine finished the afternoon with their remarks.
Other Celebrations were held in Evansville and Montgomery Indiana. The Montgomery, Indiana one was a fundraiser for a hurt UMWA miner.
Parade route started at Morgan Park and kicked off at 11:15 am.
Parade Route: East on Walnut Street, to 11th Street, North on 11th Street to Main Street, West on Main Street to 3rd Street, South on 3rd Street to
Walnut Street, North on Walnut to 5th Street, West on 5th to Main and on to the Court House.
Parade line up:
Reception Committee Carriage
4th Regimental Mt. Vernon, IL., band
UMWA Coal float
UMWA Little’s Coal Mine
Federation of Labor’s float
Federation of Labor of Hosmer, Indiana
Otwell, Indiana band
UMWA Blackhorn Mine
Federation of Labor of Alford, Indiana
Oakland City, Indiana band
Federation of Labor of Oakland City, Indiana
UMWA Oakland City, Indiana mine
Hazelton, Indiana band
UMWA Petersburg, Indiana band
Carpenters & Joiners Union
Petersburg, Indiana band
Federation of Labor # 7513
Float of America, Little Girls
