Witt Area Historical Museum
26 West Broadway
Witt, IL 62094

100 Years of Celebrating The American Worker

Newspaper photo taken of the first Witt Labor Day Homecoming 1906.
The two men are Elyah and Dan Hadley and the girl is Roxie Sullivan.

More Photos of Witt's Labor Day Below.

1907 Labor Day Program

Witt, Illinois, September 2

9:30 a.m ....................... Parade, headed by the Redman Band of Witt with Prof. Faletti as leader, followed by carriages containing speakers, decorated floats, representing the business houses of Witt, visiting and local trades union delegations, horribles and general population. A prize of $10.00 given for the best float and $5.00 for second best and $2.50 for third Horribles will be awarded with $3 for most comic and $2 for second best. Parade passes to Maxey's grove where the band gives a short concert followed by speaking.

10:00 a.m ...................... Welcome address by Charles Jester, Marshall of the Day.

10:45 a.m ....................... Address by Rev. L. G. Adams, pastor of the Methodist church of Witt.

11:15 a.m ....................... Address by Charles Krallmann, Labor Organizer.

12:00 a.m ....................... Dinner. Better eat all you can get to make you strong for the good time to follow.

1:00 p.m ....................... Association Foot Ball Game. The English team of Witt plays the combination team of Gillespie and Benld. Association foot ball is one of the most interesting of games being the national game of England and the players are mostly experts from England. Game played north of base ball grounds.

2:00 p.m ....................... Base ball Game Called. The game will be between the Virden Greys and the Witt Sluggers. Both teams are fast company and a most interesting game will be given. To reach the grounds walk north on Broadway - follow the crowd.

4:00 p.m ....................... Athletic Events. Place, west end, Broadway. Kindly gather at the side of the road so that marshals can conduct the races. Everyone will be given an opportunity to view the events without danger if you keep off the beaten path. Greased Pole Climbing. A two dollar bill to the first one to climb the pole and secure it from the summit.100-yard dash. $5.00 for first; $3.00 for second.Three-legged Race. $2.00 for first, $1.00 for second.Fat Man's Race, $5.00 for first; $2.50 for second.Old Man's Race (Eligible if over fifty years) $5.00 for first and $2.50for second.Sack Race. $2.00 for first and $1.00 for second.Wheelbarrow Race. $2.00 for first and $1.00 for second.Small Boy's Race. (Boys must be under 12 years of age. An entrancefee of 10 cents will be charged.) Winner $1.00 Small Girl's Race. (Girls under 12 years are eligible. An entrancefee of 10 cents will be charged.) Winner $1.00

4:30 p.m ....................... Shooting Match. Some valuable prizes will be offered to the best marksmen. If you can shoot get in this contest.

Band Concert in the Afternoon. Faletti's Redman Band.

7:30 p.m ....................... Address by Rev. E. A. Brodmann. Rev. Brodmann is Rector of St. Barbara's Catholic Church of Witt and is active in the interests of the laboring man and labor organizations. Last year's address was greatly appreciated and this year's will be better.

Band Concert in the evening by Prof. Faletti and his Redman Band

Click To View The Program From The First Labor Day Celebration Program Witt, Illinois, September 3, 1906

Witt Labor Day September 6, 1909
Ladies of M.E Church

Witt Labor Day.

Witt Labor Day.

Street Scene Witt Labor Day on September 6, 1909.

Witt Labor Day on September 4, 1911.

Witt Labor Day on September 2, 1912.

Witt Labor Day in 1913.

Witt Labor Day in 1913.

Witt Labor Day in 1913.

Witt Labor Day in 1913.

Witt Labor Day on September 2, 1918

Witt Labor Day. Date Unknown.

Witt Labor Day Entertainers.

Witt Labor Day. Date Unknown.

Witt Labor Day. Date Unknown.