Detroit News

Action Coalition of Strikers Records

drice — Fri, 11 Jan 2013 12:09:15 -0500

The Action Coalition of Strikers (ACOS) was a rank-and-file group of strikers and their families who were active during the Detroit Newspaper Strike. Representing reporters, editors, pressmen, and truck drivers, the coalition opposed the newspaper union leadership and their proposed back-to-work offer and instead pressed forward with a campaign to fight to restore all lost jobs. They sponsored peaceful and disciplined mass demonstrations in support of the strikers, and published the weekly Detroit Sunday Journal from 1995-1999, selling copies throughout metro Detroit. They sought to win the broader labor movement’s participation in their struggle, and did enjoy continued support from other local and regional labor unions.

The records document the coalition’s activities from 1994-2001. Particular focus is given to the strikers' fight against replacement workers in an effort to bring economic, political and moral pressure on the newspaper companies (Gannett and Knight-Ridder) involved in the labor dispute. The records document ACOS strike participation through correspondence, court rulings, evidence of strikers' activities, publications, news clippings, and visual materials such as buttons, stickers, posters, and photographs.

Nancy E. Dunn Papers

drice — Thu, 10 Jan 2013 16:41:54 -0500

Nancy E. Dunn, a Detroit Free Press copy editor and journalist, was heavily involved during the Detroit Free Press and Detroit News newspaper strike in the 1990s. Dunn not only participated on the picket line, but also acted as a spokesperson for the Metropolitan Council of Newspaper Unions. The Nancy E. Dunn Papers document the strike/lockout from its inception in July 1995 through December 2000. Documents include administrative and audiovisual materials that reflect the strikers’ activities. These consist of court documents, correspondence, labor issues, status reports, newspaper clippings, and associated labor unions.

Newspaper Guild Local 22: Detroit Records

drice — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 11:55:21 -0500

The Newspaper Guild, a national organization, initially began with the intent to be a professional organization more than a union. As such, the 1933 founders chose to call the group a “guild.” The Newspaper Guild Local 22 was an early local, established in 1934. Organizers were successful in establishing this local in Detroit by using sit-down strikes across the entire state. The Detroit Times and the Detroit Free Press were first to win bargaining recognition: The Times was first certified 1938 and the Free Press in 1939. Some members from the Detroit News enlisted but the News largely avoided organization by matching fringe and pay gains as the Times and Free Press won them through negotiations. When the Guild affiliated with the CIO in 1937, many members dropped out of the guild because they did not want to be part of a union. In the next thirty years the local saw its membership fluctuate. UAW and Michigan Catholic publishing employees swelled the ranks in the 1940s, but later the guild lost 400 members when the News bought the Times in 1959. Employees from the Pontiac Press, Royal Oak Daily Tribune, and Macomb Daily joined the guild in the 1960s and 1970s, but simultaneously Oakland Press and Mellus members left after lengthy strikes in the 1970s. The local also dealt with upheaval in the newspaper business during a downturn in the late 1980s. Most significantly, the News and Free Press filed a joint operations agreement, sharing space and equipment to ease some of the financial burden.

Part 1 of the Detroit Newspaper Guild papers reflect the local's activities and organization, as well as include documentation of the American Newspaper Guild.

Part 2 consist of materials related to the organization and activities of the local in Detroit. The bulk of the collection consists of papers from the daily operation of the guild, including board and general meetings, contracts, elections, bargaining and negotiations, Page One events, and locally held national conventions. Other widely covered topics include strikes and lockouts and the Joint Operations Agreement. Strike and lockout materials begin with the strike and lockout in 1962 and ending with the 1995 Detroit Newspapers strike. Joint Operations materials cover all facets of the agreement between the Detroit News and
Free Press from the late 1980s.

Thomas Bernick Papers

aorchard — Mon, 16 Feb 2015 15:09:42 -0500

Thomas Bernick was a journalist and active protester of The Detroit Newspaper Strike, which began on July 13, 1995 and lasted until 2000. An estimated 2,000 to 2,500 workers from six local unions joined the strike and participated in the lengthy battle against the Detroit News and the Detroit Free Press in the courtroom. Battle outside the courtroom took place as well, with protesters making numerous reports of violence by a private security firm and the Sterling Heights Police Department. Journalists fought back by creating their own paper in 1996, the Detroit Sunday Journal. The Journal achieved a circulation of 300,000 in its first year and was widely hailed for reporting throughout its run, which ended in 1999.

