Michigan--politics and government

ACLU Oakland County Branch Records

abarker — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 10:40:43 -0400

The Oakland County Branch of the American Civil Liberties Union was formed in 1979, with James Lafferty serving as the first elected president. Petitioned by the Metropolitan Detroit Branch of the ACLU, the branch was formed to address issues such as Oakland County jail conditions, lie detector use, senior housing rights, and attempts to reinstate the death penalty.

Contents of the collection include materials relating to the Baldwin Site Proposal for Senior Housing in the City of Birmingham, MI, and the related activities of PRIDE (People Rallying in Defense of Equality); the office files of branch president James Lafferty, and documentation of the war resistance and anti-draft activities of CARD (Committee Against Registration and Draft) and CCOO (Central Committee for Conscientious Objectors).

Michigan Federation of Teachers Records

dgolodner — Mon, 24 Jun 2013 14:23:35 -0400

Parts 1 and 2 consist of correspondence, minutes, and reports. Subjects include Administrative Board meetings; American Federation of Teachers; conventions; Detroit Federation of Teachers; Executive Council meetings; Haven Hill conferences; legislative lobbying activities; membership campaigns; metropolitan teachers' institutes; Michigan AFL-CIO Council; Michigan Constitutional Convention (1961); teachers' salary and fringe benefits surveys; treasurer reports; White House Conference on Children and Youth (1960). Correspondents include Detroit city officials, Michigan congressmen and state officials, and national congressmen and officials including John F. Kennedy and Lyndon Johnson. Most of the letters are answers to invitations for speaking engagements.
Part III deals mostly with the efforts to organize teachers during the 1960s and 1970s and dealing with the strikes that accompany labor disputes which is represented in the series Locals. There is ample amount of information about the American Federation of Teachers growth and inner workings during the 1960s and 1970s in the convention files; within these files there are not only basic convention materials but also notes from committee work and flyers from various factions within the AFT. MFT was a part of policy in education finances, assessments of teachers and teacher centers and is reflected in files dealing with the department of education and the like. Part III covers a broad range of topics with specific details on education reform in the 1970s, collective bargaining issues for teachers, political structures in Michigan and various issues on civil rights in Michigan, particularly the bussing of students. Series five contains photographs and audio recordings.

Avern L. Cohn Papers

aergas — Mon, 22 Mar 2021 11:21:05 -0400

The materials in this collection represent the scope of Judge Avern Cohn's professional life and his wide-ranging interests and activities, from family matters to philanthropy to leisure travel. The collection includes correspondence, opinions and orders, speeches and writings, scrapbooks, files on a large array of subjects and some audio-visual materials. In his several decades on the federal bench, Cohn was involved in cases involving a variety of issues including tax law, civil rights, school desegregation, and patents and trademarks. Among his most notable decisions are John Doe v. University of Michigan, which held unconstitutional the university's speech code; the Kearns patent infringement suit against Ford Motor Company regarding intermittent windshield wipers; the "Jake Baker case," which involved a student dismissed from the University of Michigan for allegedly putting a pornographic story on the internet; and Bradley v. Milliken, regarding school desegregation. Cohn was a prolific writer of professional articles, as well as of opinion pieces and letters to the editor; his research materials and writings are included here. He was a frequent participant in and speaker at meetings for the legal profession and many other professional groups. His interest in legal education is evidenced from materials reflecting his participation in moot courts, new lawyer seminars and student forums at various law schools including the University of Michigan, Wayne State University and Detroit College of Law. The collection includes Cohn's wide-ranging correspondence on the local, national and international level with lawyers and judges; politicians and government officials; journalists and publishers; business leaders; religious leaders; and academics. Active participation and leadership in the Jewish community is reflected in the papers. He served in numerous organizations, notably as president of the Jewish Welfare Federation, wrote extensively on Jewish historical subjects and was awarded some of the highest honors for service to the community. Materials relevant to Cohn's research into family history and genealogy, including correspondence with relatives in France and Israel are included here. Scrapbooks included in this collection were collected and arranged by Judge Cohn and
his staff. They provide an overview of his public life from the 1960s through approximately 2014.

Edward L. Baker Papers

drice — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 15:32:09 -0500

Edward Baker was the second longest serving Detroit Postmaster (1953-1976) and an active member of the National Association of Postmasters in the United States. His papers reflect his work as Postmaster and his involvement with the NAPUS, especially his term as its president.

