A Lesson on Labor Day, and a List of Local Events for Celebrating the Holiday Weekend
As the holiday weekend approaches, our Idea Specialists at The Retreat at Mountain Brook thought you might want recommendations on how to celebrate Labor Day in the Magic City, as well fall back in time with a brief lesson on how Labor Day became one of our national holidays. Here’s a link to Labor Day events around Birmingham, from our friends at Bham Now. Labor Day: What it Means Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country. Labor Day Legislation The first governmental recognition came through municipal ordinances passed in 1885 and 1886. From these, a movement developed to secure state legislation. The first state bill was introduced into the New York legislature, but the first to become law was passed by Oregon on February 21, 1887. During 1887 four more states — Colorado, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York — created the Labor Day holiday by legislative enactment. By the end of the decade Connecticut, Nebraska, and Pennsylvania had followed suit. By 1894, 23 more states had adopted the holiday, and on June 28, 1884, Congress passed an act making the first Monday in September of each year a legal holiday in the District of Columbia and the territories. Founder of Labor Day More than a century after the first Labor Day observance, there is still some doubt as to who first proposed the holiday for workers. Some records show that Peter J. McGuire, general secretary of the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners and a co-founder of the American Federation of Labor, was first in suggesting a day to honor those “who from rude nature have delved and carved all the grandeur we behold.” But Peter McGuire’s place in Labor Day history has not gone unchallenged. Many believe that Matthew Maguire, a machinist, not Peter McGuire, founded the holiday. Recent research seems to support the contention that Matthew Maguire, later the secretary of Local 344 of the International Association of Machinists in Paterson, N.J., proposed the holiday in 1882 while serving as secretary of the Central Labor Union in New York. What is clear is that the Central Labor Union adopted a Labor Day proposal and appointed a committee to plan a demonstration and picnic. The First Labor Day The first Labor Day holiday was celebrated on Tuesday, September 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 September 5, 1883. In 1884 the first Monday in September was selected as the holiday, as originally proposed, and the Central Labor Union urged 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. A Nationwide Holiday The form that the observance and celebration of Labor Day should take was outlined in the first proposal of the holiday — a street parade to exhibit to the public “the strength and esprit de corps of the trade and labor organizations” of the community, followed by a festival for the recreation and amusement of the workers and their families. This became the pattern for the celebrations of Labor Day. Speeches by prominent men and women were introduced later, as more emphasis was placed upon the economic and civic significance of the holiday. Still later, by a resolution of the American Federation of Labor convention of 1909, the Sunday preceding Labor Day was adopted as Labor Sunday and dedicated to the spiritual and educational aspects of the labor movement. The character of the Labor Day celebration has undergone a change in recent years, especially in large industrial centers where mass displays and huge parades have proved a problem. This change, however, is more a shift in emphasis and medium of expression. Labor Day addresses by leading union officials, industrialists, educators, clerics and government officials are given wide coverage in newspapers, radio, and television. The vital force of labor added materially to the highest standard of living and the greatest production the world has ever known and has brought us closer to the realization of our traditional ideals of economic and political democracy. It is appropriate, therefore, that the nation pays tribute on Labor Day to the creator of so much of the nation’s strength, freedom, and leadership — the American worker. We all hope that you all have a fun and safe holiday weekend!