In 1997, the unions ordered an unconditional return to work, but the newspapers chose to keep their replacement workers on staff, stating they would only hire strikers as positions opened up. The strike finally came to an end in 2000, but many of the strikers did not return to work for the newspapers, and the circulation of both the Detroit News and the Detroit Free Press was greatly reduced from that of the 1980s and early 1990s.

The Thomas Bernick Papers contains court documents, meeting materials, photocopies of articles about the strike, and a full series of the Alliance Strike Bulletin, a newspaper run by the Metropolitan Council of Newspaper Unions. Additionally, this collection holds correspondence, circulation numbers, strike-related periodicals, and meeting materials for the Workers Justice Committee, as well as many of the flyers and pamphlets distributed throughout the strike, both for and against it.

2012: The Reuther Year in Review

jruss — Tue, 11 Dec 2012 10:23:44 -0500

2012 was a big year for the Reuther. We’ve reported on most of the developments, achievements, and activities in our annual newsletter and on our blog. A few items have not enjoyed their deserved recognition, however: read more »

HistoryPin Tour: Detroit's Chinese Community

eclemens — Fri, 26 May 2017 19:58:42 -0400

Many people are surprised to learn that Detroit once had two Chinatowns, both built by a resilient community that thrived in the city for nearly 100 years. As Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month draws to a close, we invite you to visit our latest HistoryPin tour: a look back on Detroit's Chinese Community. read more »

On Display: Michigan Labor Actions case exhibit

eclemens — Fri, 06 Jun 2025 09:33:21 -0400

Michigan Labor Actions case exhibit
February 10, 2025 – July 3, 2025

Come by the library and explore our latest case exhibit, Michigan Labor Actions. This display features photographs, ephemera, and artifacts from our collections that highlight key collective actions in Michigan’s labor history. Events showcased include the Copper Country Strike (1913), Studebaker Strike (1913), Ford Hunger March (1932), Flint Sit-Down Strike (1937), UFW Grape Boycotts (1970s), D.R.U.M. Wildcat Strikes (1970s), P.A.T.C.O. Strike (1981), and the Detroit Newspaper Strike (1995–1997). read more »

(vmc10489) Michigan Avenue, Before widening, Detroit, 1930

eclemens — Mon, 07 Jun 2021 14:05:05 -0400

A high angle view of Michigan Avenue before it was widened, looking east toward 8th Street from Church Street. Vernor Furniture Company, American Rescue Workers, Beresh Jewelers, and Peoples Wayne County Bank are in view.

(vmc28912) Michigan Avenue, Near Trumbull, Detroit, 1977

eclemens — Mon, 07 Jun 2021 14:11:06 -0400

Traffic passes through Corktown's Michigan Avenue near Trumbull after the street was widened. Old Tiger Stadium, Nemo's Bar, and Louie's Place stand on the north side of the street.

(vmc4647) Michigan Avenue, Skid Row, Detroit, 1953

eclemens — Wed, 26 May 2021 07:31:09 -0400

A view of Michigan Avenue between 2nd and 3rd Streets, an area known at mid-century as part of Detroit's "Skid Row."

Article, Women Engineers Help Detroit Grow, 1954

teller — Fri, 30 Mar 2018 12:12:05 -0400

March 22, 1954 article from the Detroit News about women engineers' contributions to Detroit's postwar economic growth. From: Society of Women Engineers National Records, Box 83.

(32169) Army, Training Camp, Religious Services, 1917-1918

eclemens — Fri, 25 Jul 2014 14:31:28 -0400

A clergyman prepares to deliver Mass at an U.S. Army training camp, likely Camp Custer or Camp Grayling.

(32226) First World War, Civilian Support, Parade, 1918

eclemens — Thu, 31 Jul 2014 16:05:59 -0400

A view of Woodward Avenue during a parade sponsored by the American Red Cross. and the Detroit Department of Recreation.