Olive R. Beasley Papers

jruss — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 10:49:00 -0400

Olive R. Beasley led a career devoted to improving human and civil rights for minority groups. She served as secretary and later as executive director of the Michigan Committee on Civil Rights and was a member of the Fair Employment Practices Commission. She continued to serve its successor, the Michigan Civil Rights Commission as executive director of the Flint office. She also held numerous posts in labor and community organizations in Detroit and Flint including president of AFSCME Local 52, Detroit area; vice-president of AFSCME Council 7, Michigan; executive board member, Michigan AFL-CIO; and secretary of the Detroit League of Women Voters. In 1972 she received the Governor's Award for Distinguished Public Service Employees.

The papers reflect Mrs. Beasley's career with Michigan agencies and organizations concerned with civil rights and, to a lesser degree, her involvement with labor unions and Michigan politics.

David Bonior Papers

drice — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 16:57:42 -0500

David Bonior (June 6, 1945 -) was a Michigan State Representative from 1973-76, and a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from 1976-2002, serving as Democratic Whip from 1991-2002. Bonior was born in Detroit and raised in Hamtramck. He received his BA at University of Iowa and his MA at Chapman University. After college he worked as a probation officer in Detroit before volunteering four years in the Air Force from 1968-72. Upon returning he was elected to the Michigan legislature, and in 1976 was elected to the U.S. House. He was well known for his advocacy of minority rights, environmental concerns, working people’s rights, and Vietnam veterans. He was elected Democratic Whip in 1991, and was the longest Whip in the history of Congress. He left Congress in an unsuccessful bid for Governor of Michigan in 2001-02 where he ran against former Governor Jim Blanchard, and Attorney General Jennifer Granholm. His campaign centered around environmental concerns, minority rights, and the economy. Following his gubernatorial campaign, Bonior taught Labor Studies at Wayne State University and chaired the American Rights at Work program.

Part I of the Bonior Papers include documents relating to his activities in the 10th and 12th Congressional districts of Michigan during his years in Congress, as well as his run for Governor. The collection focuses mainly on Michigan issues, particularly social, labor, and environmental. Bonior’s biographical information, district schedules and participation in events are included in the administrative series. A large portion of the collection centers around his bi-yearly campaigns and includes campaign literature, mailings, events, research, and polling and surveys of his congressional district. Also included are newspaper clippings, newsletters and press releases.

Edward Connor Papers

drice — Fri, 22 Nov 2013 15:14:14 -0500

Mr. Connor served with the Public Works Administration in Gary, Indiana, and Chicago, Illinois (1935-43). He was executive director of the Detroit Citizens Housing and Planning Council (1943-48), a member of the Detroit Common Council (1948-66), chairman of the Wayne County Board of Supervisors (1954- 58), and a Detroit Recorder's Court judge (1966-1967). Mr. Connor also served as secretary of the Southeastern Michigan Community Research Corporation (1958-63), director of the National Association of County Officials (1959), and as a member of the National Advisory Committee on Urban Health Affairs (1963-64). Subjects include Works Progress Administration; Adult and Workers Education (1935-43); civic, housing, health, transportation, and industrial problems of the Detroit metropolitan area (1943-66); urban health problems in Russia (1964); election campaigns for Detroit Council (1948-65); primary election for governor of Michigan (1960); Recorder's Court election (1966). Correspondents include Al Barbour, Edward Carey, Jerome P. Cavanagh, Eleanor Coit, John Dingell, Philip Hart, Nicholas Hood, Frank Kelly, John F. Kennedy, Robert Kennedy, Frank Martel, Mel Ravitz, Roy Reuther, Dorothy K. Roosevelt, and G. Mennen Williams.

Developing Urban Detroit Area Research Project (Doxiadis) Records

drice — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 11:01:54 -0500

The Developing Urban Detroit Area Research Project (UDA) began in 1964 with sponsorship from the Detroit Edison Company and Wayne State University to understand the affects of urban growth in the city of Detroit in order to better prepare for future growth. The project was managed for seven years by the international urban planning organization, Doxiadis Associates and produced three volumes of published findings.

The UDA records document Doxiadis and the evolution of this project, consisting of large amounts of written and graphic data, proposed uses of the research, and peripheral related projects.

