Skip to main content

Collection on labor and communist parties and activities in Grand Rapids

 Collection
Identifier: Collection 484

Scope and Contents

This is a devised collection including various materials related to labor and communism in Grand Rapids, particularly in the 1930s, 1950s and 1960s. The papers were likely originally kept in a vertical file.

Included are fliers for demonstrations and meetings, newsletters and political advertisements related to labor and communist party activities in the 1930s. Newspaper clippings relate to communism in Michigan in the 1940s and 1950s. Papers from the 1960s relate to communism in Michigan, proposed legislation and a film on communism, Operation Abolition.

The demonstration fliers from the 1930s are particularly valuable, as ephemeral fliers like this are frequently not saved. They provide a glimpse into the activities of the organizations that differs from reports in the local newspapers. Also of note is a card advertising Emma Goldman lectures in Grand Rapids in 1912.

Dates

  • 1912 - 1961

Extent

.5 Linear Feet (One slim legal box)

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

This devised collection focuses on the activities of labor and communist parties in Grand Rapids, Michigan in the 1930s, and on communism in Michigan from the 1940s to the 1960s. Of particular note are original fliers from demonstrations and meetings in the 1930s, from organizations including the Communist Party USA, Local Grand Rapids; Unemployed Councils; Trade Union Unity League and the Working Men's Association. Also included are an advertising card for Emma Goldman lectures in 1912 and two issues of the Cauldron, a publication of the Grand Rapids John Reed Club.

Title
Finding aid for the collection on labor and communist parties and activities in Grand Rapids
Status
Completed
Author
Julie M Tabberer
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
Undetermined
Script of description
Code for undetermined script

Repository Details

Part of the Grand Rapids History Center Repository

Contact:
Grand Rapids Public Library
111 Library Street NE
Grand Rapids Michigan 49503 USA
616-988-5497