1905 Labor Day Association History

Vincennes, Indiana Celebration at Lincoln Park

Weather: Pretty & bright.

Attendance: 20,000

Special trains were scheduled from Princeton, Linton, Washington, Bicknell Indiana and from Mt Carmel, IL.  The special train from Princeton to Vincennes and back was on 50 cents and over 300 men rode that train.

This year a contest to raise money was held to be the Grand Parade Marshall and C. E. Lutz was the winner.

 

 

Labor Day Committee:
John. C. Mays of Printers Union is President
John Loren of Painters Union is Vice President
Andrew Roseman of Electrical Workers is Treasurer
W.W. Barry of the Barbers Union is the Recording Secretary

 

 

 

C. E. Lutz had 2,486 ballots and was named Parade Grand Marshall
Andy Davis 1,556
Howard Earl 1,046
John Berkofer 105
Charles Kuhn 58
William Mavis 27
R. Inan 3
Saul Samoniel 3
William Kleinlaus 2
Sam Noah 1
Charles Yocum 1
Joe Noa 1
Blank Ballots 10

 

The 4^th, 5^th and 6^th US Cavalry is in Vincennes over the Labor Day Weekend. They put on a drill on Labor Day for all to enjoy.
Carnival Rides were provided by Robinson Carnival Rides. There was a grand display of electrical lighting on the midway.
Indiana Governor, T. Frank Hanly issues a Proclamation declaring September 4^th, 1905 as a Labor Day holiday in Indiana.

 

 

The Speaker Committee:
 John B. Berkofer, President of the Central Labor Council
 John DeCrastos, Iron Workers Union
Ed Carlein, President of the Brewery Workers Union
They had contacted, Samuel L. Gompers, Frank Morrison and E.A. Perkins as possible speakers.
Vincennes Mayor George E. Greene did the welcome speech to the participants and introduced the other speakers.
Speakers for the Celebration are: Charles W. Kleckner of Logansport, Indiana, John B. Berkofer, Charles Yocum and Ed Carlein.
In the Parade, Prospect Mine had a float filled with coal which auctioneer J. C. Wise auctioned off for $10 to James Wade Emison. The money went to the Hospital Fund.

At the conclusion of the Parade a fire alarm went off and the Firefighters left in a rush. Over 15,000 people rode the Street Cars during the Celebration and all-time record. Admission was FREE to the Fairgrounds along with FREE ice water.                                                                                  

After the Parade and in between speeches there were contests:

Wheelbarrow race: the prize was a suit of overalls donated by George Schaller—winner was ED McCoy.
Tug of War; the prize was 2 boxes of cigars donated by Gus Vieke & Joe Antoine—winners were the Iron Workers Union.
100-yard Sprint; prize was a pair of new shoes donated by Chip Merchant—winner was Ed McCoy.
Fat Man’s race; prize was a hat donated by S & L Lyons Company—winner was A.L. Coddie.
3-legged man’s race; prize was 100 cigars donated by John N/ Brey Company—winner was Tom Mullner & Joe Stage.
Sack race; prize was a box of cigars donated by C. W. Shanks –winner was Onie Charles.

$10 paid in gold was awarded to the Union with the best appearance in the Parade. $5 was paid in gold to the next best in Parade appearance.

George E. Gardner donated his 2 black cabs for the speakers to ride on in the Parade.

 

1st Place BEST UNION Marchers – $10 in Gold – Ironworkers Union
2nd Place BEST UNION Marchers – $5.00 in Gold – Iron Moulders Union

 

J. C. Wise
W. H. Weed
Dr. T. H. Maxedon

 

Location Committee:
John C. Mayes, Chairman  — Printers Union
W.W. Barry, Recording Secretary – Barbers Union
Andrew Roseman – Electrical Union
John O. Loren – Painters Union
John DeCorates –Iron Workers Union