Golden Anniversary PROGRAM

c u b AUGUSTA, MAINE JUNE 15, 16, 17, 18 1954 STOREHOUSE in the Darby Block in Augusta, it called together 61 delegates, with the building trades predominating. It saw the election of Henry M. Donnelly, a Biddeford iron moulder, as the first president. The election was hotly contested by James A. Brennan of Augusta and Henry A. Becker of Bangor. Donnelly made no great speech of History of acceptance, stating simply that he was proud to be elect­ ed to any union office, and reminding the delegates that street cars and trains would shortly be leaving for their home towns. The convention chose Arthur L. Brown of Augusta as the first Treasurer. Those first delegates placed the Maine State Federa­ The tion firmly on the course it was to follow thereafter. It set the stage for legislative action, for employer-worker understanding, for just compensation, for humane hours of work, and for the suppression of a host of social evils commonplace at the turn of the century. They set out Federation to fight oppressive child labor, exploitation of women, the sweatshop, slum living, and the lack of any interest in industrial safety and health. The delegates of 1904 pledged themselves to end child This is the story of the Maine State Federation of labor and to get the “youngones” out of the factories Labor. and into the schools, remembering that it was organized It will first be read in the House of Representatives in labor that was largely responsible for America’s free Augusta, the city of its nativity in June of fifty years ago. public school system. With an eye to the headlines of This record will lack some names, dates, and now- the convention’s opening day, when dynamite exploded at important actions, for Maine men of labor have been the scene of the copper strike in Cripple Creek, Colo., doers rather than record keepers. It is the story of a they condemned the use of violence in strikes. They segment of humanity dedicated, as revered Charles O. pledged their unswerving support of Union Label goods, Beals, one of its early leaders, said, to the proposition commiserated the people of Massachusetts on their poor that “ . . . labor demands a fair share of what it produces, substitute for a governor, and wired their thanks to a shorter work day, better living conditions, and a better Samuel Gompers for his encouragement in the formation understanding with those to whom it sells its only com­ of a Maine state branch of the AFL. modity, its labor.” The story begins against a backdrop of strife, and THE FIRST DECADE death. Employers have dropped their tolerant attitude The first ten years of the Maine Federation was one toward “those unions” and bitterness and violence are of great action, with perhaps the greatest strides the or­ abroad. Fresh in the memories of the moustachioed and ganization has taken in securing favorable law enactment slick-haired delegates is the Homestead “massacre” where in any comparable period. It also established a pattern, many died in a pitched battle between strike-breaking revealed by the record, in which the great majority of Pinkerton detectives and Carnegie Steel workers. actions taken have been for the general good rather than The Noble Order of the Knights of Labor, founded in for the exclusive interests of organized labor. The long­ 1869, is dying and the 18-year old American Federation term battles for more humane child labor laws, for of Labor is just beginning to feel its strength. The Russo- women’s right to vote and for equal pay for equal work, Japanese War is being fought and across the land the and for repeal of the prohibition law were joined in this cry, “Remember the Maine,” is still freshly remembered. period. Wireless telegraphy is the miracle of the day. The Three men served as President from 1904 through gramophone is the TV of the times. If you had stepped 1913. In addition to Henry M. Donnelly, they were up from the welsbach gas burner class to the miraculous Eugene Brann of Bar Harbor, 1905-1906, and revered new carbon filament lamp, you had unlimited visitors Charles O. Beals, later to become Maine’s third Com­ who wanted to pull the cord to see if the light would missioner of Labor and Industry, who led the state really come on. branch from 1907 to 1914. Some 650 comparative “millionaires” owned horseless The year 1911 brought the first election of another carriages in Maine, and the