Morgan Park Days
The summer is almost over – Labor Day will be here in just a few days. Labor Day was a special time for Morgan Park in the early 1900s – it was the day devoted to “Morgan Park Day” celebrations.
In September 1900, fourteen years before annexing to the City of Chicago, the Village of Morgan Park held its first-ever public holiday to simply celebrate the village as a community. Stores closed, children were let out of school, and the village’s marching band paraded around town. The people gathered to listen to speeches and sip lemonade.
At that 1900 event, it was suggested that Morgan Park have one day each year devoted solely to the village, where the people “could meet on common ground, their only creed being universal brotherhood.” This led to an event known as Morgan Park Day that was held annually on Labor Day for over a decade.
Morgan Park Days, the first of which was held in 1901, were chock full of activities. Athletic competitions under the direction of the Morgan Park Athletic Club were held on the grounds of the Morgan Park Academy. The entire village decorated houses and outdoor areas. Parades featured carriages and floats adorned with floral displays.
Afternoons were for bands, concerts and speeches. The public forum was considered a very important part of the day. Evenings were reserved for concerts, dinners, dancing, and social time.
The peak year for Morgan Park Days was 1908, and what a grand event that was. The planners encouraged residents to invite their friends and relatives from all over to come for the day. House parties were held throughout the village. The village of 5,000 residents expected 10,000 visitors; over 20,000 showed up.
The churches were in charge of refreshments. Booths were set up to sell peanuts, popcorn, crackerjack, pork and beans, chop suey, pop, lemonade and orange cider, coffee, doughnuts and milk, candy, pies, fruit, sandwiches and red-hots. Other booths sold postcards and souvenirs. Adults strolled around with decorated canes and children were supplied with red balloons. Adults and children alike waved pennants and banners.
The athletic events and contests were numerous. The parade was the longest ever, stretching for two miles. Evening entertainment included a chorus of 50 members. Leading up to the day, public practice sessions were held so residents would be ready to sing along.
No mentions of Morgan Park Day are found in the city papers after 1911. The village annexed to the City of Chicago in 1914. On Labor Day 1917, events focused on honoring the men joining the “new national army” as the country had joined the World War I efforts in April of that year.
A more complete article on Morgan Park Days appears in the summer issue of the RHS newsletter which recently was sent to members. If you are not a member of RHS, please consider joining.