Robert Dingwell Papers

drice — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 10:40:30 -0500

Material from Mr. Dingwell, who served with the Michigan AFL-CIO Council and as a member of the Michigan House of Representatives (1964-66). Subjects include campaigns for state representative (1954-68); industrial safety legislation (1964-65); labor problems (1964-65); and workmen's compensation legislation (1964-65). Correspondents include Basil W. Brown, Frank Kelley, August Scholle, Donald Stevens, Robert Vander Laan, Nat Weinberg, G. Mennen Williams, and Myra Wolfgang.

George C. Edwards, Jr. Papers, Parts 1-4

drice — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 10:39:40 -0400

George Edwards, Jr., son of George Clifton Edwards, attended Harvard University where he became involved with the Student League for Industrial Democracy. After coming to Detroit in 1936, he became a UAW organizer with Walter Reuther, was appointed director of the Detroit Housing Commission, and served on the Detroit Common Council. After serving in WWII, he went into private practice, followed by judgeships in the Wayne County court system. In 1956, Edwards was appointed to the Michigan State Supreme Court. In 1962 he was invited by Mayor Jerome Cavanagh to the post of Police Commissioner of Detroit where he focused his attention on organized crime and discrimination. After serving two years he was nominated to the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals by President John F. Kennedy, and eventually served as a Chief Judge. He retired in 1991 and passed away in 1995.

Parts I-III of his papers reflects his early high school and college days, including correspondence with his father and material from his involvement in several student groups. Edward, Jr.'s various judicial campaigns, particularly his Michigan Supreme Court appointment, as well as his directorship of the Detroit Housing Commission are documented. Personal papers, including wartime correspondence with his wife, are included, as are newspaper clippings dealing with a variety of topics relevant to Detroit politics and events.

Part IV of Edwards, Jr.'s contains personal and career related correspondence from his service in the military through the 1980’s, with much focus on his nomination and confirmation to the Sixth Circuit Court. Included are many speeches and writings, his activities with professional organizations, a photocopy of his manuscript of the biography of his father, Pioneers at Law, and memorial tributes and letters of condolence to his family.

Al Fishman Papers

abarker — Wed, 27 Jun 2012 16:16:12 -0400

Alvin Fishman was born in Los Angeles, Nov. 28, 1927, but he was raised in New York and graduated from Stuyvesant High School. He was drafted and served in Italy during World War II. After the war, he moved to Ann Arbor, MI to attend the University of Michigan and study architecture. During this time he became involved in politics. Fishman left the university prior to graduation to move to Detroit and work as a tool and die machinist in an auto plant for the next thirteen years. He married Margaret Radulavich in 1951; they had two children, Marcia and Daniel. As an adult, he returned to college to complete his education in mathematics at Wayne State University. He also pursued a Master of Public Adminstration from Wayne State in the 1970s. He made a living programming computer systems for the Detroit Police Department.

Al Fishman and his wife, Margaret, were activists for peace and justice. Al was a long time leader of Peace Action of Michigan, serving as co-chair and representative on the national board of directors. He joined in the 1980s when the group was called the SANE/Freeze, working on the Nuclear Freeze Campaign. He was also involved with the New Jewish Agenda, Detroit Area Peace with Justice Network, Committees of Correspondence for Democracy and Socialism, and Democratic Socialists of America.

Part 1 of Mr. Fishman’s papers reflect his activities as state chairperson for the New Democratic Coalition of Michigan (NDCM) and his involvement in various Detroit-area political organizations and the anti-Vietnam War movement.

Part 2 of the collection documents the Fishman’s activism in the city of Detroit and their participation in various peace, justice and human rights groups, such as New Jewish Agenda, Peace Action of Michigan and Detroit Area Peace with Justice Network groups. Materials from Margaret Fishman’s involvement in the group Women’s Conference of Concerns are included. The collection also contains some materials from Al Fishman’s work with the Detroit Police Department, the City Charter Revision Commission, and his unsuccessful bids for city office.

Clemens Forsen Papers

abarker — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 13:15:08 -0400

A member of United Auto Workers Local 155, Clemens Forsen served on Local 155’s Executive Board and helped charter the Local 155 Credit Union, serving as Vice-President of the Local 155 Credit Union Board of Directors. Mr. Forsen’s papers reflect his work as a labor activist and in various Michigan Democratic Party organizations.

