Haymarket monument
Around the world, laborers are honored on May Day (May 1), aka International Workers Day. The holiday was instituted after a worldwide response to the Haymarket Riot that occurred in Chicago in 1886. The Haymarket Monument, located in Forest Home Cemetery, honors the eight men who were charged with murder during a protest at Haymarket Square. The events of the fateful afternoon on May 6, also known today as the “Haymarket Affair,” started with a demonstration in support of the eight-hour workday. The demonstration turned violent when an unknown person released a dynamite bomb during the protest. Ten people died (six policemen) with an estimated 120 injured. Eight men, identified as “anarchists,” were arrested and charged. Four were hanged, one was found dead in his cell, and the remaining three were pardoned in June of 1893 by Governor John P. Altgeld.
In the U.S., Labor Day is recognized in September, federally sanctioned after the Pullman Strike of 1894, also in Chicago. The workers of Pullman Palace Car Company lived in the model town of Pullman, which catered to a person’s every need and was owned and managed by the Pullman Company. Workers went on strike after a 25% wage reduction with no reduction in rent or in other Pullman offerings. President Grover Cleveland ordered federal troops to take action against the peacefully striking workers. Over 30 Pullman strikers died. In an effort to appease the public, Cleveland signed a bill that created the American version of International Workers Day, with the name “Labor Day.” They avoided holding it in May, out of fear of Haymarket-like protests that could strengthen workers movements.
Pokemon party
Saturday, Sept. 3, at 3 p.m. Forest Park Library Austin Room:
Join us for Pokemon challenges and activities. Try to catch them all. Ages 6-10.
Bone Appetit
Monday, Sept. 5, at 1 p.m., Trailside Museum of Natural History, River Forest:
Join the naturalists at feeding time to learn about resident animals.
Pirates on the gridiron
Saturday, Sept. 3, at 1:30 p.m., Proviso East High School, Madison Street and First Avenue:
Proviso East’s first home football game of the year. Downers Grove North is the opponent. Sophomore game at 11 a.m., varsity to follow at about 1:30 p.m.
Holiday weekend pool hours
The park district’s Forest Park Aquatic Center has extended hours on this last weekend of summer: Saturday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (open swim), 5:15-6:30 p.m. (adult swim), 6:30-8 p.m. (evening swim). Labor Day hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Music at FitzGerald’s
6615 W. Roosevelt Road, Berwyn. Call 708-788-2118. Website: http://www.fitzgeraldsnightclub.com
Wednesday, Aug. 31:
SideBar Sessions with Alyssa Algood Quartet, 8 p.m., $10 (Jazz)
Friday, Sept. 2:
Paul Cebar Tomorrow Sound (Under the Stars), plus Beatles Night featuring live performance of “Revolver” (In the Club), 8:30 p.m., $10 TW (Funk/Rock)
Saturday, Sept. 3:
Nicholas Tremulis Orchestra, Jay O’Rourke & Friends, 9 p.m., $15 TW (Rock)
Saturday, Sept. 3:
Ralph Covert’s Acoustic Army, 8 p.m., $10 (Rock)
Sunday, Sept. 4:
Chicago Grandstand Big Band, 6 p.m. (Doors at 5), $10 ($5 for 17 and under) (Jazz)
Tuesday, Sept. 6:
Bluesday Tuesday with Dave Specter and guest Jimmy Johnson and Brother John Kattke, 7 p.m., $10 (Blues)
Tuesday, Sept. 6:
Open Mic in the SideBar, 8 p.m., Free (Variety)
Wednesday, Sept. 7:
SideBar Sessions with Jeannie Lambert & Judy Roberts, 8 p.m., $10 (Jazz)
