Who is the father of Labor Day? Traditionally, Peter J. McGuire,a leader of the Carpenters union, a founder of the American Federation of Labor, and a well-known organizer, was credited with the idea of holding the parade in New York City in 1882. In fact he was the primary speaker that day.

Matthew Maguire, a machinist and a member of the Knights of Labor, also has a claim on the title. As secretary of the New York Central Labor Union in 1882, he probably issued the invitation, and certainly would have been involved in planning the celebration.

Although the issue of "fatherhood," is less important than the movement that launched Labor Day, the controversy does shed some light on the nature of historical evidence.

Take a look at these essays and see for yourself who makes the better argument.