vehicles need not be regis­ Federation immortal, P. H. “Pat” Fitzgerald of Augusta, tered. The cry, "Why don’t you get a horse?” was good who was to serve as Treasurer for 24 unbroken years. for a laugh anytime. The capitol in which the 1904 convention was to be held was not to be completed for It needs a Solomon to judge which of the aims and another six years. accomplishments of the first decade were the most hu­ Labor laws in effect in 1904 were countable upon the manitarian and forward-looking. The red-letter year of fingers. For all practical purposes, considering exemp­ 1909 is looked upon as the first “great” year. After tions, none existed. Children 12 years old could and did prolonged and, more often than not, discouraging fights, work, many of them 60 and more hours a week. Children the Federation won these victories in the 74th Legisla­ under 15 were not supposed to be employed during the ture: A 58-hour law for women and children, an em­ public school season unless their absence was excused. ployer’s liability act, amendment to the wage trustee As for hours of work, females under 18 and males under law permitting a workman to keep $10 of his garnished 16 were supposed to be limited to 10 hours a day or 60 pay, and creation of a state board of arbitration and con­ hours a week, unless the child “voluntarily” contracted for ciliation. longer hours, with the consent of either of his parents. Many will hold that the greatest accomplishment was There was a 17-year old Bureau of Industrial and the change in the child labor law. Fighting from the Labor Statistics whose duty it was to “collect and systema­ beginning, the Federation brought the minimum age from tize” figures and present them in annual reports, and to 12 to 14 in 1907, and to 16 in 1909. inquire into the immediate causes of strikes and lockouts. And yet this was the period when much of organized One law provided for an Inspector of Factories who labor was meeting underground, members of unions was supposed to investigate the employment and hours gathering surreptitiously in the hours between midnight of women and children. Another placed some restric­ and dawn in cellars and out in the country. It was the tions on the manufacture of goods at the State Prison, day of the infamous “black list” when a man who was and required such goods to be labeled as convict-made. reputed to be a union sympathizer found the door to any Somehow, this labeling was occasionally overlooked. For job barred. It was also the time of the organization of civil processes, a statutory day was “10 hours of actual the radical and militant I.W.W., the International Work­ labor.” Labor Day offered a saving grace. It was a state ers of the World, many of whose officers eventually were holiday. given long prison sentences. None of these laws was satisfactory to the founding This was the period when Roscoe A. Eddy of Bar fathers of the Federation, except the last. They set about Harbor made Federation history as the “Legislative Com­ their improvement. mittee,” serving first as one of a group of three from The first convention of 1904 was a rousing one. Held 1904 to 1907 and then as the lone legislative agent until 1914, with an appointment as the state’s second Commis­ workers appeared to be the hardest hit and yet, in that sioner of Labor and Industry in 1913. year, more than 2,000 cotton operatives became affiliated It should be noted that the Maine Department of in Maine. Labor and Industry came into being in 1911 and that The beginning decade also saw the Federation battling Governor Frederick W. Plaisted appointed as its first for direct election of U.S. Senators, for a direct primary commissioner another Federation notable of the early law, for an initiative and referendum law which was to days, John F. Connelly of Bangor. Connelly was the play so important a part in later legislation. Never Federation’s first recording and corresponding secretary, giving up, they brought the 60-hour weekly statute down from 1904 to 1908, then becoming Secretary, in which to 58 hours and, in 1913, came within a whisper of making office he served until his appointment as Commissioner. it 54. The demand for a workmen’s compensation law The national wave of prosperity in 1907 was quickly blossomed into full-scale battle in 1911. A year later followed by the financial depression of 1908. Textile the fight for old age pensions began.