(28273) Ethnic Communities, Latin American, Demonstrations, 1971

eclemens — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 15:51:35 -0400

A scene from an unidentified demonstration in downtown Detroit. Members of the Brown Berets display the flags of Mexico, the United Farm Workers Union and a banner with an image of Che Guevara on it.

(28389) Ethnic Communities, Mexican, Children, Schools, 1943

eclemens — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 13:35:59 -0400

Children from the Douglas Houghton School, located at Abbott and 4th Street, put on a performance of "Down Mexico Way" during a school play about the Allied nations.

(28390) Ethnic Communities, Mexican, Traditions, 1939

eclemens — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 13:29:29 -0400

A unidentified young woman in tradtional costume appears to blow on a carnation. At her side is a basket filled with flowers and candy.

(28292) Ethnic Communities, Mexican, Businesses, 1974

eclemens — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 12:57:43 -0400

Hermillo Sanchez takes a break from his job at La Jalisciense Tortilieria, located at 2364 Bagley. Tenerio's Market and Mexican Village Restaurant are both in view.

(28393) Ethnic Communities, Mexican, Religion, 1990

eclemens — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 12:45:23 -0400

Modesto Gonzalez (in foreground) leads the congregation in song during services at a Pentecostal church located at 6106 W. Vernor.

(28298) Ethnic Communities, Norwegian, Dancers, 1940

eclemens — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 10:47:56 -0400

Peter Iversen and Asta Bjergseth demonstrate the Paal Paa Haugen, a dance taken from a Norwegian folk song called "Paul on the Hill."

(28299) Ethnic Communities, Norwegian, Dancers, 1940

eclemens — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 10:41:54 -0400

Folk dancers perform at the Norwegian Independence Day program.

Left to right: Martha Drage, Ingvald Orheim, Esther Myrold

(28302) Ethnic Communities, Romanian, Traditions, Weddings, 1936

eclemens — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 10:21:09 -0400

Guests at a Romanian wedding reception raise their glasses for the bride and groom.

(28394) Ethnic Communities, Montenegrin, Costumes, 1932

eclemens — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 12:27:19 -0400

B.D. Kalabich, Rhoda Byagich, Nick Martinovich, Rose Tonch, Johnny Chetovich and Mildred Jankovich pose in traditional Montenegrin costume for photographers in the Detroit News studios.

Part of a series that examined the traditional costumes of Detroit's ethnic communities.

(31188) Santa Claus Training School, Detroit, 1938

eclemens — Fri, 19 Dec 2014 10:37:26 -0500

Captain Harry W. Wilson goes over the basics with students of the Santa Claus Training School. The newly minted Santas were part of a campaign by the Volunteers of America to raise funds for Christmas baskets and winter relief work.

Chalkboard reads: "Your CREED--You are a personal representative of St. Nicholas bringing a message of good cheer to everyone everywhere. BE COURTEOUS, GENIAL, AND KIND TO ALL CHILDREN."

(31956) Ethnic Communities, Latin American, Traditions, 1993

eclemens — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 15:46:02 -0400

Maria Noyola with pinatas that she made for an upcoming Mexicantown Fiesta.

(31957) Ethnic Communities, Latvian, Traditions,1956

eclemens — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 15:38:57 -0400

A Latvian family in traditional costume light candles during an unidentified event.

(31958) Ethnic Communities, Latvian, 1959

eclemens — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 15:35:42 -0400

Baiba Tidemanis, Augustus Vangas, Jeannie Aldonis and Hon. Mary Beck pose with a Latvian flag during an unidentified event.

(31959) Ethnic Communities, Lebanese, Demonstrations, 1982

eclemens — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 15:16:23 -0400

Demonstrators occupy the Lebanese Consulate, located at 1300 Lafayette East in Detroit.

(31960) Ethnic Communities, Lebanese, Demonstrations, 1990

eclemens — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 15:11:19 -0400

Demonstrators march in front of the Lebanese Consulate in an effort to get President Bush to call for the removal of foreign military forces from Lebanon. At center, Suzanne Guiragoss waves a Lebanese flag.

(31961) Ethnic Communities, Lebanese, Demonstrations, 1981

eclemens — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 15:04:18 -0400

Nearly 250 Lebanese-Americans marched from the city-council building to the Lebanese Consulate at 1300 Lafayette East to present a statement to be delivered to the president of the Lebanon. The statement supported the effort of the president to remove Syrians from Lebanon.

