Union Square became synomous with the Labor movement in the latter half of the 19th century. Most New Yorkers believe that the reason it is called Union Square is due to the worker demonstrations held there. But, as with much of New York history, the name was created by a developer – Sam Ruggles. … More Labor Day at Union Square
A lovely spring day in 1911 was forever changed by the tragic events at the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory on Greene Street in Greenwich Village. The combination of smoke, locked doors and uncaring owners led to the death of 146 girls, many of whom to the horror of onlookers jumped to their deaths from the upper … More A Lovely Spring Day Encounters Death
As we relax on the beach, sit at barbecues, or agonize over our local baseball team Americans should give a thought to the workers of the late 19th century who came up with the idea of a “Labor” holiday. That is because they didn’t usually have holidays. The idea of a holiday celebrating labor was … More Labor Day
Bowery & Canal 