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Our Hardworking Ancestors

Created on Sep 05, 2016 by Kathy Pinna

Long days, backbreaking work, low pay: In the late 19th century and early 20th century, the average American worked 7 days a week, 12 hours a day just to survive.

Even children as young as 5 or 6 would work in order to help their families. Imagine working every waking hour just to fill your belly and the bellies of those you loved!

Labor unions were created to enforce better wages from businesses, working hours, and even paid vacations for workers. In 1894, Labor Day became a federal holiday as a tribute to the contribution of all of those who labored on behalf of the U.S.

These photos highlight some of the tough jobs and working conditions of our ancestors, as well as some of the turn of the century parades in honor of them.

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Photos of our hardworking ancestors

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1915 Labor Day parade

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Working in a coal mine, 1956

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Lil Doody
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shared on 10/09/2014
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Pennsylvania breaker boys, 1911

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Suffragettes marching on Labor Day, 1913

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The company store, 1940

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1916 streetcar strike

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Actresses in 1908 Labor Day Parade

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Great Pullman Strike

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After the Pullman strike, Congress created Labor Day as a national holiday.

Breaker boys, 1911

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Firemen in Labor Day parade, 1929

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Hauling bark

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Photo of Carolyn Jackson Carolyn Jackson
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shared on 12/04/2015

Loggers, 1900

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Photo of Carolyn Jackson Carolyn Jackson
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shared on 12/04/2015

Sheet metal worker, 1942

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Textile mill, no shoes?

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Sheila Bruntnell
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shared on 08/04/2014

1908 Labor Day parade

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1909 garment workers on strike

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1929 Labor Day parade

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Shooting at strikers, 1886

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1910 Labor Day parade

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