CONGRATULATIONS ON FIFTY YEARS OF PROGRESS

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Livermore Falls, Maine 84 BISHOP STREET PORTLAND, MAINE Member Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Establishment of the U.S. Children’s Bureau in 1912 part in the conflict to “end all wars,” and reconstruction was followed, in 1913, by the creation of a full-fledged dominate the history of the Maine Federation, 1914-1923. U.S. Department of Labor, with cabinet status. As the Yet, in spite of parlous times, the fight against excessive decade drew to a close the world was shocked by the work hours was advanced, a 54-hour law was won, and a foundering of the liner Titanic, with a loss of 1,503 lives. 48 hour bill went to statewide referendum. The first The decline of the I.W.W. began as the Maine State workmen’s compensation law went on the books, and was Federation reached its 10th birthday, and this was the subsequently improved. The Union Label continued to year the Panama Canal was completed. It was the decade win only “half-hearted” support. Health insurance, fac of “trust busting” and the Standard Oil Co. was the first tory inspection, women’s suffrage, and child labor cam­ of the biggest ordered dissolved by the courts. paigns were waged, with some measure of victory in THE SECOND DECADE each case. Preparation for “the greatest war in history,” labor’s Maine’s workers vigorously backed President Woodrow

CONGRATULATIONS

from

MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES

of

B a t h Ir o n W o r k s BATH, MAINE

Joe is a leading man in the American way of life With the help of Joe and hundreds of others, ELECTRICITY now performs a multitude of time-saving, labor-saving iobs in the home and on the farm. The use of electricity by average families has in­ creased nearly four times since 1932. What does this mean? It means that electricity is doing more and more of the hard work that American housewives and homemakers formerly did themselves. It means making available more time for leisure and greater comfort. It means in­ creased health and enjoyment for Ameri­ cans everywhere. electricity has helped make American homes the best and most completely equipped in the world—and in doing so. has demonstrated the ability of the American way of life in producing for peace, defense, and better living.

ELECTRICAL DEALERS OF MAINE Wilson and joined in the praiseful chorus, “He kept us hand.” The Federation had six presidents and three out of war.” America learned to sing “I didn’t raise my secretaries in this period. boy to be a soldier.” But when the hour for rolling up the sleeves came, the job was magnificently done. Vic­ Charles O. Beals, in the president’s chair in 1914, tory in Europe, creating a debt in human life and money found it necessary to resign just before the 1915 con­ never to be amortized, was succeeded by Prohibition, vention because- his work prevented his giving as much an excess of rats on the Portland waterfront, and the time to the Federation as he felt it deserved. Walter speck of a cloud that grew to cover the land with an S. Winn of Lisbon Falls was elected in 1915; Cortes M. almost insurmountable depression. Smith of Waterville served from 1916 to 1919; J. O. The period before and during World War I saw Poulin of Livermore Falls presided in 1920 and part of Maine unions come to lusty growth. Treasurer Fitzgerald 1921, when his term was filled out by Edward S. Boulos could even report the magnificent sum of $674.50 “on of Portland. Alexander F. Eagles of Portland was elect-

Greetings from the International Officers

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Member Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ed president in 1922 and was to serve until 1926, then convention, that the Federation was in fine shape, with to be defeated for re-election by one vote. approximately 18 000 affiliated members and, by 1915, Secretaries in this decade were Henry M. Donnelly, $128.99 in the bank. True, there was bitter antagonism the Federation’s first president, and Albert McLaughlin on the part of employers, yet in spite of it the $10 ex­ and H. B. Brawn of Augusta. Donnelly had taken office emption in the wage trustee law was raised to $20. “The when John F. Connelly of Bangor stepped from the sec­ change," Beals stated succinctly, “will mean loss to a retaryship to become Maine’s first Commissioner of Labor certain class of lawyers, but it may be the means of and Industry. McLaughlin served one year and Brawn, making honest men and better citizens of them.” in 1916, began a term which was to last seven years. Legislatively, the Federation first concentrated on re Throughout this period “Pat” Fitzgerald remained as ducing the weekly hours of working women and children. Treasurer. There was no limit to the number a man could work. President Beals was pleased to report, at the 1914 The 54-hour law was finally enacted in 1915, after labor

W ith A ll Good Wishes to the MAINE STATE FEDERATION OF LABOR on the occasion of its Golden Jubilee received “rough treatment" in the legislative halls. Im­ eight-hour day, starting with railroad workers, was on mediately organized workers set out to reduce the maxi­ the way in the Adamson Act. mum to 48 hours. Such a bill passed the House, but died Maine’s first workmen’s compensation law, inadequate in the Senate of 1919. Then, the organization which had yet a starting point, became effective in 1915. Perhaps created it turned to the initiative and Referendum law by coincidence, the Legislature of that year had a Demo­ and, as the second decade ended, looked to October, cratic majority* in the House and only a slight Republi­ 1923, for a statewide popular vote. can plurality in the Senate. Following the initial en What Samuel Gompers called “Labor’s Magna Carta,” actment, the compensation law was improved by various the amended Clayton Anti-Trust Act, had released unions amendments. from the stranglehold of court injunctions in labor dis­ Early in the second decade labor grew tired of the putes. Yet, while the Clayton Act was bleeding to death employer chant, “If they’re big enough, they’re old through subsequent ruthless court interpretations, the enough; and if they’re old enough, they’re big enough.”