Horace W. Gilmore Papers

drice — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 14:56:35 -0500

Correspondence, pamphlets, booklets, newsletters, clippings, reports, and notes collected by Mr. Gilmore, who has been active politically in Detroit and Michigan. In 1952 he was special assistant U.S. attorney for the Office of Price Stabilization under Philip A. Hart; from 1955-56 he served as deputy attorney general of Michigan; from 1956 to the present he has been a Wayne County Circuit Court judge; from 1965-68 he helped to organize the Detroit Citizens Committee for Equal Opportunity and led its Police-Community Subcommittee; since 1965, he has chaired the Michigan Committee for Revision of the Criminal Code; he has been a member of the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice since 1967, leading the commission's Task Force on Administration of Justice. In 1969 he was elected a member of the Judicial Tenure Commission; from 1970-71 he headed the Round Table of Jews and Christians Institute of Police-Community Relations; and from 1971-72 he was president of NARCO (Narcotics Addiction Rehabilitation Coordinating Organization). Subjects include police training, criminal code revision, community relations, the 1967 Detroit riot and civil rights, and Detroit community projects. Major correspondents are Richard Emrich, Mildred Jeffrey, and G. Mennen Williams.

Robert J. Greene Papers

drice — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 11:13:29 -0500

Robert Greene was active in Michigan politics and a national advocate for Jewish interests. His papers reflect his forty years as a political activist, taken from his manuscript, "Sidebars."

Robert Halbeisen Papers

drice — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 15:24:55 -0500

Correspondence, reports, newsletters, lists, union handbills, expense statements, proposed agreements, songs, anti-union propaganda, minutes, and newspaper clippings collected by Mr. Halbeisen, who served as a representative of the Textile Workers Organizing Committee in Eaton Rapids, Michigan, during 1937. He was also vice-president of Local 191, United Public Workers (1946-481, and president of Local 52, Government Workers Organizing Committee (1950-56). Organization of textile workers in Michigan (1937); Horner Woolen Mills Strike (1 937); United Public Workers factionalism (1947-48); Schoolcraft Gardens Cooperative Housing Project (1949-50); reorganization of Michigan government (1951); collective bargaining demands to Michigan Civil Service Commission (1952-53); and welfare reform (1953) are covered. Correspondents include Irwin DeShetler, George Edwards, John Hannah, Barney Hopkins, Milton Murray, Jacob Potofsky, Frank Rosenblum, and H. Schneid.

Robert G. Hodges Papers

abarker — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 13:39:21 -0400

Active in Michigan democratic politics, Robert Hodges served on the 1959 Democratic State Central Committee and as a delegate to the 1962 Michigan Constitutional Convention. Mr. Hodges’ papers document the events of the Constitutional Convention.

Raymond Hood Papers

abarker — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 14:13:46 -0400

Raymond Hood served Detroit’s 7th District in the Michigan House of Representatives. Mr. Hood’s papers document his work in the Michigan state legislature, particularly his service in the Labor, Mental Health, Public Health, and Environment committees.

Casper P. Kenny Papers

drice — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 22:13:31 -0500

Casper P. Kenny was a member of the Michigan House of Representatives from 1943 to 1948 and was active in CIO affairs. The items donated concern the Gabriel Retirement plan, the no-strike pledge, and interrogations by the House Un-American Activities Committee.

Joseph J. Kowalski Papers

drice — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 09:42:43 -0500

As speaker of the Michigan House of Representatives, Mr. Kowalski was responsible for the introduction of many liberal reforms in the state. Formerly a lawyer and union organizer, he directed UAW educational programs before his election as a representative of the Nineteenth district, Wayne County, in 1948. Papers and correspondence of 1965 and 1966 are most comprehensive on caucus and committee meetings, minutes and proposals, court reorganization, Democratic Party affairs, civil rights, civil service, liquor control, insurance problems, prisons and jails, reapportionment, aid to parochial schools, and many other state problems. Correspondents include Richard Austin, John D. Dingell, Gerald R. Ford, Zoltan Ferency, Martha Griffiths, James Hare, Philip Hart, Clarence Hilberry, William R. Keast, James H. Lincoln, Walter Reuther, George Romney, August Scholle, Neil Staebler, Robert E. Waldron, and G. Mennen Williams.

