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Tape/Side
1/1
Time
00:00
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INTERVIEWER'S INTRODUCTION
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Tape/Side
1/1
Time
00:45
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EARLY BACKGROUND
: Born in Indianapolis, Indiana on November 25, 1906. Family moved to Kenosha one year later, where Newton resided until 1969. Lived in northern Wisconsin for two years, then moved to Milwaukee, until retiring to San Diego area. Father a third generation immigrant from Germany; worked for Jeffrey Motor Company which later became Nash Motors, then American Motors Company. Father, ill with tuberculosis, moved to western United States while mother clerked in dry goods store. Oldest brother quit school to find work in the West; other children worked. Red Newton did such odd jobs as caddying at golf course.
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Tape/Side
1/1
Time
03:25
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EDUCATION AND LATER EMPLOYMENT
: Attended Catholic School for two years; too far from home so quit school after junior year to work at grocery store at first, then at the American Brass Company in sledder department. Left after one year because lost twenty pounds due to polluted air.
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Tape/Side
1/1
Time
04:45
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CARPENTER APPRENTICESHIP
: Friend helped Newton find apprenticeship from 1926-1929. Very little work; drove around Wisconsin looking for jobs before hired as ship's carpenter at Manitowoc.
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Tape/Side
1/1
Time
06:35
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MORE INFORMATION ON EMPLOYMENT
: Describes work at American Brass. Most of carpenter work in houses; started ship carpentry in hot smelly bilge, where told to pace himself with other carpenters. Did cabinet work in officers quarters before laid off.
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Tape/Side
1/1
Time
10:35
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POLITICAL CONSCIOUSNESS
: Socialist by late 1920's, influenced by co-workers. Not politically active, although interested. Spent spare time playing tennis.
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Tape/Side
1/1
Time
12:20
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RETURN TO KENOSHA
: Got bits and pieces of work occasionally. Began working on overheads, “La Follette Rollercoasters,” after Works Progress Administration (WPA) began, six hours per day at nearly prevailing wage rates.
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Tape/Side
1/1
Time
14:15
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POLITICAL ACTIVITIES
: Active in unemployed organizations, including group chaired by Attorney Frank Symmonds who represented unemployed with relief agencies and helped them find jobs. Members of unemployed organization considered communists because of willingness to picket establishments which didn't hire unemployed. Socialist Party, from fifty to seventy strong, brought speakers from Milwaukee. Recalls that Communists used to break up meetings of unemployed council, with Dalton G. Johnson particularly effective at organizing disruptive activities. Later, Newton became active in Kenosha Trades and Labor Council (KTLC).
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Tape/Side
1/1
Time
19:05
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COMMUNIST PARTY IN KENOSHA
: Maximum strength probably no more than twenty to thirty card-carrying members.
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Tape/Side
1/1
Time
21:05
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HARRY MILLER, GILBERT FECHNER, AND FELIX OLKIVES
: Miller a well-educated close friend of Newton's, though not directly connected to any labor union. Like Jake Friedrick, Miller gave clear, well-organized, easily-understandable speeches, based on good research. Newton also worked with Gilbert Fechner, although they were not close friends. Felix Olkives a good speaker who could always rouse workers.
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Tape/Side
1/1
Time
24:40
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UNION ACTIVITY IN KENOSHA UP TO 1933
: Sporadic efforts to organise auto workers in Kenosha and Racine, but little success. KTLC had craft organization structure. Machinists organized at American Brass and possibly at Nash Motors and Simmons companies.
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Tape/Side
1/1
Time
26:05
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ORGANIZING DRIVE AFTER PASSAGE OF NATIONAL INDUSTRIAL RECOVERY ACT (NIRA)
: As part of national fervor to organize, KTLC began organization work in plants in June of 1933, with unpaid group leading the way.
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Tape/Side
1/1
Time
29:50
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END OF TAPE 1, SIDE 1
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Tape/Side
1/2
Time
00:00
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INTERVIEWER'S INTRODUCTION
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Tape/Side
1/2
Time
00:30
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ORGANIZING AT SIMMONS COMPANY IN KENOSHA
: Called meeting at Simmons to organize workers. Felix Olkives spoke, took registrations and dues from 800 to 1000 men. Relates anecdote about finding $25 shortage due to honest mistake. Olkives sparked efforts at Nash after George Nordstrom and Paul Russo shut down the line. Newton joined plant organizing efforts at noon, but most of his work took place in workers' homes.
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Tape/Side
1/2
Time
07:50
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MOTIVATION FOR ORGANIZING
: Socialists influenced Newton, as did attendance at University of Wisconsin School for Workers in 1933, crystallizing his personal beliefs. Attended School for Workers again in 1935 as part of WPA Workers' Education class. Discusses role School for Workers played in development of ideology and plan of action.
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Tape/Side
1/2
Time
09:45
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WORKERS' EDUCATION
: During 1920's Newton taught loosely structured parliamentary procedure classes in workers' homes. Recalls summer workers' classes at UW taught by Selig Perlman and Edwin Witte. Historian Arthur Calhoun taught practical organizing technique: “Learn to walk by faith and not by practice.” Exchange with other students as educational as material from instructors. 1933 the first year at School for Workers that males outnumbered females.
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Tape/Side
1/2
Time
15:10
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SCHOOL FOR WORKERS DIRECTOR ALICE SHOEMAKER
: Kindly, pedantic woman who administered School for Workers efficiently, did not teach. Little to do with program's teacher training course, left to such individuals as Harry Miller of Kenosha and Robert Powers of Port Washington.