"Say It With Flowers''

SANFORD TllHST COMPANY f y lo S lii t , SANFORD MAINE Jftimbtr of Federal Reserve System and Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation One. 2 Shaw Street Sanford, Me. Phone 64

Best Wishes

UNIVERSAL SHOE from CORPORATION WATERVILLE SAVINGS

Division of the Consolidated BANK National Shoe Corporation 182 Main Street

Springvale Maine Waterville, Maine

Compliments of the NORTH WAYNE TOOL CO.

CITY JOB PRINT Manufacturers of “Union Labels Printers The "Little Giant” Line Since 1908” Main Office Telephone 207 O akland, M aine, U. S. A. 173 Main Street Waterville, Me.

Compliments KENNEBEC SAVINGS of International Brotherhood BANK Pulp, Sulphite & Paper Mill A Mutual Savings Bank Workers—Local No. 8 Water Street

Livermore Falls M aine Augusta Maine By 1915 children under 14 were prohibited in certain states and by 1920 insisted that teachers’ salaries be ex­ hazardous occupations. By 1919 the law prevented issu­ tended from 36 to 50 weeks in the year. ance of work certificates to those between 15 and 16 un­ Labor consistency fough. h expo:', f h; ro 1 less they had passed the sixth grade. The action of the power from the state, backed the Baxter Amendment to U.S. Supreme Court, in 1918, declaring the national child the Fernald Law, and demanded state control of natural labor law unconstitutional was a bitter blow to organized labor. resources, at the same time urging their development by private capital. Giving practical support to women’s Throughout the ’teens and early 20’s the Federation suffrage, it saw the epochal adoption of that principle won improvement in the convict labor law, worked for in 1920. It went on to seek decent pay for women work­ boiler inspection and factory safety, demanded that pay ers, having already sworn by the principle of equal pay. for teachers be brought up to the standards in other Naturalization of alien workers was fostered, health

Congratulations To The MAINE STATE FEDERATION OF LABOR on its FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY

WILTON WOOLEN COMPANY WILTON, MAINE insurance urged, and an effort to enact a law prohibiting of food and fuel conservation. With a coal shortage the use of tobacco was defeated. While working for the shortly after the World War, however, the Federation retention of Daylight Saving Time, Maine labor also asked for a temporary embargo on shipments of coal to supported the American Legion’s soldier bonus bill, and foreign countries because industrial plants were closing, helped the AFL to defeat national legislation which but at the same time placed greater emphasis on a pro­ would have refunded fines imposed on war profiteers. gram for improving schools in the rural areas of Maine. Throughout World War I an uncounted number of By the end of the second decade, Federation finances members of affiliated unions went into military service. were low, prompting President Poulin to ask for an in­ Strikes in Maine, rare in peacetime, now disappeared en­ crease in the per capita assessment from one to two cents. tirely; treasury funds were converted into Liberty Bonds; However, as early as 1917, the convention voted to estab workers in every craft cheerfully observed meatless and lish a Maine labor paper to be known as the “Labor wheatless days and lightless nights, accepting the rigors Journal.” Some $400 was invested in this venture before

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The BANGOR and AROOSTOOK RAILROAD

Congratulates The Maine State Federation of Labor

on its GOLDEN JUBILEE

A Great Railroad In a Great State it collapsed, with some evidence that the Federation had As the second decade ended, average pay in manu­ been “taken.” facturing had climbed to a phenomenal 52 cents an hour, Governor Oakley C. Curtis said: “Labor stands high having started at 22 cents in 1914. in the public opinion today; hold it there.” President THE THIRD DECADE Cortes Smith made a mild complaint that it had cost him The dark decade, 1924-1933, was a roller coaster, and a day’s work to travel from Waterville to Augusta to in­ the rider had a queasy stomach. vestigate a charge that Secretary Brawn was “short in With all the ups and downs, it still was a notable his accounts,” only to find the books in good order. The period in Federation history. The deepest bottom of Woodland vice president of the same year was the target the steepest dip was reached in the 1933 depression year, of impeachment because, it was said, he was devoting when there was no money with which to hold a conven­ too much of his time to his own ice business rather than tion. The first slow climb upward began with a victori­ at the mill, but the affair petered out. ous legislative session of 1925, in which four out of five

