Posted 12:13 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024
Exploring La Crosse’s Labor Day Parades
By Mike Olson
This year’s Labor Day Parade on the north side of La Crosse was a vibrant celebration of community spirit and the enduring legacy of labor movements. The Labor Day Parade is not just a celebration; it’s a reminder of the ongoing importance of labor rights and the need to honor the rich history and the significant contributions of workers that have shaped our society. By exploring the resources available at Murphy Library, you can gain a deeper understanding of the local context of these celebrations and the pivotal role that labor movements have played in shaping our community.
The Significance of Labor Day
Labor Day, observed on the first Monday of September, is more than just a long weekend—it’s a tribute to the contributions and achievements of American workers. The holiday originated in the late 19th century, a time when labor unions and workers' rights movements were gaining momentum. Parades, speeches, and various festivities were (and still are) key elements of Labor Day celebrations, marking the end of summer and honoring the labor force’s role in building the nation. Organized by labor unions to highlight their achievements and advocate for workers’ rights, over the years Labor Day parades have evolved to include a wide array of community organizations and local businesses, reflecting the diversity of the workforce and the broader community.
An Historical Glimpse into our local Parade
This year, La Crosse’s Labor Day parade, organized by the Western Wisconsin AFL-CIO, began at the corner of Gillette and Kane Streets and wound its way through the north side of La Crosse. It was a colorful display of solidarity, featuring floats, marchers, dancers, and community groups — including United Academic Professionals of UW-La Crosse (UAPUWL), our campus’s chapter of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), an affiliated international union of the AFL-CIO — all celebrating the hard work and dedication of laborers. The festivities continued at Copeland Park, where families enjoyed games, raffles, and a picnic.
Discovering Labor Day Parades and Labor History at Murphy Library
Murphy Library contains an array of materials that provide insight into the history of local labor movements. Here are some highlights:
- Photographs and Documents: Our digital collections include photographs and documents from past Labor Day parades and labor events in La Crosse. These visual records offer a fascinating glimpse into the past and the evolution of labor celebrations over the years.
From the La Crosse Photo Collection
From the Frances Burgess Photo Collection
- Oral Histories: We have a collection of oral history recordings and transcripts that capture the personal stories of local labor leaders and workers. These narratives provide a personal perspective on the struggles and triumphs of the labor movement.
- Oral history interview with Henry Norcross: Norcross discusses his career as a railroad engineer and his union involvement with Lodge 754, Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen and Enginemen union, including strikes, railroad working conditions, his time as Chairperson for the union, and its accomplishments.
- Oral history interview with Norman Lange: Lange discusses his work history and union involvement, describing the brewing industry and his work for Peerless Brewery and his career with the La Crosse Cooler Company. He also discusses his membership in fraternal organizations.
- Oral history interview with Florence Munson: Munson recounts the unsatisfactory working condition that led her to seek jobs at Auto-Lite and the La Crosse Rubber Mills Company, where she recalls attempting to unionize for better wages for women, and union membership and activity in the face of strikes and lockouts.
- Books and Publications: Our books and publications include volumes on La Cross’s labor history, union movements, and workers’ rights. These resources are invaluable for anyone researching the history of labor in Wisconsin.
- Workers and Unions in Wisconsin: A Labor History Anthology by Darryl Holter
- The Labor Movement in Wisconsin During the Civil War by Frederick Merk
- Wisconsin Labor Advocate: newspaper published in La Crosse in 1886-1887
- La Crosse Labors by Terry L. Hicks: A history of organized labor in the La Crosse area.
Connecting the Past and Present
We invite you to visit Murphy Library and explore our Special Collections. Whether you’re a student, a researcher, or simply someone with an interest in labor history, our resources offer a wealth of information and inspiration.