Grit, Growth, Gratitude: From Strikes to Celebrations- The Story of Labor Day

Celebrate Labor Day 2025 with Sundance Rockery! Learn about the history of Labor Day, honor American workers, and find the perfect landscaping materials for your labor of love—your yard.

Labor Day isn’t just the unofficial end of summer—it’s a powerful reminder of the sacrifices and achievements of American workers. From the hard-fought battles of the 19th century labor movement to the modern workplace we enjoy today, this holiday honors the resilience, determination, and spirit of the American workforce. At Sundance Rockery, we know firsthand the value of strong, dedicated hands—both in our team and in the communities we serve.

Celebrating the Spirit of Labor: A vintage Labor Day poster honors the dedication of all workers, emphasizing unity and hard work across all professions.

The Roots of Labor Day

Labor Day was born in the late 1800s, during a time when American workers faced grueling conditions: 12-hour shifts, seven-day workweeks, and unsafe environments. Even children labored in factories, mines, and mills. Out of this hardship, labor unions began to rise, organizing strikes and rallies to fight for fair wages, safer working conditions, and reasonable hours. These early movements planted the seeds of the holiday we now observe.

Workers gather in their Sunday best in front of a Pacific Northwest mill, circa 1890, showcasing a moment of camaraderie and style on their day off.

Strikes, Struggles, and Strength

The turning point came with landmark events like the Haymarket Riot of 1886 and the Pullman Strike of 1894, which shook the nation and forced leaders to confront the realities of workers’ rights. When violence erupted in Chicago during the Pullman Strike, the federal government recognized the need for change. In 1894, President Grover Cleveland signed Labor Day into law as a national holiday—an enduring tribute to the backbone of America: its workers.

President Roosevelt addresses a large crowd in Rutland, Vermont, during his 1902 Labor Day speech, emphasizing that the foundation of national success is rooted in hard work.

Celebrating Work and Rest

Today, Labor Day has transformed into a celebration of balance—time to rest, recharge, and enjoy the fruits of hard work. Across the country, people gather for parades, barbecues, picnics, and last-splash-of-summer festivities. For many, it marks the unofficial close of summer and the beginning of a new season. But at its heart, it still honors the labor movement that fought for fair and dignified workplaces.

A dedicated wartime welding team, including both men and women, proudly pose with their helmets and gear, highlighting the collaborative effort during the war.

Gratitude for Our Team

At Sundance Rockery, we pause this Labor Day to reflect on how grateful we are for our team—the people who move mountains (and boulders!) every day. Their dedication ensures that when you come to us for gravel, sand, soil, bark, or natural stone, you’re met with not only top-quality landscaping materials but also service rooted in respect and pride. We’re proud to carry forward the spirit of the labor movement: creating a fair, empowering, and enjoyable place to work.

Sundance Rockery Team members operate machinery with precision and teamwork, proudly displaying American flags as they tackle a challenging workday.

Your Labor of Love

This Labor Day, as you celebrate the efforts of American workers past and present, why not invest a little effort in your own labor of love—your yard? Whether it’s refreshing your garden beds with nutrient-rich soil, laying decorative gravel to keep weeds at bay, or adding flagstone for a backyard gathering spot, Sundance Rockery has everything you need. Stop by, stock up, and celebrate Labor Day Sales with materials that work as hard as you do—because hard work deserves a yard that rocks.

Tackle your weekend projects with Sundance Rockery’s Labor Day Sale, then kick back knowing the job’s done right. Work hard, relax harder.

A beautiful landscape display featuring Chehalis Black Basalt boulders, complemented by vibrant purple blooms, pea gravel pathways, and dark hemlock bark accents.