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Tape/Side
1/2
Time
18:20
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MORE ON TEACHER TRAINING SCHOOL
: Purpose was to train and “structurize” students, to prepare them for organizing and holding classes on labor history, parliamentary procedure, public speaking, consumers' cooperation, etc. Students prepared class outlines, then rotated in practice teaching. Six-week teacher training class held in Milwaukee in 1936, after which Newton and others placed on WPA rolls. Newton taught in Kenosha and Racine; occasionally substituted in Milwaukee.
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Tape/Side
1/2
Time
20:45
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CLASSES IN KENOSHA
: Great interest in union movement meant burgeoning classes. Demand so great that during one semester Newton taught parliamentary procedure five nights a week. Recruited students from ranks of stewards and others at union meetings.
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Tape/Side
1/2
Time
22:40
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REMUNERATION FOR TEACHING WORKERS' CLASSES
: Doesn't recall.
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Tape/Side
1/2
Time
22:55
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RURAL WORKERS' EDUCATION PROGRAM
: Recalls program for rural teacher training in 1935, especially among members of Wisconsin Farmers' Equity Union. First became acquainted with such people as Walter Uphoff and Jean Long at that time.
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Tape/Side
1/2
Time
25:20
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CONSUMERS' COOPERATION CLASSES IN RACINE AND KENOSHA AREA
: Recalls how little he knew about the subject when called upon to teach classes. Racine attended by managers of cooperatives.
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Tape/Side
1/2
Time
26:30
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IMPORTANCE OF WORKERS' EDUCATION TO UNION ORGANIZING IN 1930's
: Thousands of workers received instruction in such areas as union organizing and parliamentary procedure. “Workers education movement gave them the tools they needed.” Many new leaders obtained information which originated in workers' education classes. Newton, in 1933 the first from Kenosha to attend the UW School for Workers, was followed by scores more through the years. KTLC helped to finance workers' education program started there by Newton.
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Tape/Side
1/2
Time
28:50
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END OF TAPE 1, SIDE 2
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Tape/Side
2/1
Time
00:00
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INTERVIEWER'S INTRODUCTION
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Tape/Side
2/1
Time
00:30
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ORIGINS OF KENOSHA LABOR
: Group including Newton, Harry Miller and others went to Sheboygan to examine Times operation; traveled to Guardian Publishing Company in Milwaukee, publisher of Leader, and talked to Elmer Krahn about economics of labor newspaper. Results of research presented to enthusiastic KTLC, which appointed Newton to chair committee to solicit block subscriptions. Recalls Peter Jacobsen of UAW alone soliciting 120-130 subscriptions; overall effort netted 1600 at one dollar each at which point Krahn agreed to assist if 1400 subscriptions added. Downtown office established; Krahn sent advertising manager from Leader to assist, and sample issue prepared to aid subscription drive. Single issue edited by Jake Friedrick, just before Paul Porter hired. Newton stepped away as candidate for editor to avoid suspicion that he sold subscriptions to get himself a job. Both Newton and Miller wrote stories; later Newton did series on bargaining situation at various plants.
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Tape/Side
2/1
Time
06:25
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IMPETUS FOR STARTING LABOR NEWSPAPER IN KENOSHA
: Kenosha News featured management side of Nash strikes on front page, but buried union statements in the rear.
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Tape/Side
2/1
Time
08:25
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KENOSHA LABOR SUCCEEDS
: Soon more than 3000 subscriptions, largely because of bloc subscriptions by locals. Unionism more of a religious fervor then; Labor a vehicle for reporting on union meetings at a time the attendance was high.
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Tape/Side
2/1
Time
9:25
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ROLE OF WSFL AND AFL IN ORGANIZING UNIONS IN KENOSHA
: Henry Ohl and Jake Friedrick were excellent, understandable, plain speakers who helped to stimulate organizing activity. Paul Smith of American Federation of Labor (AFL) had rolling oratorical style like John L. Lewis, but his speeches not as effective as those by Ohl and Friedrick.
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Tape/Side
2/1
Time
11:25
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LITTLE PROBLEM WITH KENOSHA CRAFT UNIONS WHEN FEDERAL LABOR UNIONS (FLU's) ORGANIZED
: Most labor leaders in Kenosha sympathetic to FLU's; cites how Felix Olkives, a painter, never tried to separate painters out of FLU's at Nash or Simmons companies. Many organizers, including machinist Leonard Mattson, were socialists. Situation changed after those like Emil Costello, orated “all over the place” in behalf of CIO. FLU representatives accepted in KTLC, apportioned according to one delegate per so many members. AFL delegate structure arranged so no one union could dominate either central body or WSFL.
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Tape/Side
2/1
Time
16:10
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EMIL COSTELLO AS CHIEF CIO INFLUENCE IN KENOSHA AND AT SIMMONS COMPANY
: “Costello led and sparked the State CIO movement.” Became president of Simmons FLU, elected to state Assembly and in 1936 to WSFL executive board. Newton succeeded Costello on WSFL executive board after Costello was expelled. Not a polished speaker initially, Miller and Newton always thought that some one or group, perhaps communists, “polished him up.” Costello, if not a Communist Party member, “certainly followed the line.” When CIO movement started elsewhere, Costello one of first to promote the organization in Kenosha; help must have been available to organize a statewide meeting in Milwaukee resulting in Wisconsin State Industrial Union Council (IUC). Costello had such helpers at Simmons as John Fitzpatrick. AFL strongly resisted Simmons takeover by CIO because “if Simmons went CIO, then all hell would've broke loose in Kenosha.” Newton, as temporary editor of Kenosha Labor in Paul Porter's absence, “literally laid a ruler” to measure length of AFL and CIO news stories.
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Tape/Side
2/1
Time
23:20
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OTHER EARLY CIO ACTIVISTS IN KENOSHA
: George Nordstrom and Paul Russo. Recalls how Russo, a believer in CIO and in Costello, set up loudspeakers on car before Simmons NLRB election.