The Retreat at Mountain Brook – Where Southern Charm Meets Modern Vibe
With just a 10-minute drive to hip neighborhoods like Avondale, Crestwood and Crestline Village in Mountain Brook — and only a 5-minute drive to creature comforts Publix and Starbucks — The Retreat at Mountain Brook celebrates modern, easy, apartment living in Birmingham, Ala. “Nestled against the city of Mountain Brook, The Retreat was designed to bring back the notions of community, neighborhood, and convenience,” says Natausha Oakes, community manager at The Retreat at Mountain Brook. “It’s a community where every detail makes luxury seem simple.” The Retreat offers one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, as well as townhomes, in 3 distinctive villages; Greenbriar, Highland, and Canterbury. Each village has a resort-style salt water pool with grilling stations for outdoor entertaining. “The spacious indoor and outdoor spaces deliver warm, welcoming, and enduring sentiments — making for a home-like atmosphere.” From fully renovated chef inspired kitchens with stainless appliances, to separate dining rooms, outdoor living spaces like balconies, sunrooms, or a patio with a fenced-in yard, The Retreat has gained a reputation for providing open, expansive residences that feel charming, yet modern. “Our spacious floor plans are equipped to accommodate a variety of lifestyles,” explains Oakes. “For example, our 2-bedroom townhomes have floor plans ideal for a large family, or roommates. Each apartment is furnished with a washer and dryer, and each living room has an electric fireplace that adds to the ambience.” “We host events tailored to our residents, like Breakfast on the Go, Wine Down by the Pool, and we recently hosted our first Yappy Hour at our dog-park. It was a huge success and loads of fun for everyone,” says Oakes. “The Retreat at Mountain Brook is a great place to live and work and gives Birmingham dwellers the opportunity to take part in our city’s resurgence and engage in the cool, modern southern lifestyle.
Update your Digs this fall at Patina, in Mountain Brook Village
With the slightest hint of the fall season, SEC Football, a glimpse of fall fashion, or as leaves begin to turn, it’s a que that change is just around the corner. When we think of seasonal change our thoughts turn to refreshing not just our personal wardrobes, but our surroundings, with new home décor and accessories. The Idea Specialists at The Retreat at Mountain Brook are at it again, this time providing you with a look at Patina, a newly opened artful living, home decor boutique located in Mountain Brook Village, a short drive from The Retreat at Mountain Brook. Opened by one of Birmingham’s favorite decorators, Melanie Pounds, Patina is an exclusive Verellen Boutique. Verellen conceives, designs and creates beautiful modern home furnishings with an old world attention to detail. Style Blueprint states, Melanie’s decorator style is a perfect match for this line with its emphasis on balancing modern and traditional in seamless harmony. Mashups like Belgian linen and leather are unexpected, yet appealingly compatible. Melanie says, “The line (Verellen) is rich in Belgian design, along with custom finishes, fabrics and custom details. We have the first collaboration of iPad and iPhone cases, bracelets, lamps, tables, beds, bedding and upholstery.” So, if you’ve just moved into your beautiful luxury apartment at The Retreat at Mountain Brook, you’ll want to visit Patina. The store is chocked-full of pillows, lamps and throws, and according to our Idea Specialist, the artwork available at Patina is from Belgian artists and locals, and is reasonably priced. Patina also carries a line of tote bags, dog leashes, place mats, candles and more. For more about Patina visit: www.shoppatina.com| 205.802.9805 | shop@shoppatina.com 2822 Petticoat Lane, Birmingham, Ala. 35223
Top 5 Things to Do in Birmingham This Month
You guys! How is it August already? Children and adults alike have started another school journey and the responsibilities lists are in full play. Summer seems to grace us with its presence, and then, like the fireflies we long to capture…It’s gone. But no worries! We know you’re busy and as always, The Retreat at Mountain Brook Idea Specialists are here to assist with a list of the Top 5 goings on nearby, in our local community. #1. Birmingham Restaurant Week Are you a connoisseur of all things food and fun? Well, hello, darlings! It’s Birmingham Restaurant Week! The Food Fun begins on August 10th and continues thru the 19th. Here is a bit of history about Birmingham Restaurant Week and a link to point your palate in the right direction. Food, Fun and Fullness for all! WHAT IS BIRMINGHAM RESTAURANT WEEK? Birmingham Restaurant Week celebrates the city’s burgeoning culinary reputation as we connect