ABSTRACT
The effort to establish the right to leisure was a distinctive movement of the nineteenth century, accompanying the develpment of machinery. It assumed Protean forms, among others that of Sunday rest, the Saturday half-holiday, Decoration Day, Lacor Day, Lincoln's Birthday, Washington's Birthday, St. Patrick's Day, Good Friday, and Easter. The early closing of the stores, wherever accomplished, is one result of this effort. The prohibition of the work of women and minores at night was an important aspect of the movement, and the effort on behalf of child labor legislation is largely directed towards securing fourteen free years for school and wholesome growth before children enter upon the life of steady work. In its most virile form, the effort to establish the right to leisure was kown as the ten hours movement, and later as the eight hours movement.