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Tape/Side
2/1
Time
25:10
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SIMMONS ELECTION
: Voted to stay in AFL. Margin of victory came from office workers who favored AFL affiliation.
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Tape/Side
2/1
Time
26:15
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COMPARISON OF ORGANIZED LABOR IN KENOSHA AND RACINE
: Auto worker plants in Racine so far outnumbered building trades in AFL that UAW dominated. In Kenosha, subscribers to Labor split about 50-50 between AFL and CIO; in Racine membership “far and away” tilted heavily toward CIO. In Racine, UAW leaders took lead in organizing unions in plants outside of auto.
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Tape/Side
2/1
Time
28:35
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END OF TAPE 2, SIDE 1
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Tape/Side
2/2
Time
00:00
|
INTERVIEWER'S INTRODUCTION
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Tape/Side
2/2
Time
00:30
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WORKERS' EDUCATION CONFERENCES IN 1938 AND 1939 IN MIDST OF AFL AND CIO ANTAGONISM
: State Workers' Education Conference at Kenosha in 1938 organized by Chris Jorgensen and Newton to bring together committee and councils to discuss common problems. CIO got invitations as well as AFL in midst of crossfire among WSFL and State IUC leadership. Milwaukee FTC education committee of five observed conference proceedings to make sure Newton expressed no anti-AFL sentiments. Two-day second conference in Madison in 1939 followed several workers' education continuation committee meetings. State IUC leaders opposed as was WSFL's Ohl, the latter accusing Newton of “consorting with the CIO” while member of WSFL executive board. Recalls how Henry Rutz attempted to smooth things over between Newton and Ohl. Ohl suggested Newton's cooperation with CIO similar to what Costello had tried to do; Newton responded with equal force. Despite their differences, Newton places Ohl as AFL leader in Wisconsin second only to Jake Friedrick. Ohl a “good man” but remained disappointed over such experiences as AFL convention rejection of “Wisconsin Plan” for labor peace; plan attacked as was Ohl personally. Newton undaunted after Ohl informed him he could not support him for re-election to executive board because Newton had friends around the state and support of teamsters.
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Tape/Side
2/2
Time
10:50
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WPA RURAL TEACHERS' TRAINING INSTITUTE AT CAMP DOUGLAS IN 1938
: No recollection.
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Tape/Side
2/2
Time
12:10
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FARMER-LABOR RELATIONSHIP
: Progressive politicians alone interested in hearing about workers' problems because of conservative nature of both Democratic and Republican parties, but Progressives not strong enough to control legislature. Ohl instigated formation of Farmer-Labor Progressive Federation, initially by meeting such Farmers Equity Union leaders as Kenneth Hones. Organization's goal was to pressure legislators through mutual support to enact desired legislation. No liberal farmers' organization in southern lakeshore region where Farm Bureau dominated. No tensions between rural and urban Progressive interests until teamsters in 1937 began to organize workers in creameries and other farmers' cooperatives.
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Tape/Side
2/2
Time
17:30
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IMPORTANCE OF HENRY RUTZ TO FLPF
: Rutz a good organizer with deep, booming voice with slight German brogue. Close to Harry Miller, Rutz was the one individual that the disparate groups in FLPF could coalesce around.
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Tape/Side
2/2
Time
18:35
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FLPF DOOMED FROM THE START
: Progressive Party and the La Follettes didn't want to relinquish any of their prerogatives. La Follettes “wanted things their own way, no question about that.”
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Tape/Side
2/2
Time
19:20
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OLD SOCIALISTS AND MANY PROGRESSIVES MOVE INTO DEMOCRATIC PARTY IN AFTERMATH OF PORTAGE CONVENTION IN 1946
: Hartwick Dahl and other Kenosha and Racine labor delegates at convention met with Robert M. La Follette, Jr. at rear of hall to inform him they couldn't follow him into the Republican Party. La Follette, responding that the Democratic Party was headed nowhere, obviously had mind made up to return to Republican Party before convention held.
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Tape/Side
2/2
Time
21:10
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DEMOCRATIC PARTY IN KENOSHA IN 1946
: “Moribund.” Democrats had agreement with Republicans over splitting county offices between them. Newton and others, finding it futile to work with leaders of Democratic Party, went to conventions and worked to excise precinct prerogatives. Group ultimately elected Harry Miller party chairman after they found they “had to take the damn thing over ourselves.”
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Tape/Side
2/2
Time
23:00
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GOVERNOR PHILIP LA FOLLETTE IN 1938
: Much disillusionment set in among old supporters when La Follette tried to promote a “Nazi-type” image at rally at UW stock pavilion. Up to that time La Follette was a “magic name” because of aura surrounding Robert M. La Follette, Sr.
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Tape/Side
2/2
Time
25:25
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THOMAS DUNCAN OF MILWAUKEE
: Probably had switched to progressives from socialists by the time he became Phil La Follette's assistant. “A slick operator...wheeler-dealer.”
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Tape/Side
2/2
Time
26:55
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STRENGTH OF WSFL LEADERSHIP IN 1930's
: Ohl, Handley, and Friedrick could sit down and calmly and effectively discuss problems and differences with employers.
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Tape/Side
2/2
Time
27:55
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DIM RECOLLECTION OF WSFL ATTEMPT TO SET UP RECIPROCAL TRADE LABEL ARRANGEMENT WITH WISCONSIN FARMERS EQUITY UNION
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Tape/Side
2/2
Time
28:10
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END OF TAPE 2, SIDE 2
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Tape/Side
3/1
Time
00:30
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AFL COUNTERACTS CIO ORGANIZING EFFORTS IN KENOSHA
: Much publicity about CIO organizing activity, but alleged communist influence helped AFL to counter with own organizing efforts. In Kenosha, large plants were organized by time of CIO drives elsewhere. Gentlemen's agreement in Kenosha, struck after auto workers swung several FLU's away from AFL, held by and large.
