Labor Day…more than a holiday
Labor Day is much more than the unofficial end of summer or the start of the election season or a day for the beach and picnics and a Monday holiday making a three-day weekend. This display honors U.S. workers and recognizes the contributions of the American labor movement to improved working conditions, fair wages and benefits.
These images from labor history were culled from images previously featured in the Social Welfare History Project image portal–which has been retired.
You can read more about the people and organizations who dedicated themselves to supporting workers on VCU Libraries’ Social Welfare History Project. Learn about the interracial and gender-inclusive Southern Tenant Farmers’ Union, labor organizer and friend of Eleanor Roosevelt, Rose Schneiderman, the National Child Labor Committee, or the Flint Sit-Down Strike that transformed and empowered the United Automobile Workers.
Featured images:
The nation’s workers are the country’s chief asset–serving the nation in peace as well as war. This American Association for Labor Legislation membership recruitment bulletin asked “How WIll Our Country Protect This Army?” Adèle Goodman Clark papers, 1849-1978, James Branch Cabell Library, VCU Libraries.
“Workers of the World awaken / Break your chains, demand your rights…” “Songs of the Workers: To Fan the Flames of Discontent.” Edward H. Peeples Collection, Special Collections and Archives, James Branch Cabell Library, VCU Libraries
“They Shall Not Pass” cover cartoon by C. D. Batchelor. The Woman Citizen, June 9, 1917. A figure representing woman suffrage protects children from labor exploitation. Special Collections and Archives, James Branch Cabell Library, VCU Libraries
“Security of Employment” editorial cartoon by Gordon Grant. American Association for Labor Legislation advertising. A family stands under an arch in which the keystone (labeled “Employment”) is slipping out. If the keystone falls, the family will be crushed. Adèle Goodman Clark papers, 1849-1978, James Branch Cabell Library, VCU Libraries
Sweat Shop. Anti-child labor editorial cartoon by Thomas May Cartoons Magazine. Special Collections and Archives, James Branch Cabell Library, VCU Libraries.
Virginia Federation of Labor Convention Badge, April 1922.
Girls Home, 502 W. Clay Street, Richmond, Va. A home for employed, self-supporting African American women in Richmond, Va. Adèle Goodman Clark papers, 1849-1978, James Branch Cabell Library, VCU Libraries.
Eight and one-half Million Women Workers! NWTUL pamphlet advocating for better working conditions, hours, and wages for women and girls. Adèle Goodman Clark papers, 1849-1978, James Branch Cabell Library, VCU Libraries
Happy to be working in an office and not on the farm. Working Woman. Fred O. Seibel editorial cartoon, 1922. Frederick Otto Seibel papers, 1882-1968. James Branch Cabell Library, VCU Libraries.
Other images featured in the exhibit include images from the now-retired Social Welfare History Project Image Portal. These include The Equity Star from the union of theatrical performers, the AFL seal, photos of strikers and more.
Categories Collections, Community, Digital Collections, Uncategorized