Labor in Western, Illinois

Labor Day is upon us. While many states had celebrated Labor Day before it became a federal holiday, in June of 1894, Congress passed an Act making it a legal holiday. Peter J. McGuire, general secretary of the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners is credited with the idea of Labor Day. I love to see both current and historic opportunities to remember workers and their historic acts of labor.

Farm Labor

While traveling in Western, Illinois, I came upon a few things like some of the historic equipment at the Argyle Lake State Park antique tractor show. Items like this beautiful wooden reaper reminds me of how hard farmers had to labor in the past.

Harvesting takes on a whole new meaning when seeing this threshing equipment!

A modern-day approach to old time machinery was also on display. This beautiful Avery tractor was built by Arlo and Chad Shaw. It took this retired aircraft mechanic and his diesel mechanic son six months to create this marvelous machine. The real ones were built in Peoria, Illinois when the company opened after the Civil War. I first saw this miniature Avery at the Greater Peoria Farm show and have been wanting to meet Arlo Shaw ever since!

While at the show we saw a cool seed sign for Burrus Seeds. While this is a collectible, it reminded me that my brother-in-law Wayne sells this seed, and it was founded right here in Illinois, in the town of Arenzville by two brothers in 1935. The company is still family owned.

Labor of Invention!

While traveling through Macomb, Illinois yesterday, I revisited the amazing statue of Lizzie Magie, the inventor of the Landlord Game, a predecessor to the popular Monopoly Game. Born in Macomb, Illinois, Lizzie Magie was recently recognized when the townsfolk erected this statue and other Monopoly icons. Her invention a labor of creativity lives on because you can literally play Macombopoly when visiting the Macomb square!

Industry

If any town name ever screamed “labor” it is the small town of Industry! On the curve of Route 67 is a windmill that catches my attention every time I pass it! What is the history of those that labored to build this Dutch style windmill roadside attraction?

I found a post on the Industry, Illinois website that shares, “In 1927, Ralph Swearingen’s Old Mill Tourist Camp opened in McDonough County‘s village of Industry, IL. It was an oasis for tourists featuring cabins, a restaurant, a gas station, and this windmill. After the business closed in 1960, all of the structures were torn down except for the iconic Windmill which still stands today.”

Remembering the Day

How will you remember Labor Day? Will you go to a Labor Day picnic? Tell stories of inventions and ways that labor has become easier over the years, or just think about your own labor experience? I remember those that fix things. Those that cook, clean and run our government. Whatever way you choose to celebrate this important day, thank you for all your do. Thank you for making our lives easier with your efforts, your sweat and tears, and dedication.