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Tape/Side
3/1
Time
02:30
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REASONS WHY AFL OUT-ORGANIZES CIO IN WISCONSIN
: After initial CIO surge, workers who remained unorganized didn't want to join communist union; experienced AFL organizers could point to existing contracts in factories in other communities. Reiterates that stories in newspapers gave impression CIO was communist-dominated even though most CIO members were not Communist Party members. AFL organizers probably used communist issue as organizing device outside of Kenosha.
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Tape/Side
3/1
Time
04:05
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CHANGES AFTER GEORGE HABERMAN REPLACES OLD MILWAUKEE SOCIALISTS AT HEAD OF WSFL
: Newton in Army when Haberman took over and after war was busy re-organizing Kenosha Labor. Believes, however, that Henry Ohl and J. J. Handley were intellectually involved while Haberman was a “practical, down-to-earth” individual. Not Newton's kind of labor leader. Preamble to constitution including public ownership of utilities removed because of influence of such individuals as Frank Ranney of the teamsters.
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Tape/Side
3/1
Time
06:40
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GROWTH IN TEAMSTER STRENGTH IN WISCONSIN AND IN WSFL
: Teamsters not organized in Kenosha until Felix Olkives, William Hillman, and Gilbert Fechner initiated such efforts, after which Hillman and Emil Robillard led teamsters. Much the same pattern of organizing activity followed in other cities. At 1940 Janesville WSFL convention, Newton could see teamster-building trades alliance developing as Hillman and Nagorsne became good friends.
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Tape/Side
3/1
Time
08:45
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KENOSHA TRADES AND LABOR COUNCIL AND KENOSHA COUNTY IUC COOPERATE
: Met in same building, the Union Club, and cooperated on community issues. Labor press committee had members from each.
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Tape/Side
3/1
Time
10:55
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EMIL COSTELLO LEAVES KENOSHA
: Left after loss of prestige following Simmons election. Organized for furniture workers and Steel Workers Organizing Committee around the state, especially in Milwaukee.
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Tape/Side
3/1
Time
11:40
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SUCCESS OF ORGANIZING ACTIVITY DURING WORLD WAR II
: Workers organizing efforts during war got more favorable response from national government to diminish interference with war production effort. As workers real wages began to fall, they became receptive to bids to join either AFL or CIO unions.
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Tape/Side
3/1
Time
12:50
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STATUS OF FLU's IN WSFL
: FLU's wanted representation on executive board, excluded by building trades in conjunction with others. Increase in size of board, which would raise expenses, the only way to provide for FLU seat because no other group willing to surrender turf. Only exception was election to board at same time as Newton of Felix Reisdorf of FLU 18456, a driving person.
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Tape/Side
3/1
Time
15:35
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WHY FLU MEMBERSHIP DOESN'T OPT FOR CIO
: Nothing to gain since workers mainly interested in shop working conditions and wage increases, not in WSFL politics. Unlike union leaders, “the politics of the state convention means very little to the 'Average Joe' in a union.” Same goes for central body politics.
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Tape/Side
3/1
Time
17:25
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CHANGES IN KENOSHA INDUSTRIAL PLANTS AFTER NEWTON RETURNS TO KENOSHA IN 1945
: Plants like Nash converting from war to peace-time economy. Construction boomed. Kenosha Labor, however, financially in the red, and Newton spent most of his time reorganizing the operation, purchasing a new press, and other tasks.
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Tape/Side
3/1
Time
19:20
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WORK FORCE CONVERSATION IN KENOSHA
: Some arguments, but no uproar.
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Tape/Side
3/1
Time
19:55
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INCREASE IN BLACK WORKERS DURING WORLD WAR II
: Nash Motors needed workers because of number of workers drafted; advertised in South to attract blacks and poor whites. Newton's favorite tavern, the “Shamrock,” was filled with “southern voices” after the war.
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Tape/Side
3/1
Time
21:55
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HOUSING IN KENOSHA IN POST-WAR PERIOD
: Newton appointed to Kenosha Housing Authority by city manager and held position for many years. 108-unit public housing project, fought by other interests in Kenosha, among those undertaken.
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Tape/Side
3/1
Time
23:15
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NEWTON'S WORK WITH FIRST CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT DEMOCRATIC ORGANIZING COMMITTEE (DOC)
: Selected first district chairman after DOC state meeting in Green Bay. Knew many DOC leaders including Horace Wilkie and Christ Seraphim through membership in American Veterans Committee. Progressive Party had accomplished so much that way for new liberal party blocked after 1946 convention. Robert La Follette, Jr. made a “bad mistake” because impossible for organized labor to urge workers to vote Republican for La Follette and exclude Democratic candidates running for other positions. Newton hoped La Follette would win primary although organized labor couldn't urge workers to vote Republican in the primary, then switch to Democrats in general election. DOC felt its credibility would be destroyed in such a situation.
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Tape/Side
3/1
Time
26:25
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1946 PRIMARY ELECTION
: Lack of labor votes cost La Follette the election; workers urged to support Howard McMurray in Democratic primary. Communist-influenced vote also helped to defeat La Follette; State CIO News unlike the AFL press, “did a job on Bob.” Workers asked what they could get out of Republican Party in terms of pro-labor legislation since Republicans historically represented business interests. DOC agenda included pro-labor legislation.
