The records of the La Crosse Typographical Union consist of constitution and by-laws, minutes, financial records and correspondence.
The Constitution and By-laws series includes two editions of the Constitution and By-laws of the organization, dated 1928 and 1960 respectively, and several single pages of amendments which fall between these two dates. This section also contains a small pamphlet from the International Joint Conference Council adopting the 44-hour work week, and three sets of price scales that spell out union rules and expected wages. The second series consists of minutes of the union from 1901through 1967, and 1973 to 1979. The minutes present a chronological record of the functions of the union and reflect in detail the participation of individual members. The minute books also contain some financial statements, membership lists and an occasional tipped-in correspondence or notation. There is a typed summary of minutes for the years 1901-1905, and one minute book of the Allied Printing Trades Council for the years 1918-1932.
The correspondence series contains letters primarily from the International Union to Local 448. Correspondence begins in 1913 and ends with the dissolution of the local chapter in 1980. Also included are correspondence from other unions and the National Labor Relation Board and several resolutions of sympathy for the deceased members.
The financial statements of the union are separated into several types of record books. Receipts and expenditures for 1901-1915 are recorded in the Treasurer’s Ledger while membership and dues (1901-1910) are listed chronologically in several different books (Treasurer’s Cashbook, Individual Ledger, Membership Register, and Assessments Collected). After 1910, The Secretary’s Record and Cashbook combines receipts and expenditures with membership lists and runs until 1924. In addition, three volumes titled Monthly Reports contain duplicates of the financial statements filed with the International Union office from 1910-1919. There are no separate financial records for the years 1925 to 1945, but some are contained in the minutes.
From 1946 to 1974, expenditures and receipts are entered in volumes titled Secretary-Treasurer’s Records. Monthly financial sheets are interfiled with minutes for 1966-67 and 1973 through 1979.
Finally, there is one miscellaneous folder which contains union labels and stamps, memorials, and a brochure from the 47th annual Wisconsin Typographical Conference (1967) held in La Crosse.