Henry Kraus Papers

drice — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 16:36:01 -0400

Mr. Kraus was the first editor of the UAW's newspaper The United Auto Worker (later changed to Solidarity). He was active in the early attempts by the UAW (first under the AFL and later under the CIO) to organize the auto industry. Files for the late 1920s and early 1930s cover the attempts by groups, including the Auto Workers Union of the Trade Union Unity League, to organize auto workers, and discuss such events as the Murray Body Strike (1929); the Ford Hunger March (1932); and the Briggs Strike (1933). There are many items pertaining to the AFL's work in the auto industry, such as material on the threatened auto strike of March 1934, the Toledo Auto-Lite and Chevrolet strikes of 1934 and 1935, and conferences and conventions of the UAW-AFL. The collection also has many files of the AFL's Detroit office for the early 1930s. Particularly well covered are the activities of the UAW-CIO from 1936 to 1940, including the South Bend Convention, the sit-downs, early attempts to organize Ford, and the Homer Martin controversy (resulting in the split of 1939). The Flint Sit-Down Strike and factionalism in the UAW are particularly well documented. Correspondents include nearly every major AFL, CIO, and UAW leader of the period. Among them are John Brophy, F. J. Dillon, Adolph Germer, William Green, John L. Lewis, Homer Martin, Rose Pesotta, Walter Reuther, and R. J. Thomas. Public figures include Charles Coughlin and Frank Murphy. Nine reels of microfilm complement content in Part I and are described in a separate guide.

Part 3 contains manuscripts, notes and research materials from Kraus’s three major books, as well as materials from his other books and writings including those on medieval art. Also included are transcripts of oral histories from a variety of individuals involved in the labor movement, especially those from the 1937 Flint Sit-Down Strike.

Garland Lane Papers

drice — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 10:25:44 -0500

Garland Lane was a Michigan Democratic State Senator representing Genesee County, where he was an important part of the Appropriations Committee. His papers reflect his Senate activities.

Arthur F. Lederle Papers

drice — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 16:40:37 -0500

Arthur Lederle taught in Detroit Public Schools before entering a legal career, culminating in his tenure as Judge of the Federal District Court for Eastern Michigan. He continued to be involved with education throughout his career. His papers reflect his position in Democratic Party affairs, his interest in court administration and civil procedure, the major case over which he presided and his educational activities.

Olga Madar Papers

abarker — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 17:56:04 -0400

A member of United Auto Workers (UAW) Local 50, Olga Madar served as director of recreation programs, social services and women’s activities, and as director of the International Union’s Recreational Department. Ms. Madar was the first woman to hold a position on the UAW International Executive Board, and the first woman to serve as UAW International Vice-President. Ms. Madar’s papers reflect her career with the UAW and her commitment to advocacy for women, minorities and senior citizens.

Maurice Kelman Papers

kschmeling — Wed, 14 Aug 2019 13:38:59 -0400

Attorney Maurice Kelman taught at Wayne State University Law School and served as Special Counsel to Mayor Jerome Cavanagh.

Part 1 of Mr. Kelman’s papers, which reflect his career as an attorney and arbitrator, primarily relate his work as Special Counsel to Mayor Cavanagh. Part 2 of the Collection spans the years of 1943 to 2012, including materials from Kelman's early life attending Durfee Intermediate and Cass Technical High Schools, further education at the University of Michigan, Wayne State University, and Harvard Law School, up through his entire professional career. This Collection contains his numerous publications, work concerning Elected Officeholder Expense Funds, Ray Girardin interview transcripts, and features his passion for drawing and cartoons. Important subjects include: Kwame Kilpatrick, Coleman A. Young, Jerome P. Cavanagh, Ray Girardin, and Wade H. McCree Jr. Collection includes a 1971 interview recording and transcript with Ray Girardin who served as Detroit police commissioner for five years under Mayor Jerome Cavanagh. Prior to his police career he was a crime reporter. Girardin talks about his career as a crime reporter with and as Detroit police commissioner during the 1967 civil unrest, which he describes in detail over its unfolding, from his perspective as a law officer.

Wade H. McCree, Jr. Papers

drice — Mon, 09 Nov 2015 13:55:18 -0500

Wade Hampton McCree, Jr. began his career as a lawyer in the Detroit law firm of Harold E. Bledsoe and Hobart Taylor. He later served on the state’s Workmen’s Compensation Commission and as a judge in the county and U.S. court system. During his tenure on the bench, McCree took part in a number of school desegregation cases iand as the government’s lawyer, he argued a number of significant cases before the Supreme Court. He resigned in 1977 to accept appointment as U.S. Solicitor General in the Carter administration. In the last few years of his life, McCree taught law at the University of Michigan, and consulted on various cases and served as Special Master for the U.S. Supreme Court in cases in which it exercised original jurisdiction. Judge McCree’s professional, educational, civic and charitable activities were many and he was the recipient of numerous honors and awards.

