Prize Banner, Lewiston & Auburn, Central Labor Union, made by Whitehead & Hoag, Newark, New Jersey, 1905. Maine State Museum. Gift of Earle G. Shettleworth Jr., 99.46.2.
Prize Banner, Lewiston & Auburn, Central Labor Union, made by Whitehead & Hoag, Newark, New Jersey, 1905. Maine State Museum. Gift of Earle G. Shettleworth Jr., 99.46.2.
Parades have marked Labor Day celebrations since the first observance in New York City in 1882. When labor unions marched in parades, they often carried banners and wore uniforms to demonstrate their pride and unity. The Lewiston & Auburn Central Labor Union awarded this banner to a local trade union who was judged to have the best appearance of a union in the 1905 Lewiston parade.
The banner has a painted logo or "union bug" stating that it was union-made by members of the Brotherhood of Painters and Decorators of America.