MINERS' 8-HOUR DAY Celebration 1923 - Staunton Macoupin County IL
©2003-2010
contributed by Joan Miley ©2003

MINERS' 8-HOUR DAY (began 1 April 1898*)

Monday was observed throughout this portion of the state as the 26th anniversary of the 8-hour day victory gained by the miners. In Staunton there was no official celebration of the day, although all of the mines were idle in observance of the occasion. The 8-hour day was established on April 1, 1898*, by the Illinois Miners' Union, following a strike of 9 months' duration. By reason of the fact that the anniversary this year fell on Sunday, the celebration was deferred until Monday. At Livingston and Williamson a celebration of the anniversary was held under the auspices of the miners' locals at the 2 places. A feature of the day was a big parade from Livingston to Williamson and return, after which a program of addresses took place in front of the City Hall at Livingston. Harry Fischwick, vice-president of the Illinois Miners' organization, and Charles F. Wells of Chicago were the principal speakers. Music for the occasion was furnished by the Livingston Miners' Band.