The International Brotherhood of Pulp, Sulphite and Paper Mill Workers from affiliated with The American Federation of Labor The Trades and Labor Congress of Canada

John P. Burke President - Secretary Fort Edward, N. Y.

William H. Burnell, 1st Vice-Pres. Homer L. Humble, 7th Vice-Pres. Cornwall, Ontario Mobile, Alabama S. A. Stephens, 2nd Vice-Pres. Ivor D. Isaacson, 8th Vice-Pres. Thorold, Ontario Los Angeles, California Raymond A. Richards, 3rd Vice-Pres. Ralph W. Leavitt, 9th Vice-Pres. Wisconsin Rapids, Wis. Bangor, Maine John Sherman, 4th Vice-Pres. Godfrey J. Ruddick, 10th Vice-Pres. Tacoma, Washington Monroe, Louisiana L. P. Lacroix, 5th Vice-Pres. Frank G. Barnes, Jr., Treasurer Montreal, Quebec F ort Edw ard, N. Y. Joseph Tonelli, 6th Vice-Pres. Henry Segal, Auditor New York City Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

international Headquarters—Fort Edward, N. Y.

GREETINGS from the UNITED TEXTILE WORKERS OF AMERICA

Anthony Valente, International President Lloyd Klenert, International Secretary-Treasurer “vicious” anti-labor bills were beaten. Samuel Gompers The Federation was victorious in the creation of the had died in 1924, his death following that of a Federa­ Maine Development Commission and in the defeat of a tion stalwart, Roscoe A. Eddy. Employment in Maine sales tax; but it had to take a bitter legislative refusal surged up briefly in 1926, but the state body’s treasury of a vital memorial to Congress, seeking a 48-hour week looked like Mother Hubbard’s cupboard. for women and children. Hope surged upward again History was made in the establishment of cooperative with the coming of the Norris-LaGuardia Act, limiting legislative effort between the Federation and Associated injunctions in labor disputes. But wages went toboggan Industries of Maine, an unprecedented act of manage­ riding. ment labor teamwork brought about by Howard C. Wood The tragic stock market crash of 1929 brought record side for the Federation and Judge Benjamin Cleaves for unemployment. Over 6,000,000 workers walked the industry, a mutually respectful cooperation that was to streets. And yet, by 1933, the Federation at last had its continue throughout the years. own newspaper, the Maine State Labor News, and the

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Thaijer-DicjC|en|G Congratulations on Fifty Years of Progress and FOR PALfil BEACH RADIO & Best Wishes TELEVISION for “Why T.D. for P.B.” Future Success You Buy Palm Beach Suits SALES & to advantage at Thayer-Diggery’s in Sanford, SERVICE Maine — Home of the Palm Beach Mills . . . • • • Complete Stocks afford you satisfactory selections . . . Skilled personnel assure ★ you correct styling and fit. Grover Lodge No. 168, Bath, Maine Visit, Write or Phone “T.D. for P.B.” International Brotherhood of Boiler 192 Water Street Makers, Iron Ship Builders, Black­ Hallowell smiths, Forgers and Helpers. Thayer* DiqqenjCs Maine light of day came with the N.I.R.A. and its historic sec. Again, P. H. Fitzgerald of Augusta served throughout a 7 (a), guaranteeing labor’s right to organize and to bar­ decade as treasurer. gain collectively. Bad times there may have been, but the struggle for Three presidents led the state branch in this decade, good legislation went on, and was rewarded. In spite Alexander F. Eagles, until 1926; Joseph B. Eaton of Port­ of a legislative defeat, in 1925, of an effort to have land, 1927-1930; and Robert E. Daggett of Waterville, 1931 Maine ratify the new federal child labor law, the cam and 1932. As secretary, the Federation had notable paign was continued, and by 1927 great improvement in Howard C. Woodside of South Portland, elected in 1923, the Maine law had been made, with a requirement of 8th grade education, and certain occupations placed out also serving concurrently as legislative agent, and refus­ of bounds. ing re-election in 1931. Clarence R. Burgess of Augusta The demand for safety in industry grew and, after followed Woodside and remained in office until 1937. setbacks, there came a statutory set of rules for safety

Congratulations to the Maine State Federation of Labor for 50 years of Beneficial Service to the working people of Maine.