(31962) Ethnic Communities, Lithuanian, Demonstrations, 1990

eclemens — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 14:57:47 -0400

Hundreds of Lithuanians from Metro Detroit and Windsor demonstrate in Kennedy Square against the U.S.S.R.'s refusal to grant Lithuania its independence.

(31963) Ethnic Communities, Mexican, Celebrations, 1990

eclemens — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 14:51:17 -0400

Rose Uviista and her daughter Mayra enjoy Detroit's Cinco de Mayo celebration.

(31964) Ethnic Communities, Mexican, Murals,1980

eclemens — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 14:45:50 -0400

Youths paint a mural on a wall along Vernor in Southwest Detroit. The murals represent Chicano and Black pride in Detroit and were sponsored by the Latino Outreach Community Service Center.

(31965) Ethnic Communities, Mexican, Celebrations, 1948

eclemens — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 14:24:28 -0400

Young couples perform the Mexican Hat Dance during an event at the International Institute.

Left to right: Olivia Torres, Arthur Solis, Emma Cervantes, Ben Casillas

(31966) Ethnic Communities, Mexican, Celebrations, 1957

eclemens — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 14:14:57 -0400

Marguerita de la Garza and Rosalenda Portillo await dinner at the home of Lupe Portillo at 1602 Labrosse.

(31967) Ethnic Communities, Mexican, Celebrations, 1939

eclemens — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 14:07:50 -0400

Lenora de la Fuente poses for a photograph during a Mexican Fiesta, location unknown.

(31968) Ethnic Communities, Mexican, Celebrations, 1947

eclemens — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 14:03:06 -0400

Jimmy Martinez, Yolenda Guerra, Antonio Alcantana and Ricardo Limon perform during the Western High School Mexican Fiesta.

(31969) Ethnic Communities, Mexican, Celebrations, 1940

eclemens — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 13:51:22 -0400

La Conga Dancers perform during the Mexican Independence Day celebration at Cass Tech High School.

Left to right: Teresa Alvizer, Peter Acala, Alfred Gabaldon, Soledad Muro

(31970) Ethnic Communities, Mexican, Children, Celebrations, 1942

eclemens — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 13:46:00 -0400

Albert Alcala and Rachel Alfaro dance at the Mexican Independence Day celebration at Cass Tech High School. In the background are members of the Artistico Femenino dance group.

(31971) Ethnic Communities, Turkish, Traditions, Weddings, 1925

eclemens — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 11:13:14 -0400

Mrs. Andrew Avanidon poses in her wedding dress.

(31972) Ethnic Communities, Norwegian, Dancers, 1939

eclemens — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 11:00:34 -0400

Folk dancers Mary Gordan, Esther Myrold and Asta Bjergseth pose for a photograph during an unidentified event.

(31973) Ethnic Communities, Norwegian, Dancers, 1939

eclemens — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 10:53:22 -0400

William Gordan, Mary Gordan, Osborn Holm, Asta Bjergseth, Peter Iversen, Esther Myrold and Ingwalk Orheim demonstrate the Faeroysteg, a folk dance from the Faeroe Islands.

(31977) Ethnic Communities, Romanian, World War Two, Relief Efforts, 1940

eclemens — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 09:55:57 -0400

Young women perform during the Allied Festival for Polish War Relief.

(31978) Ethnic Communities, Romanian, Relief Efforts, 1940

eclemens — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 09:50:27 -0400

Young women perform during the Allied Festival for Polish War Relief.

(32103) Officers, 99th Batallion, Deployment, Canada, 1910s

eclemens — Fri, 25 Jul 2014 14:31:26 -0400

A group of officers from the 99th Battalion and a small child pose for a photograph.

(32104) Draft & Recruitment, Deployment, Detroit, 1917-1918

eclemens — Fri, 25 Jul 2014 14:31:26 -0400

A sea of well wishers in downtown Detroit watch as soldiers and recent recruits make their way to to train station to depart for Camp Custer. In view, women, joined by a wounded soldier, carry flags from Allied countries.

(32105) Draft & Recruitment, Deployment, Detroit, 1917-1918