His papers contain his personal and professional correspondence, speeches and writings, voluminous case files, including his notes and opinions, meeting minutes, publications and other material relating to his service on the bench and as the federal government’s chief lawyer as well as his work on professional committees and his involvement with a wide range of civic, fraternal and charitable organizations.

Patrick Vincent McNamara Papers

drice — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 14:14:59 -0500

Patrick V. McNamara was Detroit Area rent director for the OPA (1942-45), member of the Detroit Common Council (1946-47), member of the Detroit Board of Education (1949-55), and a U.S. senator (1954-66). With the exception of scrapbooks dating from 1942, the collection covers his term of office in the Senate while serving on the Public Works Committee (chairman, 1963-66), Labor and Public Welfare Committee, Select Committee on Improper Activities in the Labor or Management Field, Select Subcommittee on Poverty, and the Special Committee on Aging. Subjects covered include problems of the aged, civil rights, atomic energy, education, taxes, public works, federal highway acts, and labor. Correspondents include all major political figures of the period and many labor leaders.

Michael W. Kerwin Papers

srafferty — Thu, 29 Jul 2021 14:17:13 -0400

Mike Kerwin moved to Detroit in 1950 and began work at American Metal Products Co. which led to his membership with the UAW Local 174. Mike Kerwin also served as an Editor of the Local 174 newsletter, Union Voice. After 3 years in this position and becoming increasingly involved in Local 174’s Education Committee, Kerwin began working directly for the UAW as a Technician in the Education Department. Kerwin worked in the UAW Education Department until his retirement, creating educational programs for union members. Kerwin’s work with the UAW, as well as his own interests, led him to be very active in a number of Detroit and Michigan area groups related to the Democratic Party, Detroit Public Schools, Catholic faith, and labor. Among his many accomplishments, Kerwin helped found the Michigan Labor History Society in 1977 where he remained an active member until his passing on July 19, 2021.

Michigan Citizens Lobby Records

drice — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 20:38:43 -0500

Subjects include: consumer and tax legislation

Michigan Commission On Displaced Persons Records

drice — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 20:40:00 -0500

Correspondence, minutes, reports, clippings, memoranda, speeches, resolutions, press releases, immigrant and refugee arrival lists, and miscellaneous materials relating to the Michigan Committee on Displaced Persons (1946-51), the Michigan Commission on Displaced Persons (1949-60), the Michigan Committee on Immigration (1951-64), wartime aliens and naturalized citizens (1940-47), refugee records (1953-65), and "Interpreter Releases" (1937-64). The materials were collected by the Michigan Commission on Displaced Persons and Refugees. Subjects include licensing of immigrant physicians; wartime aliens; the McCarran-Walter Act; and other legislation affecting immigrants and refugees. Among the correspondents are John Dingell, Paul Douglas, Homer Ferguson, Hubert Humphrey, Jacob Javits, Estes Kefauver, Herbert Lehman, Blair Moody, Roy Reuther, George Romney, Arthur Vandenberg, and G. Mennen Williams.

Michigan Constitutional Convention Records

drice — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 16:29:53 -0500

Printed materials from the 1961 Michigan Constitutional Convention, collected by Lillian Hatcher, a UAW International Representative and a Democratic delegate to the Convention.

Richard Miller Papers

drice — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 20:59:09 -0500

Richard Miller served in several administrative capacities in Michigan government, including the State Attorney General's Office, the House of Representatives, and the Governor's Office. His papers consists of correspondence, press releases, memoranda, bill summaries, campaign material, legislative newsletters and reports, and fact sheets concerning areas related to Mr. Miller's activities in the legislative and executive branches of state government.

George F. Montgomery Jr. Papers

abarker — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 16:19:11 -0400

George Montgomery served in the Michigan House of Representatives for the 21st District of Detroit, in the House Ways and Means Committee, and as chairman of the Special Committee on Measures of Quality in Elementary and Secondary Education and of the Special Committee on Community Colleges. Mr. Montgomery’s papers reflect his work in Michigan politics, particularly on Michigan education issues.

