When we visited the Shawnee State Park this past weekend for our family reunion, we realized that now the seasons are changing and it will soon be different weather.

The park had trees that were turning and the geese were getting a reason to leave. It was a very beautiful trip and very enjoyable.

In an upstairs room in the museum, we are preparing an Underground Railroad room. If you have any information or material you would like to share with us, please come by on Saturday or Sunday from 1-4 p.m.

We are still working on the apple butter and need volunteers. If you are willing to help, you can call 533-0208 to find out when to come.

Debbie Rogers is working on the Historical Cemetery Walk, which is at 6 p.m. Saturday. This is a wonderful, informative and educational night when you come to be with us.

Historical Fact: The Floyd Countain – The First Labor Day – December 2008.

The first Labor Day holiday was celebrated on Tuesday, Sept. 5, 1882, in New York City, in accordance with the plans of the Central Labor Union. The Central Labor Union held its second Labor Day holiday just a year later, on Sept. 5, 1883.

In 1884, the first Monday in September was selected as the holiday, as originally proposed, and the Central Labor Union urges similar organizations in other cities to follow the example of New York and celebrate a “workingmen’s holiday” on that date. The idea spread with the growth of labor organizations, and in 1885 Labor Day was celebrated in many industrial centers of the country.

Ironton Register, April 18, 1889 – Herald Regained.

Mrs. Elizabeth Hand, the venerable mother-in-law of Hon. Ralph Leete, has had a remarkable experience. The old lady is in her 97th year. About a year ago, she became almost totally deaf; so that her only daughter, who lives with her in their cottage home on Eighth Street, could with the greatest difficulty make her hear. Last week, Mrs. Hand’s hearing suddenly came back. It was regained almost within a day, when she was slightly ill, and now, the happy Christian woman whom many people know and love, can hear almost any ordinary conversation that is distinctly spoken. Mrs. Hand has never worn glasses, yet she reads with ease and heartily enjoys reading.

Naomi Deer is a member of the Lawrence County Historical Society.