Sometimes we forget the origins of the holiday in the nationwide Pullman Strike of 1894, but the men shown here would have known long, hot days in the New England Butt Company foundry (now the Pearl Street Lofts just past Classical High School in Providence).
This painting by Hugo Breul was made in 1886, eight years before workers were given a holiday that, according to the United States Department of Labor, was typically observed by “a street parade to exhibit to the public the strength and spirit de corps of the trade and labor organizations, followed by a festival for the workers and their families.”
You can celebrate Labor Day this year with the RIHS at the Museum of Work & Culture in Woonsocket, when the Museum is open free of charge, Professor Scott Molloy will speak on the importance of Labor Day, and a play on the closing of the Social Mill will be presented (more information is here).
Until Monday, you have the painting made by local artist Hugo Breul, who studied with Gustave Brulanger and William Merritt Chase before establishing a studio in Providence. Breul’s skill at portraiture and landscape are joined in this interior view of the New England Butt Company’s foundry on Pearl Street in Providence. Although the skillful rendering of light and color romanticize the hot, smoky reality of the workplace, Breul’s workers are imbued with quiet strength and dignity. They’ve earned their holiday; we hope you will enjoy yours.
~Kirsten Hammerstrom, Director of Collections
I saw this blog post “A Cordwainer, a Wedding Shoe & a Gaspee Patriot” and thought you might like to see it
http://silkdamask.blogspot.com/2013/08/a-cordwainer-wedding-shoe-gaspee-patriot.html
Thank you! Yes, I have seen it, and what a great blog, too!
My chill engagement:
http://elaine.web1.telrock.net
Welcome to my blog ! I’m Rubie.
Even though I jokingly credit my mother for my writing talent, I know that it is a skill I have fostered from childhood. Though my aunt is a writer, I also started out young.
I’ve always had a way with words, according to my favorite educator. I was always so excited in science when we had to do a research paper .
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Rubie Whitehead – Professional Writer – Britishhitsongwriters Company
Thanks for stopping by my page! I’m Eva.
Even though I jokingly credit my mother for my writing talent, I know that it is a skill I have fostered from childhood. Though my grandmother is a writer, I also started out young.
I’ve always had a way with words, according to my favorite professor . I was always so excited in science when we had to do a research writing assignment.
Now, I help current pupils achieve the grades that have always come easily to me. It is my way of giving back to communities because I understand the obstacles they must overcome to graduate.
Eva – Academic Writing Professional – tritronicsinc.com Company