Trades and Labor Council collection
Scope and Contents
The collection serves as a yearly document of labor's progress and defeats through the descriptions given in the programs of the member unions. Speakers and political figures featured, as well, are an indication of those supportive of labor and thus earning labor's notice. The collection spans the fourth (1890) Labor Day celebration through the twenty-fourth, with several years missing. The items also include informative advertising, and may have some unique images of Grand Rapids buildings.
Dates
- 1890-1910
Biographical / Historical
The Labor Day programs were initiated in 1888 by the Trades and Labor Council of Grand Rapids, an umbrella group for the individual unions that existed at the time. As unions sprang into life or were forced out of existence by management, most were members of the larger organization, the Trades and Labor Council. The Labor Day events were organized as a celebration of union strength and solidarity, to celebrate labor's own day, and to provide an atmosphere of enjoyment for the union workers and their families. As the years passed, politicians and other people seeking help or support from the unions used the event as an opportunity to show their support of the unions or union causes by joining the celebration. Held at Ramona Park, the annual event was always well attended by labor and its supporters.
Extent
0.21 Linear Feet (One box)
Language of Materials
English
Abstract
This is a devised collection of programs from annual Labor Day events held by the Trades and Labor Council of Grand Rapids, an umbrella organization for local unions. The Labor Day programs were organized as a celebration of union strength and solidarity, to celebrate labor's own day and to provide an atmosphere of enjoyment for the union workers and their families. The programs include identified images of labor representatives, and/or candidates for office. Advertising is also a large portion of the programs, including engraved or photographic images of some buildings of the period.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Library purchase, accession numbers 1986.312, P2006.003
- Title
- Finding aid for the Trades and Labor Council collection
- Status
- Completed
- Author
- William C. Black
- Date
- March 1987
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- Undetermined
- Script of description
- Code for undetermined script
- Language of description note
- English
Repository Details
Part of the Grand Rapids History Center Repository
Grand Rapids Public Library
111 Library Street NE
Grand Rapids Michigan 49503 USA
616-988-5497
localhis@grpl.org