The origin of Labor Day dates to the 1880s when The Central Labor Union celebrated in New York. President Glover Cleveland signed into law the federal holiday of Labor Day in 1894. What was the stance of T.B. Ferguson on the Labor situation in Oklahoma during the time he served as governor of Oklahoma Territory 1901-1906?
Some occurrences probably had an impact on his administration. First, he was likely aware of the Krebs mining tragedy in Indian Territory that killed nearly 100 men in 1892 and the strike in 1903 through the United Mine Workers that resulted in an 8-hour workday, better pay, and union recognition.
Other worker issues included railroad unions as railroads pushed into Oklahoma Territory. Engineers, firemen and conductors had their own unions, and it was during Ferguson’s administration that a union was formed among those who repaired and maintained cars that hauled Oklahoma agricultural products. Mexican and Tejano workers were important in mining, railroads and agriculture (Mexican Workers OK Encyclopedia of History and Culture).
Farm labor unions developed, and the Oklahoma and Indian Territory unions joined in 1905. In general, during the first 20 years of statehood, Oklahoma was favorable to labor. (Labor, Organized Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History.)
In preparation for the Oklahoma Constitution of 1907, unions held meetings to influence content of the Oklahoma Constitution, which was considered progressive (Oklahoma Magazine 2022).
Ferguson was not a delegate to the Constitution Convention. The Twin-Territorial Federation of Labor, which united the numerous unions representing dozens of trades and crafts that existed in both Oklahoma Territory and Indian Territory first met in December 1903 in Lawton and in a 1906 meeting in Shawnee became the Oklahoma State Federation of Labor (Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History).
Today, Labor Day also marks the unofficial end of summer vacations. The guest book of Ferguson Museum indicates that from May 1Aug. 31, at least 340 visitors toured the home. They came not only from Watonga, but at least 70 (some couples or families signed on one line) from outside Watonga including: Stillwater, OKC, Rising Star, Texas, Cleveland,OK, Weatherford, Hydro, Greenfield,Yukon, Hinton, Chester, Vici, Guymon,Kingfisher, Guthrey,Clinton, Williamsburg, Virginia, Crescent,York, Nebraska; Shawnee,Edmond, Lawton, Oakwood, Kenai, Alaska; Tulsa, and Nashville,Kansas. Groups included several from Watonga such as the 10th grade and 3rd grade Watonga classes, Senior Club members and PEO. Out of town groups included senior citizens from Weatherford and a church group from Edmond.
Not only does the Ferguson have a fascinating story of pioneering news printing and Territorial politics, but the mansion itself is a creation of beauty, especially with its new tri-colored paint. The 1893 Watonga/Blaine County jail and the cavalry building add to the experience and open additional sources of pride, awe and a desire to build the future.
Schedule a visit for your club, youth group, work group, family and friends this fall!