East Liverpool Trades and Labor Council, Records, 1908-1971

Finding Aid

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Scope and Content

On June 2, 1978, with the efforts and assistance of the Ohio Historical Society and Mr. Kenneth J. Thrasher, President of the East Liverpool Trades and Labor Council, this collection of papers arrived in the Kent State University Archives.

The materials in this collection date from as early as 1908 to as recently as 1971 and are quite diverse in nature. Types of materials included are: constitution and by-laws, correspondence, minutes, miscellaneous agreements, resolutions, reports, speeches, membership lists, statements, and applications from local unions. Most of the materials were arranged chronologically within type. However, in some instances, the bulk of the material warranted a further subdivision. Much of the correspondence was arranged chronologically according to originating agency; and most of the newsletters were ordered by title. In addition, any special committees or projects about which there was a substantial amount of material also warranted the creation of their own folders.

As a coordinating body for various local unions throughout eastern Ohio, the East Liverpool Trades and Labor Council has played a considerable role in the labor movement in this state. This collection of papers reflects that role in the labor movement in this state. Further, it offers some interesting insights into the structure, function, and activities of local unions. However, the value of these materials goes beyond merely aiding the researcher in local history. This collection also is a very valuable source for information on this history of the national labor movement. If examined carefully, the papers may offer the researcher an idea of significant changes and trends in philosophy and theory that have occurred in U.S. labor history. For additional information on unions, one might check under the subject headings labor history and labor unions.

Historical Note

Founded on February 28, 1894 in East Liverpool, Ohio, the Trades and Labor Council's purpose, as stated in its charter, was "to freely discuss carefully and examine all questions that will benefit all men and women who toil." Generally, the Council was to advance the interest of working peoples, to promote unionism, and to increase the public understanding of the labor movement. Specifically, it was to give moral and financial support when needed, to arbitrate in disputes, and to secure fair and just wages. Serving as an umbrella organization for many local unions, the Council's jurisdiction was for all of lower Columbiana County, south of the northern borders of Franklin, Wayne, Madison, and St. Clair Township.

Box 1
Folder--Content

1. Constitution and by-laws
2. Correspondence, general: 1909-1920
3. Correspondence, general: 1946-1950
4. Correspondence, general: 1951
5. Correspondence, general: 1952
6. Correspondence, general: January 1953-July 1953
7. Correspondence, general: August 1953-December 1953
8. Correspondence, general: January 1954-June 1954
9. Correspondence, general: July 1954-December 1954
10. Correspondence, general: 1955
11. Correspondence, general: 1959-1960
12. Correspondence, National Brotherhood of Operative Potters (N.B.O.P.): 1908-1910
13. Correspondence, N.B.O.P.: 1911-1912
14. Correspondence, N.B.O.P.: 1913-1920
15. Correspondence, N.B.O.P.: 1950-1954
16. Correspondence, International Brotherhood of Operative Potters (I.B.O.P.): 1953-1954
17. Correspondence, American Federation of Labor (A.F.L.): 1908-1909
18. Correspondence, A.F.L.: 1949-1950
19. Correspondence, A.F.L.: 1951
20. Correspondence, A.F.L.: 1953
21. Correspondence, A.F.L.: 1954
22. Correspondence, A.F.L.: 1955
23. Correspondence, A.F.L.-C.I.O.: 1959-1960
24. Correspondence, Ohio Federation of Labor, and Ohio A.F.L.-C.I.O.: 1908-1959
25. Correspondence, Labor's League for Political Eduction (L.L.P.E.) of A.F.L.: 1949-1951, 1953
26. Correspondence, L.L.P.E. of A.F.L. and Congressional District: 1954
27. Correspondence, L.L.P.E. of A.F.L.: 1955
28. Correspondence, Educational and Political League of the Ohio Estate Federation of Labor: 1950, 1954-1955
29. Correspondence, A.F.L. National Non-Partisan Political Campaign Committee: 1920
30. Correspondence, Miscellaneous: undated
31. Minutes of Trades and Labor Council: (Notebook)
32. Minutes of Trades and Labor Council: 1951
33. Minutes of Trades and Labor Council: 1952
34. Minutes of Trades and Labor Council: 1953
35. Minutes of Trades and Labor Council: 1954
36. Minutes of Trades and Labor Council: 1955
37. Miscellaneous agreements, resolutions, statements, reports, and speeches
38. Membership lists of Locals Nine and Twenty-Two, membership statements, and membership applications

Box 2
Folder--Content

1. Receipts: 1908-1912
2. Receipts: 1913-1955; undated
3. Cancelled checks and bank statements: 1949
4. Cancelled checks and bank statements: December 20, 1950-December 27, 1951
5. Cancelled checks and bank statements: December 27, 1951-December 30, 1952
6. Cancelled checks and bank statements: December 20, 1952-December 29, 1953
7. Cancelled checks and bank statements: December 31, 1953-December 22, 1954
8. Citizens Narcotics Advisory Committee Information Newsletter: 1954
9. Labor Day Celebration Materials: September 5, 1955
10. Labor Day Celebration; newspapter clippings: September 5, 1955
11. Annual Banquet and Dance Materials: 1951-1953, 1969
12. Ceramic Hobby Room Project; Correspondence 1960-1970
13. Ceramic Hobby Room Project; receipts expense reports; plans; and miscellaneous materials: 1969-1971
14. Research Report, newsletter of A.F.L.: April 1951-April 1955
15. Information Digest, newsletter of Ohio State Federation of Labor: November 14, 1951, December 1952
16. Legislative Letter, newsletter of Ohio State Federation of Labor: 1949-June 9, 1955
17. News and Views, newsletter of Ohio A.F.L.-C.I.O.: April 15, 1960-May 6, 1960
18. L.L.P.E. Reports, newsletter of Labor's League for Political Education of A.F.L.: 1953-1955
19. Political Memo, newsletter of L.L.P.E. of A.F.L.: November 1953-May 1955
20. Political Memo from C.O.P.E., newsletter of Committee on Political Education, A.F.L.-C.I.O.: 1959-1960; C.O.P.E. Report:September 1959; Notes from COPE(A.F.L.-C.I.O.): April 1, 1960
21. Labor Market Information, newsletter of Ohio State Employment Service: October 1950-October 1955
22. Newsletter; from the Desk of Senator Hubert H. Humphrey:March 1953-August 3, 1954
23. Labor in Israel Newsletter, newsletter of Histadrut, General Federation of Labor in Israel: January 1955-April 1955
24. Miscellaneous newsletters and bulletins
25. News, publicitiy, and information releases
26. Labor Directory and Union Buyers' Guide:1950-1951, 1953, 1955; Directory expense statements and receipts
27. Buyers' guides to kilns and ceramic materials
28. Buyers' guides
29. Buyers' guides
30. Instruction sheets and manual for kiln operation
31. Miscellaneous newspaper clippings
32. Health insurance literature
33. Miscellaneous printed materials
34. Miscellaneous printed materials
35. Miscellaneous printed materials
36. Miscellaneous printed materials
37. Miscellaneous printed materials
38. Poster (filed in map case)
39. Artifact - Test gauge