our community through local food. From fine dining to down-home cookin’, food lovers with a taste for adventure can enjoy special lunch or dinner prix-fixe menus ranging from $10, $15, $20, $30 or $40 per person – making it easy and affordable for everyone to enjoy a taste of Birmingham’s diverse dishes. Summer Restaurant Week is a 10-day culinary affair during August which features more than 70 restaurants and a number of special events designed to lead food lovers on a journey from farm to table as they gain a deeper understanding of how food connects Birmingham. For more information follow this link: http://bhamrestaurantweek.com/about.php #2. Magic City Brewfest With the dog days of summer upon us, we know that signals a return of an anticipated event — Magic City Brewfest. For all of our music loving, social butterflies the magic is happening Friday, August 10, from 7 – 11 pm and Saturday, August 11, from 5 – 9 pm, at Avondale Park, 4101 5th Ave. S., Birmingham, AL 35222. A short drive from The Retreat at Mountain Brook, this event is approximately 5 miles away from our luxury apartment community, nestled against the City of Mountain Brook. Listed below are a few of the fun details from the organizers. Pretzel Necklaces: Make your own and wear it or buy one at the event. They are great for cleansing your palate between different styles of beverages. Plain or low salt pretzels are best. Remember to hydrate too! Speaking of Hydration: We will be out in the August sun, drinking beers, meads, and ciders all of which will dehydrate you. There will be free water on hand, so make sure you grab one. There is always a Blue Shirt volunteer walking around offering them about mid-way through the event. TAKE ONE! Drinking Vessel: The only glass that MCBF volunteers are authorized to pour a 2 oz. sample into is the 2018 commemorative sample glass. NOTHING ELSE. No beverages may enter or leave from our location in Avondale Park. Thank a Blue Shirt: Magic City Brewfest is organized by an all-volunteer crew of Blue Shirts from the Birmingham Chapter of Free the Hops. You will see them around the event making sure things are taken care of for your enjoyment. When you see one of these fearless volunteers, be sure to thank them for the hard work that goes in year round for planning and executing this great event annually. You can learn more about this fun event here: https://magiccitybrewfest.com #3. Jemison Park For nature lovers — big things are happening at this nearby, local slice of paradise…something long-awaited in Mountain Brook, Alabama; accessibility to a new pedestrian bridge located at 2615 Mountain Brook Pkwy, a mere 5 miles away from The Retreat at Mountain Brook. The Shades Creek pedestrian bridge will be a replica of the one built in 2017 across Watkins Brook in the section of Jemison Park Nature Trail that runs along Cahaba Road.” Find out more here: http://www.friendsofjemisonpark.org #4. Gabby Furniture We absolutely LOVE this line of furniture and décor — and we love Gabby’s culture and commitment to community. Not only is Gabby Furniture a firm believer in giving back, as a successful home furnishings company, Gabby is proud of its ability to give back and provide support to charitable organizations whose work we hold in high regard. Most recently, Gabby extended its charitable efforts with a new charitable partner, Lifeline Adoption Services. To learn more about this incredible organization, visit their website at www.lifelinechild.org. Gabby partnered with Habitat for Humanity in 2012 to help those in need make their dream of owning their own home a reality. Gabby also regularly donates to the American Cancer Society’s Smith Mountain Lake Discovery Shop, which aids their efforts in fighting cancer and searching for a cure.” Additionally, they have also made a big leap and installed one of the largest commercial solar panel systems in the State of Alabama. The Pelham-based manufacturer and parent company of furniture lines Summer Classics and Gabby, Gabby White, LLC, reports it is now the largest privately held company in Alabama to run on solar energy. Gabby transitional, eclectic and antique furniture can be found a fine retailers, or in their digital catalog, by simply clicking: https://gabbyhome.com/about-us/ #5. Local Harvest Who doesn’t love fresh fruits and vegetables? We wanted to tell you about Hueytown Harvest, located at Hueytown Stadium Park 2066 High School Rd, Bessemer, AL 35023, a Farmer’s Market that takes place 1st, 3rd and 5th Saturdays thru October. Its 21 miles away from The Retreat at Mountain Brook toward Tuscaloosa, but ideal for Saturday day-tripping especially since it offers local art and music, a children’s tent and is four-legged-friend-friendly! Check them out: http://www.hueytownchamber.com/event-details/hueytown-harvest-5/
