According to the United States Department of Labor, “Observed the first Monday in September, Labor Day is an annual celebration of the social and economic achievements of American workers. The holiday is rooted in the late 19th century, when labor activists pushed for a federal holiday to recognize the many contributions workers have made to America’s strength, prosperity, and well-being.”

On the front page of the News-Messenger of Lyon County on Sept. 2, 1921, there is an article about a big celebration to be held in Tracy for Labor Day. Below are excerpts from the article:

“Plans are in the making for a glorious celebration. Features of the festival will be a monster labor and industrial parade put on by the labor organizations and the business houses of the city. Besides a large number of floats there will be in the parade Tracy’s two bands, school children, the four labor unions of the railroad and other organizations.The four unions are working with a committee of business men to put on the celebration.”

“The Municipal and Ladies’ Tam-O-Shanter bands have been secured to furnish the music for the day. Other attractions on the sports program will be foot races, horseshoe tournament, pillow contest, boxing match, pie eating contest between persons under 15 years and over 100, and a tug-of-war between Murray and Lyon counties. In the evening a monster pavement dance will be staked on our paved streets with excellent music furnished for the dancers.”

“A special invitation is extended to all former residents of Tracy and this community to celebrate in the old home town on that day.”

The photograph featured this week from the Lyon County Museum’s collection shows a button from the Tracy Box Car Days celebration in 1966. The Labor Day celebration in Tracy got its start in 1921 and Box Car Days has been an annual event since 1927.

Happy Labor Day! The Lyon County Museum is closed on Monday, Sept. 1, for the holiday. The Lyon County Historical Society (LCHS) is a nonprofit, member-supported organization. LCHS operates the Lyon County Museum at 301 West Lyon Street in Marshall. The Lyon County Museum is open year-round to visitors. To contact us, visit our website: www.lyoncomuseum.org, call: 507-537-6580, email: director@lyoncomuseum.org, or on our Facebook page.