Mark Rogovin AwardForest Home Cemetery's monument to the labor movement, was a buzz on the chilly May Day. Haymarket Martyrs Monument, sculpted by Albert Weinert and paid for by the Pioneer Aid and Support Association nearly 130 years ago, is still the centerpiece of international labor history, The Historical Society of Forest Park honored the graves of the men and women associated with labor history including Albert Parsons, Lucy Parsons, Emma Goldman, Ben Reitman, and residents of Radical Row with information about their lives and contributions. The Mark Rogovin Working Class Heroes award was given to Carol Gulyas, who lead the effort in creating highway markers on 290 and on the streets of Forest Park to guide visitors to come to the U.S. National Park Service Historic Landmark. With gratitude, she recognized the Illinois State employees who helped make the signage possible. With over 200 total visitors throughout the day, including a crowd of 'Wobblies," from the Industrial Workers of the World, who were roused by Rich Leib's speech and chant, "Leave the work at work!" After the crowd took to trivia and a refreshing atmosphere at McGaffer's Saloon. Several people took advantage of the virtual tour of the monument available on our website. Join us on the first Saturday of the month at 11:00 am for our in-person tour or watch the virtual tour any time on our website. 
Outdoor Exhibit at the Haymarket Martyrs MonumentTrivia at McGaffer's Saloon with the IWW Those wishing to pay their respects at the Haymarket Martyrs’ Monument will now get some help in finding it. The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has installed “attraction signs” at Exit 21B (Harlem exit) on the 290 Expressway going to and from Chicago. Sculpted by Albert Weinert and paid for by The Pioneer Aid and Support Association, the Haymarket Martyrs’ Monument was dedicated on June 25, 1893. Over a hundred years later, in 1997, the monument was designated a National Historic Landmark. Both the Historical Society of Forest Park (HSFP) and the Illinois Labor History Society (ILHS) helped to make this happen. They were supported in their efforts by Forest Park Commissioner Jessica Voogd, Forest Park Public Works head Salvatore Stella, and Forest Park Mayor Rory Hoskins. The signs were designed by Rafael Nieves. Every year, the HSFP and the ILHS collaborate in hosting the May Day (May 1) event at the Haymarket Martyrs’ Monument in the Forest Home Cemetery. On that same day, the HSFP features a tour of the Monument and of the resting places of the radicals of the era who chose to be buried next to the Monument. Visitors from all over the world come to pay their respects and celebrate the establishment of the eight-hour day for workers everywhere. May Day is regarded as Labor Day outside of the United States.  |
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