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TIDBITS® CELEBRATES LABOR DAY
by Kathy Wolfe
The end of summer is just around the corner, with the Labor Day weekend marking the last holiday of the season. This week, Tidbits has the info on the origin of the holiday, as well as some unique festivities of the weekend.
• Labor Day is observed on the first Monday of September every year, with the holiday falling on September 2 this year. While it’s a day for boating, picnics, and camping as the last hurrah to the summer, its roots have a much more serious foundation. With the Industrial Revolution gaining momentum at the end of the 19th century, manufacturing was becoming a huge source of employment. Factory workers were laboring 12 hours a day, seven days a week for paltry wages, trying to make a living. Young children performed similar duties, but earned just a fraction of the adult’s salary. Recent immigrants were particularly exploited, forced to work for lower pay.
• Labor unions sprung up in an attempt to oppose the poor and unsanitary working conditions and pay. The American Federation of Labor (AFL) was founded in 1886, and lobbied for a shorter workday and a minimum wage. Labor activists organized strikes and rallies to draw attention to the dilemma. turn the page for more!
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LABOR DAY (continued):
• Opinions differ as to who instituted the idea of a “general holiday for the laboring classes.” Some records indicate that it was Peter McGuire of the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners, and a co-founder of the AFL. Others credit Matthew Maguire of the International Association of Machinists. No matter whose idea, the result was the first Labor Day holiday, celebrated on Tuesday, September 5, 1882, in New York City. The first Labor Day parade in U.S. history was held that day as 10,000 workers took an unpaid day off to march from City Hall to Union Square. New York City’s Central Labor Council still hosts a parade and march every year, held just north of the original 1882 parade location.
• The September date was reportedly chosen because it was halfway between Independence Day and Thanksgiving.
• New York was the first state to introduce a bill declaring the Labor Day holiday, but Oregon beat them to the punch as the first to pass a law recognizing the day in 1887. Five states passed a law that year to create the holiday – Oregon, New York, Colorado, Massachusetts, and New Jersey. By 1894, 31 states had adopted the holiday, spurring Congress to pass an act making the first Monday in September an annual legal holiday, citing the necessity to assure that “the nobility of labor be maintained.” President Grover Cleveland signed it into law.
• The labor market has certainly undergone a vast change over the decades. According to “U.S. News and World Report,” the top jobs of 2023, in order, are software developer, nurse practitioner, medical and health services manager, physician assistant, information security analyst, and physical therapist.
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LABOR DAY (continued):
• Several areas of the United States have established some unusual celebrations for the weekend over the years. The twin villages of Sauk City and Prairie du Sac, Wisconsin, had their first Cow Chip Festival in 1975, and now observe Cow Chip Throwing Days on Friday and Saturday of every Labor Day weekend. Thousands of spectators travel to the area to watch competitors hurl cow pies as far as they can. Two chips are issued to each participant, chips that must measure at least 6 inches (15.2 cm) across. No gloves are allowed, but the entrants are allowed to lick their fingers before throwing in order to get a better hold on the chip. A Prairie du Sac gentleman, Robert Wyss, has won the contest the past two years, with a toss of 192 feet, 8 inches (59 m) in 2022 and 165 feet, 8 inches (50 m) last year. But his cow chip feat is nowhere near the men’s record set by Greg Neumaier in 1991, hurling the pie 248 feet (75.6 m).
• A ranch near Clinton, Arkansas has hosted the Chuckwagon Races every Labor Day weekend since 1986. The races memorialize the invention by American cattleman Charles Goodnight, who designed the first such wagon in 1866 for transporting food and cooking equipment. The ranch’s owners, Dan and Peggy Eoff were looking for an out-of-the-ordinary way to celebrate the weekend, and invited friends for a chuckwagon race. Expecting a crowd of 100, they were astonished when 500 people showed up to watch the eight teams that took part. Today, 30,000 spectators journey to this Ozark Mountain community to enjoy the endeavors of 150 teams. At the start of the race, three team members – the driver, the cook, and the outrider – load up the stove and a tent into the wagon and head for the finish line. Activities have expanded past the race to include bull riding, roping, barrel racing, sled pulls, a barbecue, and a barn dance.
LABOR DAY (continued):
• If you’re in Kewanee, Illinois, over Labor Day weekend, you can attend that community’s Hog Days Festival, an event first held in 1954. In 1948, the Illinois state legislature had declared this small town “The Hog Capital of the World,” paving the way for the festival. Even though that county generates $55 million in sales annually, it’s no longer the world title holder, and in fact, is only in the top 20 in Illinois. Yet that doesn’t stop 50,000 people from heading to Kewanee every year for the four-day gala. The cooks say they might use as much as 8,000 lbs. (3,629 kg) of charcoal to barbecue 5,000 pork chops and 8,000 pork patties.
