May Day has brought all types of activity to Public Square throughout the years. The day started off as an ancient spring festival with dances and singing turned into the International Workers’ Day in the late 19th century. Since then, communists, socialists and likeminded individuals have used the day as a day of protest and solidarity. Throughout the years in Cleveland, the day has led to peaceful demonstrations and not so peaceful ones. On this May 1st, as workers continue to fight for safety measures and improved working conditions, we look back at May Day’s history in Cleveland. All photos via the Cleveland Memory Project.
