The State Bar of Michigan and Saginaw County Bar Association rededicated the Michigan Legal Milestone marker "Ten Hours or No Sawdust" at a June 23 ceremony in downtown Saginaw's Morley Plaza. The milestone, which commemorates the state's largest labor strike of the 19th century, was originally dedicated in 1988, but was since stolen.

"We are glad that the milestone marker is back where it belongs," said Saginaw attorney Eugene Mossner. "The lumber mill strike is a very important part of Saginaw's legal history and we want to make sure that we acknowledge and preserve that piece of history."

The Saginaw Valley lumber mill strike of 1885 is remembered for the workers' slogan: "Ten hours or no sawdust." The strike began when millhands demanded a reduction in working hours. At the time the strike began, millhands were working 11 or 12 hours per day. Ultimately, the strike was unsuccessful, but the workers' assertion of their collective position was an important step toward the enactment of laws early in the 20th century regulating hours, wages and working conditions.

When it was originally dedicated, the "Ten Hours or No Sawdust" Michigan Legal Milestone was the ninth to have been placed by the State Bar. There are now 27 Legal Milestones throughout Michigan. The program was initiated in 1986 to make the state's residents aware of important cases, personalities and incidents that have shaped their legal heritage.

State Bar President Alfred M. Butzbaugh addresses crowd gathered for the Saginaw milestone rededication. (Left to right): Saginaw Mayor Pro Tem Wilmer Ham, State Bar President Al Butzbaugh, Saginaw Attorney Eugene Mossner, Saginaw County Historical Society President Robert Strobel, Saginaw County Bar President Hon. Patrick Meter and Saginaw County Bar Executive Director Marie Wasney pose near the newly rededicated milestone marker. Ceremony emcee Eugene Mossner (center) discusses the historical and legal significance of the "Ten Hours or No Sawdust" milestone. . The rededicated milestone marker is firmly mounted in a stone boulder in downtown Saginaw's Morley Plaza.