LOCAL NO. 1802 UNITED TEXTILE WORKERS OF AMERICA A. F. of L. Sanford Maine

GREETINGS to the Maine State Federation of Labor on its Fiftieth Anniversary

LOCAL NO. 15 United Textile Workers of America, A. F. of L. WILTON, MAINE

Arnold Tobin Business Agent John S. Donald, Jr. Sarah Sprague P resident Recording Secretary Owen Stinson Secretary - Treasurer PROGRAM TUESDAY — JUNE 15 GOLDEN JUBILEE CONVENTION WELCOMING Thomas F. Glynn, Chairman, Augusta Central Labor Union Convention Committee 10:00 A. M. Presentation of Gavel to Benjamin J. Dorsky, President, Maine State Federation of Labor GOLDEN JUBILEE CONVENTION OPENING Report of Credentials Committee Roll Call Communications Appointment of Committees Recess for Lunch 12:00 Noon SECOND SESSION Call to Order 2:00 P. M. Roll Call Communications William Francis, Representative, Carpenters and Joiners William Steinmiller, Representative, International Brotherhood Elec­ trical Workers Vincent DiNunno, Consultant and Conciliator, Hod Carriers and Build­ ing Construction Laborers William Scanlan, Trustee, International Alliance Theatrical Stage Em­ ployees and Moving Picture Operators Harry Parr, President, New Hampshire Federation of Labor Business Meeting Recess 5:00 P. M. WEDNESDAY — JUNE 16 THIRD SESSION Call to Order 9:00 A. M. Roll Call Communications Harold Reardon, Representative, International Association of Ma­ chinists Herbert G. Espy, Commissioner of Education of Maine Robert Hart, Vice-President, Bakery Workers Union Nomination of Officers, Convention City and Date Cyril M. Jolly, Chairman, Maine State Apprenticeship Council Theodore Spear, President, Oxford Paper Company Representing Asso­ ciated Industries of Maine Business Meeting Recess for Lunch 12:00 Noon FOURTH SESSION Call to Order 2:00 P. M. Roll Call Communications PROGRAM

Frederick Dykeman, President, Vermont Federation of Labor Henry J. Brides, President, Massachusetts Federation of Labor Paul Phillips, President, International Brotherhood of Papermakers Sidney Wernick, Attorney, Maine Federation of Labor Alonzo F. Young, Representative, International Brotherhood Boilermak­ ers, Iron Shipbuilders, Blacksmiths, Forgers and Helpers Leo Kramer, Regional Director, State, County and Municipal Employees Business Meeting Recess 5:00 P. M. THURSDAY — JUNE 17 FIFTH SESSION Call to Order 9:00 A. M. Roll Call Communications Marion Martin, Commissioner of Labor and Industry Edwin C. Brown, Secretary-Treasurer, Rhode Island Federation of Labor Anthony Valente, President, United Textile Workers of America John J. Murphy, Secretary, Bricklayers, Masons and Plasterers Charles H. Heasley, U. S. Treasury Dept. Savings Bond Division Business Meeting Recess for Lunch 12:00 Noon SIXTH SESSION Call to Order 2:00 P. M. Roll Call Communications Labor’s League for Political Education of Maine James McDevitt, National Director, Labor’s League for Political E ducation Gus Tyler, Political Director, International Ladies’ Garment Workers Report of State League Business Meeting Recess 4:00 P. M. FRIDAY — JUNE 18 SEVENTH SESSION Call to Order 9:00 AM. Roll Call Communications Joseph C Lehan, Vice-President, International Association of Fire F ig h ters Colin McDonald, Representative, Brotherhood Painters, Decorators and Paper Hangers Joseph E. A. Cote, Commissioner, Maine Employment Security Com­ m ission John P. Burke, President-Secretary, International Brotherhood of Pulp, Sulphite and Papermill Workers Joseph Belsky, Vice-President, Amalgamated Meat Cutters in building operations. A bill providing for a Board of in a law subjecting out of state convict-made goods to Boiler Rules was lost in 1929, but in that same year the Maine law. Commissioner Charles O. Beals conducted the first state­ Old age assistance won in the House of Representa­ wide industrial safety conference. An attempt was made tives in 1925, but met defeat in the Senate. The record to obtain a Bureau of Safety in the Department of Labor reveals the view that “we let our friend Clyde Smith and Industry. Proper boiler inspection became a reality down when only four or five organizations circulated in 1931. petitions or wrote to their representatives.’’ Old age Associated Industries and the Federation combined assistance bills were killed again in 1927, 1929, and 1931, forces in 1927 to defeat an attempt to take the tag from but the Federation did not give up. prison-made goods. The state prison commission com­ Workmen’s compensation continued to expand, with plained, at the hearing, that “organized workers would union men carrying this bitter fight alone. There was a not unload same." In 1931 a major victory was secured gain in reduction of waiting time; a study of the cost of

