Labor Day 1955

Here's wishing all of you a safe and happy Labor Day!

Above you see the full-page sponsored ad celebrating the holiday on Monday, Sept. 5, 1955. Of the more than 60 organizations listed, there are actually a few that are still around, including First Federal Savings and Luxury Heating. Not bad to still be in business seventy years later.

A small item on the front page of the Lorain Journal two days earlier sounded downright wistful about the holiday.

Sept. 3, 1955

It noted, "Fair skies and comfortably warm temperatures were promised Lorainites today for the Labor Day weekend marking the end of the summer season in the vacation area along Lake Erie's shores.

"The 1955 season will officially end at Cedar Point, largest resort in the area, shortly before midnight Monday.

"All parks and picnic areas are expected to be crowded as residents plan final outings before the parks close for the season."

The end of summer was playing out in the ads that ran in the paper about that time. With the Lorain County Fair over, Steve Polansky Markets was advertising "Blue Ribbon" Prize Steer that was purchased at the fair.

Sept. 1, 1955

With school starting in a few day, Cane's was advertising Back to School Buys.

Sept. 1, 1955

And despite the nice weather, Kresge's couldn't resist reminding Journal readers that it was time to put winter coats in layaway.

There weren't widespread Labor Day Sales at that time like we have now. Central Furniture was one of the few stores that did.

The traditional end to summer meant that Crystal Beach in Vermilion was winding down as well. The ad below advertising Buddy Morrow and His Orchestra in the dance hall, and special Labor Day prices for rides ran in the Journal on September 2, 1955.