Labor Day, often seen as the unofficial end of summer and, at one point in time, the beginning of the school year, is this Monday and people around Pleasanton are taking advantage of the three-day weekend by going on short trips or inviting friends over for that last summer barbecue.
While we may lament how this “three-day weekend” mentality takes away from the reverence of other Monday holidays, such as Memorial Day or Veterans Day, the casual attitude is actually quite appropriate for Labor Day. The first Monday of September officially became Labor Day in 1882 after several key labor unions lobbied to have a day to recognize the working man. The first Labor Day parade went through New York City that year, and the rest is history.
However, there are options for those looking to learn a little more about labor history and honor the day. The Pleasanton Public Library will celebrate Labor Day this weekend with a reception highlighting its recent acquisition of two exhibits honoring workers.
The first, titled “California’s Labor History,” is a traveling exhibit developed jointly by the California Exhibition Resources Alliance and the California State Library. The exhibit explores how California’s labor history affects the state’s economic, social and community development today.
The second is the “CON LE NOSTRE MANI” exhibit, which translates from Italian to “With Our Hands.” This photography exhibit specifically highlights the work and contributions of Italian-Americans in the East Bay from 1890 to 1960, with many of the 150 photos coming from local residents’ personal collections. The library previously showed this exhibit, organized by the Italian-American Heritage Guild, and brought it back to run in tandem with “California’s Labor History.”
“There are great pictures of workers in the East Bay,” said Penny Johnson, coordinator of adult programs at the library. “People who grew up in Oakland and Richmond will probably recognize some photos.”
Both shows have been on display since mid August and will close Sept. 16.
This Sunday, the community can view both exhibits at the library while enjoying jazz music played by The Jonathan Stein Jazz Trio and traditional Italian appetizers from 2 to 4 p.m.
“It’s really three events rolled into one,” Johnson said.
On the cover and these pages are a few of the historical photos currently on display at the library and photos that are part of the larger “CON LE NOSTRE MANI” collection.
–Rebecca Guyon
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