The Holiday
Working in the US
Who Am I?
Odd Job Titles
Jobs Before they were Famous
100
Why do we celebrate Labor Day?
This national holiday celebrates the achievements of the American worker as a result of the labor movement of the 19th century. During the 1800s, labor unions fought to free the American worker of 16-hour workdays and harmful work environments, establishing more rights for employees.
100

What is the current minimum wage in the US?

 In the state of Maryland?

$7.25 in the US and $15.00 in Maryland

100

I help students learn new and interesting facts. My desk might have a ruler and an apple on it.

Who is a teacher! Who here was a teacher? What was your favorite subject in school?

100

What does a Chandler make?

Candles

100
This actor played James Bond in the 1960s and was a milkman before he was famous.
Who is Sean Connery!
200
When is Labor Day Celebrated?
Labor Day is celebrated on the first Monday in September every year.
200

What industry had the most employees in 1910? What industry has the most employees today?

In 1910, farming had the most employees. Today it is Education/public schools. Had anyone ever worked on a farm? Has anyone ever been a teacher?

200

I help people who are ill. I spent several years in school to learn my trade and may wear a stethoscope.

Who is a doctor! What are your feelings about going to the doctor?

200

What does a Hobbler do for a living?

Tows boats on a river or canal to shore.

200

This rugged actor seen in many Western films worked in an ice cream shop as a teenager.

Who is John Wayne!

300
Which state was the first to officially make Labor Day a state-recognized holiday?
Oregon In 1887, Oregon was the first state to make Labor Day a holiday, seven years before the President declared the celebration a national holiday. Has anyone ever been to Oregon?
300

How many people work in the United States today?


There are approximately 161 million people in the country's labor force as of June 2024.

300

I work Monday through Saturday delivering important letters and packages quickly. December is a busy month for my work.

Who is a postal worker! What is the most exciting piece of mail you have received?

300

What does a Knocker Up do?

In British towns of yore, particularly those with a mine or mill as the center of commercial activity, knocker-ups were responsible for going from house to house to wake workers in the mornings. The title came from the sound they made rapping on windows.

300
This dashing actor of the 1930s-1960s starred in Bringing up Baby, Philadelphia Story, and North by Northwest. He was a stilt walker before he made his big break.
Who is Cary Grant!
400
What other country also celebrates Labor Day in September?
What is Canada! Our neighbor to the north celebrates Labor Day at the same time as the US. Other countries including China and Brazil celebrate Labor Day at different times during the year.
400

On average, how long does it take for Americans to commute to work?

What is 27 minutes. How long did it take you to get to work? Did you walk or take transportation?

400

I work in the forest, cutting down and transporting trees to be taken to a sawmill.

Who is a lumberjack or logger!

400
What does the Town Crier do?
And officer of the court who makes public pronouncements as required by the court
400

Famous for his role in Bonnie and Clyde and as the brother of Shirley MacLaine, this actor's first job was a rodent catcher at the National Theater in Washington DC.

Who is Warren Beatty!

500
Why do people say not to wear white after Labor Day?
While much of the population has left this fashion faux pas in the past, the actual origin of the fashion decree of not wearing white after Labor Day is up for debate. Many people mark the end of summer with the Labor Day holiday, so some say that leaving the breezy, carefree linens and white clothing for hotter months was a symbolic way of waving bye-bye to summertime. Others say that the change in weather around this date doesn't permit white attire. Either way, it's now safe to wear your bright whites in public past the September marker in today's society.
500

What is a moonlighter?

How many of these people are in the US today?

Someone who works more than one job. 8 million workers hold more than one job in the US today.

500

I enforce the law and turn on my siren when I need to pull someone over for speeding.

Who is a police officer!

500

What does a Millwright do?

Millwrights are skilled tradespeople who install, maintain, repair, and move machinery in factories, construction sites, and power plants. Millwrights use specialized tools, such as welders and hydraulic bolters, to align and replace machine parts. They also read technical blueprints, manuals, and schematics to ensure that each machine's specifications are correct.

500

This blonde bombshell of the 1950s and 1960s worked in the Radioplane Munitions Factory, mainly spraying airplane parts with fire retardant and inspecting parachutes.

Who is Marilyn Monroe!