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Tape/Side
3/1
Time
29:05
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END OF INTERVIEW SESSION (There is no Tape 3, Side 2.)
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Tape/Side
4/1
Time
00:00
|
INTERVIEWER'S INTRODUCTION
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Tape/Side
4/1
Time
00:45
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NEWTON A MEMBER OF CARPENTERS LOCAL 161 IN KENOSHA SINCE JULY 1926
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Tape/Side
4/1
Time
01:10
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CHANGES IN WORKERS' EDUCATION
: Originally most emphasis on “nuts and bolts” of trade unionism, i.e., how to organize a governing structure, set up officers and committees; basic bargaining procedures. Later emphasis turned to complex bargaining issues involving pensions, holidays, vacations, health and welfare. Young workers later able to pick up parliamentary procedure by attending meetings, although workers' education classes in that area not entirely discontinued.
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Tape/Side
4/1
Time
03:45
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STATEWIDE WORKERS' EDUCATION CONFERENCES IN 1938 and 1939
: UW School for Workers kept a distance, apprehensive about getting caught between WSFL and State IUC crossfire.
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Tape/Side
4/1
Time
04:25
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SCHWARTZTRAUBER SUCCEEDS ALICE SHOEMAKER AS SCHOOL FOR WORKERS DIRECTOR
: Not directly involved, but surprised when Shoemaker “pushed aside” in favor of Schwarztrauber. Speculates that Henry Ohl wanted a man with more prestige in education.
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Tape/Side
4/1
Time
06:20
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SCHWARZTRAUBER'S SUCCESSOR AS DIRECTOR OF SCHOOL FOR WORKERS
: Not close enough to situation to make a judgment.
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Tape/Side
4/1
Time
06:55
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DECLINE OF FEDERAL LABOR UNIONS (FLU's)
: Rapid decline after merger when National AFL-CIO “issued almost open season tickets” to internationals to raid FLU's. Many internationals “made deals” with FLU's.
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Tape/Side
4/1
Time
08:20
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WHY SO MANY FLU's IN KENOSHA
: Only way AFL could organize workers into a union.
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Tape/Side
4/1
Time
09:05
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COMMITTEE OF A MILLION FOR UNITY IN KENOSHA-RACINE AREA
: During AFL-CIO split, Paul Porter got idea of and Newton followed up on petition drive to set up Committee. Probably 200,000 names collected from around the country, with Kenosha Labor office the center of the drive. Newton sent petitions around the state, forty or fifty copies of Labor sent to locals around the country.
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Tape/Side
4/1
Time
12:05
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WEEKLY WISCONSIN DRIVER
: Began publication after Newton had idea, and worked with William Hillman, president of Wisconsin Drivers Conference to begin publication. When Newton returned from military, paper losing money but teamster locals refused to agree to subscription increase. Paper, by then re-named the Wisconsin Teamster, died. In Kenosha, milk drivers long organized. One leader, Hartwick Dahl, became president of Kenosha Trades and Labor Council. Chief driver organizers included Hillman and Emil Robillard.
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Tape/Side
4/1
Time
18:25
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KENOSHA LABOR IN FINANCIAL SHAMBLES WHEN NEWTON RETURNS FROM ARMY DUTY
: Union Cooperative Publishing Company set up in 1939; up to then Labor published at old Milwaukee Leader plant in Brisbane Hall. Paul Porter decided to form own print shop in Kenosha after discussions with Elmer Krahn revealed increasingly precarious financial situation of Leader. Newton urged locals to buy stock in proportion to membership. Wartime costs increased; advertising, a chronic problem for any labor newspaper, had grown acute.
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Tape/Side
4/1
Time
22:05
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HOW PORTER AND LABOR RETAIN NEUTRAL STANCE BETWEEN AFL AND CIO
: Unity Committee essential to success; Porter spoke before civic as well as trade union groups. After Porter left about 1940 to work for OPM, Newton succeeded him as editor, with Krahn part-time general manager. When Newton left for Army, Elmer Beck succeeded him as editor.
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Tape/Side
4/1
Time
26:50
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LABOR PRESS IN WISCONSIN IN 1946
: Racine Labor under Loran Norman; Madison Labor Union News under Dick Hoffman; a small La Crosse labor paper. Labor paper in Sheboygan had died before end of 1930's. State CIO News under Bob Troyer had basic paper with portions tailored to specific union.
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Tape/Side
4/1
Time
28:45
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END OF TAPE 4, SIDE 1
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Tape/Side
4/2
Time
00:00
|
INTERVIEWER'S INTRODUCTION
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|
|
Tape/Side
4/2
Time
00:30
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RETURN OF KENOSHA LABOR TO FIRM FINANCIAL FOOTING
: Local union per capita dues increased; advertising sales shored up; raised charges for publishing Racine Labor; solicited more job printing from locals. Newton's work increased to twelve or fourteen hours daily, with little time for vacation until 1949. Unions continued to provide enough information for content by keeping track of local calendars of events. Labor aim after war was to service locals better; functionally newspaper became more of a public-relations type organ for unions and in the community. Editorial content changed from union activities to how unions functioned within community itself. More coverage of schools, city, and county government meetings than earlier.
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Tape/Side
4/2
Time
06:00
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TREATMENT OF PUBLIC OWNERSHIP OF UTILITIES IN KENOSHA AND RACINE LABOR PRESS
: Haberman a strong building trades unionist who had little use for theory and philosophy, and little inclination to get involved in political issues. Boasted during final years as president of state AFL-CIO that labor press often disagreed with him over policy issues. No problems from trades in Kenosha over policy disagreements, since Newton and many other craft leaders former socialists.