• States across the nation team up every year to observe the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign, launched by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The campaign begins in mid-August every year and runs through Labor Day weekend and is an effort to decrease impaired driving nationwide. In 2021, 13,384 people were killed in alcohol-impaired driving crashes, 31% of all that year’s traffic fatalities, one person every 39 minutes. 531 of these fatalities occurred during Labor Day weekend, with 216 of those involving a drunk driver.
• Singer Buddy Holly, who recorded “That’ll Be the Day” and “Peggy Sue” was born on Labor Day, September 7, 1936. Other celebrities whose birthday occasionally falls on Labor Day include Keanu Reeves (Sept. 2), Charlie Sheen (Sept. 3), Beyonce (Sept. 4), and Michael Keaton (Sept. 5).
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Grill Up a Juicy Lucy for Labor Day Fun:
A Burger to Make Your Holiday Sizzle
Labor Day marks the unofficial end of summer, and there's no better way to celebrate than by firing up the grill and treating your friends and family to something truly special. This year let's skip the typical hot dogs and basic burgers and impress your family and friends with a crowd-pleasing classic straight from the heartland: Minnesota's Juicy Lucy burger.
The Juicy Lucy isn't just any burger it's a flavor-packed, molten-cheesefilled masterpiece. It's always a favorite that will have your guests coming back for seconds (and maybe thirds).
Hailing from the vibrant food scene of Minneapolis, this iconic burger has captured the hearts of locals and visitors alike. And the best part? It's quite affordable and easier to make than you might think, allowing you to bring restaurant-quality dining to your backyard without breaking the bank. Why the Juicy Lucy? When it comes to holiday celebrations, especially ones as laid-back as Labor Day, we want food that's both fun and delicious. The Juicy Lucy fits the bill perfectly. Imagine biting into a perfectly grilled beef patty, only to discover a gooey, cheesy surprise hidden within. It's a burger that's as enjoyable to eat as it is to make and it's sure to be the talk of your gathering.
Diva Tip: For that irresistible molten center, only American cheese will do.
This is one time I recommend the processed stuff! And to keep your Lucy juicy, opt for ground beef with at least 15% fat. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you. Remember, this isn't health food it's a holiday indulgence! We don't eat like this every day. At least, I hope you don't! Either way, eat two salads next week for balance.
MINNESOTA'S JUICY LUCY BURGER
Yield: 4 burgers
Total Time: 25 mins
1 1/2 pounds ground beef
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon black pepper
3/4 teaspoon garlic salt
4 slices American cheese (such as Kraft)
4 hamburger buns, split Sliced pickles, for serving
In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, pepper and garlic salt until well mixed. Form the mixture into eight thin patties, making half slightly larger than the other half.
Stack the cheese slices and cut them into four squares. Place one cheese stack in the center of each larger beef patty, then cover with a smaller patty. Roll the edges of the larger patty over the smaller one, tightly pinching to seal around the cheese. Seal tightly to avoid any cheese oozing out during cooking!
Heat your grill or a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the patties for about 4 minutes on each side, ensuring they are well-browned. A meat thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 160 F (70 C).
Serve on hamburger buns with pickles. While Juicy Lucy purists may forgo condiments, feel free to customize your burger with your favorite toppings. Want to be a real rebel? Add some sauteed mushrooms and onions just don't tell the folks in Minnesota I suggested that! This Labor Day, skip the expensive restaurant meal or basic burger and create your own unforgettable dining experience at home. The Juicy Lucy burger is not only fun to make, but also a great way to save money while treating your family and friends to something special. After all, holidays are about making memories. And is there a better way to do that than with a sizzling, cheesy burger fresh off the grill? I think not.
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Lifestyle expert Patti Diamond is the pennypinching, party-planning, recipe developer and content creator of the website Divas On A Dime Where Frugal, Meets Fabulous! Visit Patti at www.divasonadime.com and join the conversation on Facebook at DivasOnADimeDotCom. Email Patti at divapatti@divasonadime.com (c) 2024 King Features Synd., Inc.
Celebrate Labor Day with an indulgent Juicy Lucy, because some flavors are worth the splurge!
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Dr. Bob Says…
1.Squat Down
2.Bend Knees
3.Back Straight 4.Arms Close
5.Keep Load Close
TONKA TRUCKS
Tidbits invites you to hop aboard a Tonka truck and journey through the history of this renowned manufacturer of toy trucks.
• In 1946, Mound Metalcraft was a gardening tools company located in an old schoolhouse in Mound, Minnesota, about 20 miles (32 km) west of Minneapolis. Specializing in tools and tie racks, the company also produced toy trucks as a sideline. Initially, six employees assembled two toys, a steam shovel and a crane. When these tough trucks became their principal product, in 1955, the company changed its name to Tonka Toys Incorporated, deriving the moniker from nearby Lake Minnetonka. The Dakota Sioux word “Tanka,” meaning “great” or “big” certainly applied to these sturdy toys. The company’s logo featured three birds flying over a lake, representing the company’s three founders.
