History of Labor Day

Labor Day: How it Came About; What it Means (Source: www.dol.gov)

"Labor Day differs in every essential way from the other holidays of the year in any country," said Samuel Gompers, founder and longtime president of the American Federation of Labor. "All other holidays are in a more or less degree connected with conflicts and battles of man's prowess over man, of strife and discord for greed and power, of glories achieved by one nation over another. Labor Day...is devoted to no man, living or dead, to no sect, race, or nation."

Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, properity, and well-being of our country.

Let the Party Begin! Tips Tips Tips! (source: iParty.com)

-Hang vintage-style "labor" posters featuring cultural icons, such as Rosie the Riveter.
-Swag red, white and blue crepe streamers throughout the party area.
-Roll blue cutlery in red, white and blue patriotic napkins and tie with white curling ribbon.
-For a centerpiece, anchor bunches of red, white and blue balloons gathered with curling ribbon. Anchor the bunch of balloons to a soup can set inside a small gift bag filled with shredded tissue or shredded Help Wanted Ads.
-On each chair, set a gift that will keep each person's mind off work and on fun, such as a whoopee cushion, colorful visor, water gun, megaphone or beach ball.
-Make an extra table for a big crowd by resting a large board or old door on two sawhorses and covering it with a red, white or blue tablecloth.
-Since this is still a summer fest, control bugs with Citronella candles.

The party begins, welcome guests

-Have guests sign-in on a large "Out to Lunch" placard tacked to the front door.
-Usher guests through an entryway overflowing with red, white and blue balloons.

Play games and activities

-Last chance for summer favorites. Play volleyball, croquet, horseshoes, and lawn darts.
-Show kids how to play lawn games, like sack races, three-legged races, wheelbarrow races and tug of war.

Share refreshments and cake

-Offer simple "poor bum" refreshments including pork n' beans, bologna sandwiches and corn bread.
-Ask each guest to bring a favorite dish. Potluck is the easiest way to feed large crowds.
-Why not barbecue? Jazz up plain old hamburgers and hot dogs with a smorgasbord of toppings.

The party ends, say good-byes

-Send everyone home with an instant lottery ticket and a small US flag in a windowed "paycheck" envelope.

Choco-Holic Cake (source: www.verybest-baking.com)

Chocolate, chocolate, chocolate is what this cake is made of! Sour cream and pudding mix enrich and make this cake moist and delicious.

Ingredients:

-1 package (18.25 ounces) chocolate cake mix
-1 package (4 ounces) chocolate instant pudding and pie filling mix.
-1 cup milk
-1/2 cup sour cream
-4 large eggs
-2 cups (12-ounce package) NESTLE TOLL HOUSE Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels
-1 cup chopped walnuts
-Powdered sugar
-Raspberries (optional)

Direction:

PREHEAT oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour 10-inch bundt pan or other tube pan.

COMBINE cake mix, pudding mix, milk, sour cream and eggs in large mixer bowl. Beat on low speed just until blended. Beat on high speed for 2 minutes. Stir in morsels and nuts. Pour into prepared bundt pan or other tube pan.

BAKE in oven for 55 to 65 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in cake comes out clean.

COOL in pan for 20 minutes. Invert onto wire rack to cool completely. Sprinkle with powdered sugar: garnish with raspberries.

Prep time: 10 minutes. Ready in 75 minutes. Yield: Makes 24 servings.

Article provided by Old Republic Title Company.