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Tape/Side
4/2
Time
09:15
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HABERMAN'S POLITICAL PARTISANSHIP
: Many felt had Haberman not been state AFL, then AFL-CIO president, he would have been a Republican. Liked to associate with business people. Unchallenged dominance of state labor from 1944 to 1966 not surprising since pattern is typical in most state federations or internationals. Strength from well-organized building trades since “he was obviously their boy.” Strongest power blocs in Milwaukee controlled by Haberman.
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Tape/Side
4/2
Time
13:15
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ROLE OF PETER SCHOEMANN
: Haberman could not have remained without support of Shoemann, the most powerful individual in the WSFL. Schoemann a “very conservative leader” who commanded loyalty; could have been WSFL president if had chosen to.
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Tape/Side
4/2
Time
14:40
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GEORGE HALL AND WILLIAM NAGORSNE AS SECRETARY-TREASURER OF WSFL
: Hall, long-time member of WSFL at time of Nagorsne's death, a logical successor. Nagorsne himself had succeeded to secretary-treasurer position following J. J. Handley's death. Newton, Felix Reisdorf, and others felt Jake Friedrick should have been secretary-treasurer at that juncture; while Friedrick agreed he would not politic among board members. Nagorsne, not a favorite of Newton's, was not groomed for position by Ohl, or necessarily a favorite of his. Herman Seide probably supported Nagorsne.
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Tape/Side
4/2
Time
21:40
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WHY TEAMSTER EMMETT TERRY OF GREEN BAY NOT MORE OF A CHALLENGE TO HALL
: Hall a long-time, well-known executive board member, elected primarily with support of building trades bloc. Terry had safe position in Green Bay.
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Tape/Side
4/2
Time
23:10
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CITIZENS NON-PARTISAN CONFERENCE FOR POLITICAL EDUCATION
: Recalls very little. Labor forced to take more active lobbying role because of anti-labor and anti-worker bills in state legislature.
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Tape/Side
4/2
Time
26:40
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POLITICAL EDUCATION HELPS TO DRAW WSFL AND STATE IUC CLOSER
: Intensity of organizing activity had settled down since end of World War II, and many informal meetings held among IUC, WSFL, and UAW state leadership, and locally in Kenosha. Labor cooperated in Kenosha to take over Democratic Party; same thing later occurred in Racine.
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Tape/Side
4/2
Time
29:30
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END OF TAPE 4, SIDE 2
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Tape/Side
5/1
Time
00:00
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INTERVIEWER'S INTRODUCTION
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Tape/Side
5/1
Time
00:30
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UNITED VOTERS' CLUB IN KENOSHA
: Established in Kenosha because anti-Democrats had set up independent good government organization to endorse candidates in private meetings. UVC solicited campaign contributions from locals in Kenosha; held meetings, traveled throughout first district, drank beer together all in support of pro-labor candidates for legislature and Congress. Most state legislators and county positions held by Republicans when UVC launched; gradually individuals in organized labor began to be elected. Screening committees became formalized in post-war period, with results disseminated to executive board and union membership. Prior to World War II, liberal candidates simply filled tickets in attempt to build liberal strength.
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Tape/Side
5/1
Time
06:45
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IMPORTANT INDIVIDUALS IN BUILDING “NEW” DEMOCRATIC PARTY
: Led by Horace Wilkie, James Doyle, Thomas Fairchild, Patrick Lucey, Christ Seraphim, Carl Thompson, and others, labor support came mainly from Racine, Kenosha, and Milwaukee.
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Tape/Side
5/1
Time
08:45
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PRIMARY LEGISLATIVE CONCERNS OF ORGANIZED LABOR UP TO MERGER
: Mainly “nuts and bolts”; undramatic bills to improve unemployment and workers' compensation benefits, and increase minimum wage levels to help workers and their families. Safety, health, and security the primary concerns. Minor differences between legislative goals of WSFL and State IUC; seldom at odds as the two had begun to coalesce legislatively.
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Tape/Side
5/1
Time
11:40
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EMPHASIS ON ORGANIZING DIMINISHES
: In early years, organizing the overriding concern; during post World War II recession, organizing carried out on reduced scale. Incidence of raiding dropped with departure of such individuals as Costello and Russo.
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Tape/Side
5/1
Time
14:55
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STATE IUC LEADERSHIP
: Power struggle in state CIO between communist-dominated leaders and non-followers. Members of latter group, like Herman Steffes, easier for AFL to communicate with.
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Tape/Side
5/1
Time
16:45
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PURGE LEAVES LITTLE LEFTISM IN ORGANIZED LABOR
: “Almost nothing” remained of left in Wisconsin labor movement after purge, although Newton asks to the “left of what?” After purge, state CIO leadership, policy, and programs became more similar to WSFL. Class analysis is disappointing as basis for discussion in large part because President Roosevelt co-opted socialist programs. United States so broad and diverse that country actually a series of countries, which makes it difficult to coalesce around such broad issues as national health insurance.
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Tape/Side
5/1
Time
21:00
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IDEAL OF NATIONALIZING PUBLIC UTILITIES
: Unimaginable today, given makeup of Congress and influence of power interests.
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Tape/Side
5/1
Time
23:00
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WHY MERGER TOOK SO LONG IN KENOSHA
: Strong feeling that central labor body merger in Kenosha not appropriate until accomplished at state level. Paul Whiteside the key figure in Kenosha. In late 1950's some fear that auto workers would dominate WTLC because of high employment rate in auto plants. [See Paul Whiteside interview conducted for the Wisconsin Labor Oral History Project in 1981.]
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Tape/Side
5/1
Time
26:15
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COPE DIRECTOR IN POSITION TO BUILD POWER BASE
: Newton asks rhetorically how Schmitt got elected president and what executive board member, present COPE director, is up to. John Schmitt in 1982 wants one more term as president.