Prince Moon Papers

abarker — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 16:36:02 -0400

As a member of United Auto Workers Local 22, Prince Moon served as an Executive Board member of the Wayne County American Federation of Labor-Congress of Industrial Nations (AFL-CIO). Mr. Moon served on the staff of the Institute of Labor and Industrial Relations of the University of Michigan and Wayne State University, as Educational Representative of UAW Region 1E, and as Assistant Director of the Black Lake UAW Family Education Center. As an active member of the Michigan Democratic Party, Mr. Moon served as Treasurer of the 14th Congressional District and as District Chairman of the Northern Michigan 11th congressional District. Mr. Moon's papers reflect his work with the UAW, and to a lesser degree, his involvement in the Michigan Democratic Party.

Loretta Moore Papers

abarker — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 17:19:52 -0400

An active member of the National Organization of Women (NOW), Loretta Moore held various posts, including founder and first president of the NOW Downriver Chapter, and was named "Feminist of the Year" by NOW in 1977. Ms. Moore served as a trustee of Wayne County Community College, a Board Member of the Michigan Employment Agency Advisory Council, and was active in Michigan Democratic politics. Ms. Moore’s papers reflect her work with NOW and her involvement in community affairs and Michigan politics.

Harold Norris Papers

abarker — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 16:02:49 -0400

Lawyer Harold Norris served as chairman of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) Detroit Branch and was a member of the National Lawyers Guild. Mr. Norris’ papers reflect his interest in issues of civil rights and civil liberties and document his career as a lawyer and advocate for the ACLU.

William Palmer Papers

drice — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 11:43:44 -0500

William Palmer was active in Michigan politics, serving three consecutive terms as a state senator of the thirteenth district. His papers reflect his time in office.

Paul Parker Papers

drice — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 14:07:38 -0500

Paul Parker worked for the Flint, MI Chevrolet Division of General Motors for forty-one years. During that time he served the United Auto Workers in several capacities and was active in local and state Democratic politics. His papers primarily reflect his activities in the Michigan House of Representatives.

Vincent Petitpren Papers

drice — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 09:29:14 -0500

Mr. Petitpren served in the Michigan House of Representatives from I964 to 1970 for the Thirty-seventh District, representing Westland, Wayne, and the surrounding areas. He was chairman of the Colleges and Universities Committee, vice-chairman of the State Affairs Committee, and member of the House Policy and Youth committees. Correspondence, clippings, and reports cover the Michigan Osteopathic College, the Community Health Authority, out-of-state fees at universities, and state financial support for colleges and universities. Correspondents include Jerome Cavanagh, Philip Hart, Patrick McNamara, George Romney, Neil Staebler, and Willard Wirtz.

Norman E. Philleo Papers

drice — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 10:18:09 -0500

Norman Philleo server for a period as Clerk of the House of Representatives of the Michigan legislature. His papers consist of a membership application for the Knights of Labor, one of the most important American labor organizations in the 19th century.

Alex Pilch Papers

abarker — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 10:14:57 -0400

Legislator Alex Pilch served in the Michigan House of Representatives. During his term in office, Representative Pilch worked as an advocate of Parochiaid and campaigned against cross-district busing and the liberalization of abortion laws. Representative Pilch’s papers relate to his legislative work, particularly concerning Parochiaid, open housing, busing and abortion.

James G. Pyrros Papers

drice — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 11:10:32 -0500

James Pyrros had an active career in local, state, and national Democratic politics. He worked on many state congressional campaigns and staffs, for the Detroit Housing Commission, and in the Michigan attorney general's office. His papers reflect his political endeavors and document Michigan Democratic Party politic as well as state and national elections.

Philip Rahoi Papers

drice — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 12:36:42 -0500

Correspondence, speeches, and clippings relating to Mr. Rahoi's career as a Michigan state representative from Iron Mountain, Michigan (1934-36) and as a state senator (1954-66). Subjects include aid to dependent children and unemployment bills. Major correspondents are George Romney and G. Mennen Williams.

