By Donna Westfall Labor Day had it's origins in Canada, not the U.S. In the 19th century, men toiled 12 hours a day, seven days a week to make a living. Even children as young as 5 or 6 worked. My mother used to tell us of picking strawberries in the fields in Detroit, Michigan as a kid for pennies a day. With the passage of the Adamson Act, an 8 hour per day rule was established. After than, workers could get overtime. 1894, Congress passed an act legalizing the first Monday of September as Labor Day. Many people look forward to the three day weekend. The dress codes of years ago no longer apply. Wearing white after labor day used to be a no-no. Today, anything goes. Local, state and federal offices will be closed. Banks and schools will be closed. Mail will not be delivered. There are some good deals and free deals: Look up BeFrugal.com and SlickDeals. Jack in the Box has a buy one get one free coupon on their Buttery Jack. Gas prices are down. There are bargains on school supplies and clothing.