100 Years Ago: Aug. 30-Sept. 5

From The Indianapolis Times, Monday, September 1, 1924: 10,000 labor union members gathered at the State Fairground today for a celebration of Labor Day. For the first time the annual parade was done away with in favor of an outdoor affair to coincide with the opening of the State Fair. Events began with a rousing speech by Albert Henning, assistant Secretary of Labor, who pointed out that ninety per cent of labor disputes have been resolved before reaching the strike stage and during the past three years the twelve-hour day has been practically abolished, and the seven-day work week is no more. In the afternoon, many visitors watched the horse races that include the Labor Committee Stakes in honor of the day and took in the union label exhibit in the Manufacturers’ Building. An evening firework display ended the day.