Roy Reuther Papers

drice — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 15:17:20 -0500

Correspondence, newspaper clippings, newspapers, reports, notes, and pamphlets collected by Roy Reuther, who served as national director of the UAW's Citizenship and Legislative Department and administrative assistant to Walter P. Reuther. In addition, he was co-director of the National Voters' Registration Committee in John Kennedy's presidential campaign (1960), director of AFL-CIO's voter registration campaign (1962 and 1964), and appointed member of a President's commission to study state and local laws concerning voter registration and elections (1963). Subjects include UAW's PAC registration drives; AFL-CIO's COPE registration drive and financial affairs; Democratic politics and elections (national, Michigan, and Detroit); congressional debate on civil rights (1958-59); Brookwood Labor College (1936); Wayne County CIO Council; and the Third World Congress of the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (1953). Major correspondents are Victor Reuther, Walter Reuther, and Paul Sifton. An oral history interview with Mr. Reuther concerning the Flint sit-downs is available.

Dalton Roberson Papers

drice — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 13:16:33 -0500

Upon graduating from the Detroit College of Law, Roberson went into private practice, and later worked as an assistant Wayne County prosecutor and as an assistant U.S. attorney. He also served as a member and then chair of the Michigan Civil Rights Commission. Roberson was elected to the Detroit Recorders Court in 1974 and eventually became its chief judge in 1987. The Roberson Collection includes correspondence, newspaper clippings, his retirement speech and photos, amongst other material, largely from the period in which he served as a judge.

William A. Ryan Papers

abarker — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 16:21:59 -0400

William Ryan served as a president of United Auto Workers Local 104 and in the Michigan House of Representatives for Wayne County’s 3rd District. Mr. Ryan’s papers relate to his tenure as the Democratic Speaker of the House for the Michigan State Legislature. Parochiaid and the State School Aid Act are among important issues documented in the collection.

Gene Saari Papers

abarker — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 13:12:52 -0400

As an active member of the labor movement, Gene Saari worked for the Timber & Sawmill Workers Union Local 15, helped to form the International Union of Mine, Mill & Smelter Workers (IUMMSW, or Mine-Mill), and served as secretary-treasurer of United Copper Workers Union Local 494. Mr. Saari also served as a vice-president of the Michigan State Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO), a Mine-Mill international representative, and as an organizer for the United Steelworkers of America.
Mr. Saari’s papers relate to labor issues in the Michigan copper industry, jurisdictional disputes between Mine-Mill and the Steelworkers union, to economic and social conditions in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, and to Mr. Saari’s campaigns for public office in the 1940’s. Calumet & Hecla, Inc., Copper Range Railroad Company and Hanna Mining Company are among important subjects in the collections.

William M. Seabron Papers

drice — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 15:01:01 -0500

Correspondence, reports, clippings, resolutions, financial reports, minutes, notes, and speeches collected by Mr. Seabron. He served as the Industrial Relations Secretary for the Minneapolis Urban League from 1944-50; from 1950-56, he was the assistant to the director of the Michigan Fair Employment Practices Commission; from 1962-65, assistant to the director of personnel in the Department of Agriculture. Since 1965 he has been a special assistant to the Secretary of Agriculture. Additional activities involve civil rights and the Pioneers Club of Detroit. Subjects include fair employment, and the Pioneers Club of Detroit. Major correspondents are John C. Dancy, Orville L. Freeman, Hubert Humphrey, and G. Mennen Williams.

Ann Shafer Papers

drice — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 15:53:10 -0500

Ann Shafer has lobbied in support of women's issues, including equal pay, sex and employment discrimination, reproductive freedom, and pregnancy disability benefits throughout her career. She began working in 1946 for W.K. Kellogg Company and was active in the American Federation of Grainmillers, retiring in 1983. She has been involved with the Michigan Democratic Party politics, co-founded a chapter of the National Organization of Women (NOW), and was one of the founding members of the Coalition of Labor Union Women. Ann Shafer's papers reflect her experiences with women in the labor movement, civil rights, politics, and women's rights.

Ernest Smith Papers

drice — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 15:30:03 -0500

Ernest Smith was a teacher in the Detroit Public School System who was involved in the black civil rights movement. He helped found the Michigan Freedom Now Party, an all-black party, for whom he ran as candidate for U.S. senator. His papers reflect his interest in black political action, resistance to compulsory unionization, right-to-work organizations, and civil rights issues.

Joseph Snyder Papers

drice — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 10:59:20 -0500

Joseph Snyder worked for the United Auto Workers as International Representative of St. Clair Shores District, MI, local auditor and negotiator, and Constitutional Delegate from Macomb County, MI. He was also involved in local, county, and Michigan politics, most notably serving three consecutive terms in the Michigan House of Representatives. His papers reflect his latter UAW career as well as his involvement in politics.