HOUGHTON — Labor Day is regarded by millions of Americans as the unofficial end of summer — the last three-day weekend of the summer season. For instance, as Labor Day this year falls on Sept. 1, the schools throughout the Copper Country Intermediate School District start the new school year on Sept. 2. Local grocery stores offer Labor Day sales focusing on meats and barbecue foods for the last summer picnic of the year. Furniture and home improvement outlets also take advantage of the holiday to promote end-of-summer savings and sales, and communities across the U.S. host an endless variety of events and festivals. But at one time, Labor Day had nothing to do with summer festivities.

Before it was a federal holiday, Labor Day was recognized by labor activists and individual states, says

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