Labor Days: A brief history of the workingman's Greenwich
Long before Greenwich became known as a haven for hedge funders and a bastion for bankers, it was a workingman's town. At just about the turn of the 20th century, it was home to farmers and gardeners, stone masons, tinsmiths and carpenters, plumbers and construction workers -- those who helped shape the gentleman farms and build the great estates. Many were immigrants from southern Europe who arrived in the late 1880s.
Now, as Labor Day approaches, it seems fitting to take a brief look back at that labor force and at the roots of the labor movement in Greenwich.
- In 1900, labor strife crossed the border into Greenwich. Some 200 Italian workmen brought the first labor demonstration to town -- armed with shovels, the American flag, and a marching band, they crossed the state line from Port Chester into Greenwich demanding "8 hours and $1.50 a day." Police were called in when the strikers threw their work tools at Greenwich workers.
- Local workers struck in 1903 at Field Point Park on the grounds of the Miralta estate. Wielding clubs, picks and gas pipes, they confronted those workers on the building project who refused to join their strike. A striker was shot and killed by a resisting worker.
- The first union member strike occurred in town in 1904 with the Ironworkers Union strikers asking for 50 cents an hour for their 8-hour day, instead of the 45 cents an hour they were paid for a 9-hour day......
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