It has been almost 140 years since New Jersey established Labor Day as a holiday. In 1887, Oregon was the first state to grant legal status to the holiday but designated the first Saturday in June as the holiday date. That same year, Colorado, New York, Massachusetts and New Jersey adopted the holiday and proclaimed it to be observed on the first Monday in September. In 1894, President Grover Cleveland signed a bill recognizing the first Monday in September as a national holiday.
The initial idea for Labor Day as a general labor festival originated in Canada in 1872. Canada also celebrates “Labour Day” on the first Monday in September. The holiday dates back to 1882, when Peter McGuire, a union leader, suggested a celebration honoring American workers and organized a parade in New York City. Initially, few participated, and organizers worried that workers were reluctant to forgo a day’s pay to join the rally. But soon the crowds began flowing in from across the city, and by the end of the day, it is estimated that 10,000 people had marched in the parade and joined the festivities afterward in what the press dubbed “a day of the people.” McGuire said that there was no particular significance to the date and it was chosen because it fell roughly halfway between the 4th of July and Thanksgiving.
Labor Day is a continuing national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity and well-being of our country.
Enjoy the holiday and take a moment to recognize the hard work, dedication and contributions of America’s workforce.
The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission Inspection Unit will be on site on Thursday, September 10, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 6003 Voorhees Town Center (near the former Macy’s on the Somerdale Road side, across from Osage Elementary School). Vehicle inspections will be conducted on a first-come, first-served basis, and participation is open to all, regardless of residency. Vehicles may be presented for inspection up to two months before the expiration month. Please bring your vehicle, driver’s license, current registration and valid New Jersey proof of insurance. For more information, visit https://nj.gov/mvc/.
Join us on Wednesday, September 16, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. for a blood drive at the Lions Lake Community Center, 101 Dutchtown Road, Voorhees. Additional details will be announced soon.
Summer hours for the Voorhees Town Hall will be in effect until Tuesday, September 8. The Township offices will be open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and will be closed on Fridays.
