Labor Day in the United States is a public holiday celebrated on the first Monday in September. It honors the American labor movement and the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, laws and well-being of the country.
Some consider it the end of summer because it coincides with the beginning of some fall activities, such as school and sports.
In Tucson, most school districts have been back in session for weeks.
Another sure sign of the change in seasons is that the University of Arizona is now a sea of students and the football team will soon be taking the field.
And don’t forget that Labor Day was considered the last day it was acceptable to wear white. Wearing white between Memorial Day and Labor Day used to be considered a sign of wealth.
Since the 1800s, many companies have come and gone, struggling through bad economies, working conditions or other challenges. Here are local businesses that have beaten the odds.
Some of Tucson’s Oldest Family Businesses
1868 — Tanque Verde Ranch, 14301 E. Speedway. 296-6275.
1879 — Arizona Daily Star, 4850 S. Park Ave. 573-4142.
1900 — Crescent Tobacco Shop and Newsstand, 200 E. Congress St. 622-1559.
1907 — Evergreen Mortuary, Cemetery and Crematory, 3015 N. Oracle Road. 888-7470.
1907 — Citizens Transfer and Storage Company Inc., 601 E. 24th St. 623-6301.
1909 — Garcia’s Cleaners & Shirt Laundry, 205 E. 22nd St. 622-8174.
1912 — Westward Look Wyndham Grand Resort and Spa, 245 E. Ina Road. 297-1151.
1913 — Posner’s Art Store, 944 E. University Blvd. 622-3636.
1914 — Carrillo’s Tucson Mortuary Inc., 204 S. Stone Ave. 622-7429.
1919 — The Chicago Store, 45 S. Sixth Ave., 622-3341; 5646 E. Speedway, 886-1516.
1919 — Hotel Congress, 311 E. Congress St. 622-8848.
1922 — Lerua’s, 2005 E. Broadway, 624-0322.
1922 — EL Charro Café, 311 N. Court Ave, 622-1922; 7725 N. Oracle Road, 229-1922; 6910 E. Sunrise Drive, 514-1922.
1923 — Colossal Cave, 16721 E. Old Spanish Trail. 647-7275.
1924 — O’Reilly Chevrolet, 6100 E. Broadway. 747-8000.
1928 — Bring’s Broadway Chapel, 6910 E. Broadway. 296-7193.
1930 — Arizona Inn, 2200 E. Elm St. 325-1541.
1934 — The Buffet Bar, 538 E. Ninth St. 623-6811.
1934 — The Mint, 3540 E. Grant Road. 881-9169.
1937 — The Shanty, 401 E. Ninth St. 623-2664.
1940 — Inglis Florists, 2362 E. Broadway, 622-4641; 6468 N. Oracle Road, 297-1158.
1945 — Gospel Supplies, 5640 E. Broadway. 722-1441.
1945 — Perri Jewelers, 13 N. Stone Ave. 624-4311.
1947 — Casa Molina del Norte, 3001 N. Campbell Ave, 795-7593; 4240 E. Grant Road, 326-6663; Casa Molina, 6225 E. Speedway, 886-5468; Casita del Molina, 3220 W. Valencia Road, 883-8152.
1948 — Kalil Bottling Co., 931 S. Highland Ave. 622-5811.
1948 — Musselman Honda Center, 2302 N. Stone Ave. 622-7491.
1951 — House n’ Garden Furniture, 250 E. Wetmore Road. 888-2800.
1952 — Hughes Federal Credit Union, 3131 E. Speedway; 971 W. Wetmore Road; 280 N. Pantano Road; 951 E. Hermans Road; 8701 S. Kolb Road; 7970 N. Thornydale Road; 7820 N. Cortaro Road, Marana. 794-8341.
1954 — Cathey's Vacuum, 5701 E. Speedway. 721-4000; 8700 N. Oracle Road, 797-7177.
1955 — Tuller Trophy and Awards, 525 N. Sixth Ave. 623-6341.