• By 1947, toy trucks and steam shovels were being manufactured at scale using heavy, automobile-gauge steel. Their precision likeness to life-size trucks and high quality made them a market sensation. Between 1955 and 1960, Tonka’s sales tripled, in 1961, the company went public, and by 1963, was selling toys overseas. The original three owners left the company in 1961.
• Mini-Tonkas made their debut in 1963, smaller and less expensive trucks designed for younger children. A jumbo truck line called Mighty-Tonka was introduced in 1965. It seems everyone wanted Tonka trucks. According to a 1966 survey, 85% of American households were home to at least one Tonka toy, with the average of 3.2 trucks per household. By 1969, that number exceeded 90%, and the average was more than five Tonkas per household. Amazingly, a sizeable share of the population owned nine Tonka toys! Sales more than doubled between 1965 and 1969, from $22 million to upwards of $45 million. (Continued page #7)
What to do when your pet won't housetrain
DEAR PAW'S CORNER: I adopted a 9month-old puppy a few weeks ago and named him "Chestnut." He's wonderful, but has one problem. He is still not housetrained. I think part of it is from the shelter, where the dogs routinely poop in their cages and rarely are taken outside. Plus, he was rescued from a pet hoarding situation. How can I resolve his housetraining issues? Glenda in Dothan, Alabama DEAR GLENDA: Congratulations on your new family member! I know thehousetraining situation is frustrating, but have patience. If you haven't taken Chestnut to the veterinarian yet for his first checkup, schedule that appointment. The vet will rule out any physical problems or hidden illnesses that might be contributing to the problem, and can give some helpful advice on working with dogs from a traumatic background. That background does have an effect on housetraining. Chestnut spent formative months in locations where little to no training took place, and he learned to follow the habits of the other dogs around him. So, you'll have to retrain him away from those habits, and keep the entire experience a positive one.
Take Chestnut for walks two to three times per day, and (this is important) at the same times each day. He needs to know that at sunrise, noon and sunset, he will have "outside" time. Bring his favorite treats with you. At first, shower him with treats for everything: putting on the leash, walking next to you, sitting on command, and every time he poops or pees. Make him look forward to pooping outside. Never scold himif he poops inside. Just clean up and tryagain. Ifhe poops in specific areas of the house, block his access to those areas if possible. Keep training positive and be patient, patient, patient. Hewill come around. Send your tips, comments or questions to ask@pawscorner.com.
(c) 2024 King Features Synd., Inc.
TONKA TRUCKS (continued):
• A 1975 Tonka ad featured a full-grown, 6ton African elephant standing on a Mighty Tonka truck, with the truck enduring the weight, although it weighed less than 5 lbs. (2.2 kg). The slogan, “A toy shouldn’t break just because a child plays with it” accompanied the visual.
• The company branched out from trucks in the 1970s, making parts for farm and construction machinery and hydraulic components, as well as acquiring a company that manufactured ceramic stains and glazes. Their toy line expanded into educational products in a joint venture with the Smithsonian Institute, along with some craft and hobby kits. Cheaper plastic trucks and infants’ plastic wheeled toys were incorporated into their product lineup.
• In 1985, Tonka launched Pound Puppies, a plush stuffed dog with floppy ears and droopy eyes. Each puppy was packaged in a cardboard case shaped like a doghouse. In response to Cabbage Patch dolls which were “adopted” by children, Pound Puppies came with an adoption certificate. In 1986, sales of the stuffed toys accounted for more than half of the company’s profits. Over a fiveyear period, sales were $300 million in 35 countries. By 2002, Pound Puppies had generated upwards of $1 billion in retail sales.
• Tonka spent $622 million in 1987 to acquire Kenner Parker Toys, which included the classic board games of Monopoly and Clue, and favorites, PlayDoh, Nerf, Care Bears, and the Ouija board. Tonka became the third largest toymaker in the U.S. In 1991, the toy company Hasbro, Inc., acquired Tonka for $516 million.
* The best way to cook leafy, green veggies such as spinach and kale, is to stir fry them in just the water left over from rinsing. It works very well to steam them, and adds no fat!
* Keep track of capacity and dimension of your cookware by using a permanent marker to notate the specifications on the bottoms of each baking container you have. This way, when a recipe calls for a 13-by-9 baking dish or a 2-quart casserole dish, you can easily tell which one you need. This is especially important if you don't spend a lot of time cooking.
per itself.
* "To keep sauces from splattering and dirtying the inside of your microwave, cover the food with a damp paper towel or a coffee filter." E.C. in Utah
* "Unload the bottom rack of the dishwasher first. This way, you won't wet the dishes on the bottom if any pooled water on the top shelf spills. I thought everyone did it this way, but then my boyfriend thought I was such a genius that I figured I would share this hint with others!" via email
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* "When you need to crush nuts or a cracker for crumbs, you can use a small can of soup to crush these in a plastic bag. This is for when you don't have a rolling pin." J.R. in Virginia
* To avoid a dirty-smelling hamper, place a single sheet of fabric softener in the bottom of your laundry closet or in the ham-
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