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Tape/Side
5/1
Time
27:45
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CHARLES SCHULTZ AS STATE AFL-CIO EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT AND COPE DIRECTOR
: Driving-type leader at first, elected president of state IUC, energy dissipated over time. Acted independently as executive vice president and COPE director; final blow came when he supported individual not backed by Milwaukee County COPE. Schultz and Haberman “simply were not getting along” as Haberman “detested” Schultz.
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Tape/Side
5/1
Time
29:20
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END OF TAPE 5, SIDE 1 (There is no Tape 5, Side 2.)
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Tape/Side
6/1
Time
00:00
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INTERVIEWER'S INTRODUCTION
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Tape/Side
6/1
Time
00:30
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SCHULTZ SCUTTLED AS STATE AFL-CIO EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT
: Schmitt, Burke, and others decided Schultz too much of an embarrassment to keep around.
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Tape/Side
6/1
Time
01:10
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SCHMITT REPLACES SCHULTZ AS EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT AND COPE DIRECTOR
: Post created in the merger; not considered a plum by machinist or steelworker leaders because positions in own organizations provided more money and power. John Schmitt loved traveling around the state, while such travel not so appealing to others. No direct knowledge of Walter Burke's role in Schmitt's election, although Schmitt, Burke and “one or two others” constituted power on CIO side of merged organization. [See Walter Burke interview conducted for Wisconsin Labor Oral History Project in 1981 and 1982.] Schmitt between 1951 and 1964 acquired polish, learned to speak well about any subject even though “he might murder the English language along the way.” Newton recalls assembling files on various subjects for Schmitt, a heavy reader. Schmitt's travels around state meeting people allowed his “whole perspective to enlarge.”
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Tape/Side
6/1
Time
04:45
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HABERMAN HELPS SCHMITT WIN AFL-CIO PRESIDENCY IN 1966
: Haberman's “hope against hope” for another term by means of a constitutional change prevented coalescence around any candidate other than Schmitt in 1966.
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Tape/Side
6/1
Time
06:05
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JOHN HEIDENRICH BID FOR PRESIDENCY IN 1964
: No idea why Heidenrich, not Newton's “kind of labor leader at all,” made the attempt.
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Tape/Side
6/1
Time
06:45
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WALTER BURKE AS POSSIBLE STATE AFL-CIO PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE IN 1966
: Definite possibility Burke would have run had Abel/Burke ticket lost in USWA election.
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Tape/Side
6/1
Time
07:15
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HOWARD PELLANT AS CANDIDATE FOR LEADERSHIP POSITION IN STATE AFL-CIO
: Not enough support to be a serious candidate.
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Tape/Side
6/1
Time
07:40
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HABERMAN GROWS MORE LIBERAL AFTER MERGER
: Forced to speak in favor of liberal convention resolutions, had to follow mandate of delegates. While Herman Steffes, Schultz and others detested Haberman, he and Harvey Kitzman of UAW got along well.
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Tape/Side
6/1
Time
09:10
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LABOR PREFERENCE DURING KENNEDY-HUMPHREY PRIMARY IN 1960
: Rank-and-file in Kenosha as well as throughout state favored Humphrey, who came to Wisconsin often while state had two Republican senators. Organized labor considered Humphrey Wisconsin's “third senator”; friendly relationship built up over the years led labor to favor Humphrey over the “young upstart from the East.” Kennedy charisma on television swayed rank-and-file. “Money galore” spent during well-financed Kennedy campaign. Recalls how Kennedy made unannounced visit to speak before Kenosha Trades and Labor Council meeting; Paul Whiteside made Kennedy wait in ante-room before inviting him in.
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Tape/Side
6/1
Time
14:30
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LABOR SUPPORT FOR GEORGE WALLACE IN 1964 PRIMARY ELECTION IN WISCONSIN
: Wallace appealed to non-philosophical blue-collar workers. American Motors Corporation by 1964 had recruited many workers, resulting in great many more southern workers in Kenosha, Racine, and Milwaukee. Wallace a “great promiser”; racial issue there but not voiced. Recalls Wallace speech at Milwaukee's Serb Hall jammed with south side Poles and others. Statewide labor leadership and labor press met Wallace head-on with anti-Wallace stories and cartoons. Newton feels that many Wallace supporters were union members who never attended union meetings.
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Tape/Side
6/1
Time
18:15
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WHY PATRICK LUCEY RECEIVES GOOD SUPPORT IN LAKESHORE INDUSTRIAL AREAS
: Lucey's practical, down-to-earth style appealed to labor leaders who liked person of that type, in contrast to philosophical leaders of the Madison group of Democrats like James Doyle or Horace Wilkie. Recalls that lakeshore labor leadership often not supportive of Lucey in inter-party discussions but supported Lucey fully after he won the primary. Lucey, according to Newton, was a “ruthless type guy” but got things done. Many of his accomplishments supported by organized labor. Lucey a hard worker at plant gates while Doyle very much out-of-place at factory entrance.
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Tape/Side
6/1
Time
22:20
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DIFFERENCE BETWEEN WARREN KNOWLES AND PATRICK LUCEY
: Knowles “obviously” big business, chamber of commerce, and farm bureau oriented, although more liberal than a Tom Coleman. Lucey promoted, worked for, and got done what labor wanted in state government. Both John Reynolds and Lucey were “all right,” although the latter a more driving type of leader.
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Tape/Side
6/1
Time
24:05
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TRADE UNIONISM EVOLVES INTO BUSINESS UNIONISM
: Still a few idealists in labor movement but not too influential. Even an individual like William Winpisinger, IAM, a “bull in a China shop guy,” with sound positions on some programs but alienates potential friends as well as his enemies. “He's his own worst enemy in many respects.”
