These records throw light on the everyday activities of Local 953. The scope ranges from the disciplining of members delinquent in their dues payments, to the seeking of advice from the national organization on what steps to take against recalcitrant employers. Information is present on the relationships the local and individual members, other IBEW locals, regional labor organizations, and the Wisconsin State Federation of Labor. The struggle with rival unions for dominance in particular spheres is evident as is the continual struggle to organize workers in non-union establishments such as the Rural Electrification Associations. The prominent figure is the business manager, Sherman (Shorty) H. Preston.
The bulk of the material is from the years 1939-1941. Most of the collection is correspondence but also present are bills, receipts, agreements, minutes of meetings, memoranda, and printed matter. The collection's alphabetical organization corresponds to the filing system used by Local 953.