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Tape/Side
6/1
Time
26:10
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CHANGE IN COMPOSITION OF WORK FORCE FROM 1930's TO PRESENT
: City and county employees in Kenosha organized for years, so public sector unionism nothing new, although great gains in union membership not made in smaller communities around the state until fairly recently. Blacks in Kenosha almost exclusively work at American Motors, although not elected to leadership positions. In Racine, blacks did achieve leadership positions in auto and foundry locals.
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Tape/Side
6/1
Time
28:55
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END OF TAPE 6, SIDE 1
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Tape/Side
6/2
Time
00:00
|
INTERVIEWER'S INTRODUCTION
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Tape/Side
6/2
Time
00:30
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WOMEN IN THE WORK FORCE AND UNION ACTIVITY BEGINNING IN PRE-WORLD WAR II PERIOD
: In Kenosha, women active in work force in 1930's as telephone workers, retail clerks, hosiery workers at Cooper Menswear, and participated in organizing drives of 1930's. During war women began to work at Nash Motors, and continued there after the war, although after end of war women complained more of them should be hired at AMC. Recalls no outstanding women labor leaders in UAW, however.
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Tape/Side
6/2
Time
02:50
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WOMEN STANDOUTS IN KENOSHA LABOR MOVEMENT
: Ruby Chambers very dynamic retail clerk organizer of dime-store clerks who later went to work for UAW in Detroit before retiring to Kenosha to raise a family. Some women representatives to Kenosha central body, although none aspired to be officers. Standout in Milwaukee was Maude McCreery, heavily involved in WPA workers' education. Historically always a small number of women delegates to WSFL conventions.
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Tape/Side
6/2
Time
06:40
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MALE ATTITUDES TOWARDS FEMALES IN LABOR MOVEMENT
: Much change today from earlier period. Cites as example State AFL-CIO executive board member Catherine Conroy of Communications Workers of America (CWA), although males still dominate top CWA leadership positions.
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Tape/Side
6/2
Time
08:05
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JAKE FRIEDRICK AS KEY LEADER OF WISCONSIN LABOR MOVEMENT
: Great belief in education of workers was reason for Friedrick's support for labor college in Milwaukee and UW School for Workers. Not a rabble rouser who left self open to charges in daily press. Intelligent individual, but not an intellectual; considered himself a very practical man. Served as expert analyst and resource person for WSFL executive board. George Meany often sought Friedrick's counsel and expertise on national legislation, especially on workmen's and unemployment compensation. Andrew Biemiller and Friedrick extremely close; Friedrick responsible for Biemiller's knowledge on compensation issues. Friedrick the man “who helped to make it tick” by dissenting, analyzing, presenting, and suggesting.
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Tape/Side
6/2
Time
15:15
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WHY FRIEDRICK REMAINS BEHIND THE SCENES AFTER 1944
: Quit as AFL regional director because disliked constant travel. At end of day enjoyed going to Turner Hall in Milwaukee and playing Schafskopf and drinking a beer or two. Content to stay in Milwaukee, and travel to and from Madison.
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Tape/Side
6/2
Time
18:15
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NEWTON'S MOST SATISFACTORY MEMORIES OF ASSOCIATION WITH ORGANIZED LABOR
: Proud of role in getting own labor newspaper started, own publishing company operating, to continue as educational and promotional vehicle in Kenosha. Helped to change Kenosha from Republican to Democratic community; changed attitudes of many to accept unionism as a recognizable part of the community. From 1926-33 only about 12-14 hundred unionists in all of Kenosha, most in building trades, machinists, or milk drivers. In 1933, unionism became “almost a religion” with huge meetings held by Simmons, Nash, and American Brass company workers. Today, so many members consider themselves to be part of the middle class instead of former feeling of working themselves up from the bottom. Anecdote about brother, a former Simmons worker, who kept check for nineteen cents as souvenir; today's workers have dignity with rights as compared to early days.
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Tape/Side
6/2
Time
23:50
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ANECDOTE ABOUT POLITICAL CAMPAIGNING WEST OF U.S. HIGHWAY 41
: “When west of '41' don't shoot 'til you see the whites of their eyes.” Although employed by Kenosha Labor, Newton got expenses to organize members for the Democratic Party. Labor presses could be used to print leaflets quickly.
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Tape/Side
6/2
Time
26:35
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DIFFICULTY OF NEWSPAPER REMAINING NEUTRAL ON SOME ISSUES
: Personally had hoped all unions would stay in the AFL; could show no partiality so sat on the lid. Anecdote how Richard Lindgren unsuccessfully tried to persuade Newton to swing bus drivers in Kenosha to CIO. Fortunate in Kenosha that AFL had organized well before CIO appeared, avoiding competition there to organize the unorganized.
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Tape/Side
6/2
Time
29:00
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END OF TAPE 6, SIDE 2
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Tape/Side
7/1
Time
00:00
|
INTERVIEWER'S INTRODUCTION
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Tape/Side
7/1
Time
00:30
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WHAT WISCONSIN LABOR MOVEMENT MEANS TO UNIONISM IN UNITED STATES
: Initiators of workers' compensation and unemployment compensation acts passed in midst of business-dominated legislature. Many Wisconsin unionists involved in national labor scene. Sees Wisconsin as seat of dynamic, growing liberal movement, tradition which has dimmed in last several years, but over past half-century major contributions made by Wisconsin labor movement. Labor press recognized nationally, as attested to by election of two representatives to International Labor Press executive council.
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Tape/Side
7/1
Time
03:45
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CLOSING REMARKS
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Tape/Side
7/1
Time
04:05
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END OF INTERVIEW
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