TRUCK DRIVERS WAREHOUSEMEN AND HELPERS UNION

LOCAL NO. 340. A. F. of L. MILLINOCKET and EAST MILLINOCKET

J W ai n z 110 EXCHANGE STREET PORTLAND 3, MAINE

“Serving the State of Maine” Home of the Great Northern Paper Co.

Millinocket Foundry & Machine Company

Iron, Bronze, Aluminum Castings GREAT NORTHERN Flanged Fittings Pulleys PAPER COMPANY P aper Mill C astings Millinocket, Maine Dial PArk 3-5331

Extends Its Congratulations to the Congratulations Maine State To The Federation of Labor Maine State Federation of Labor from on the occasion of its TheTown of Millinocket Fiftieth Anniversary Whose prosperous citizens are an exam­ ple of cooperation between progressive industry and organized Labor. insurance, paid for out of the state’s contingent fund; legislature turned thumbs down on a $22 maximum and and an increase in the salary of the commission chair­ $10 minimum benefit bill. man. An effort was made to repeal the compensation One of Maine’s great victories in earlier years was law in 1927. An increase in the maximum weekly bene­ the passage of the direct primary law. In this period an fit of $18 was asked in 1928; a legislative committee effort was made, through the initiative and referendum, helped make “baloney” a part of the language by solemn­ to repeal the primary law and reinstate the old conven­ ly declaring that an investigation of compensation would tion system of nominating. The issue was left in doubt cost $60,000. The investigation was finally made in 1930 when no one seemed able to state whether the House and it is recorded that the representatives of the private had acted on the initiative in conformity with the statute. insurance companies had a tear jerking field day. In­ The Federation led the fight to prevent the exemption of creased benefits were asked by labor in 1931, but the the cost of newspaper advertising and travel and, in 1931,

FLOWERS .1 AUGUSTA SAVINGS BANK by 6 ^ Established 1848 TRIPLE CITY SERVICE Member Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. Tel. Aug. 3-3412, 3-4061 Gardiner 173 235 Water Street Augusta

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In a short space of time, ULLICO has COMPLIMENTS underwritten a number of excellent insur­ of ance programs for union groups in Maine and many more will soon join the Com­ pany’s family of policyholders.

E. S. BOULOS CO. Joseph V. Tobin, New England Repre­ sentative of The Union Labor Life, is Com­ ELECTRICAL ENGINEERS AND pany President Matthew Woll’s personal CONTRACTORS representative at this Convention. He will be happy to meet you and to discuss your P ortland 3, M aine insurance plans and problems.

We invite your inquiries.

Joseph V. Tobin, COMPLIMENTS New England Representative of the The Union Labor Life ST. CROIX PAPER Insurance Company 6 Beacon S treet COMPANY BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS

Matthew Woll, President. succeeded in sharpening the requirements for filing a employment compensation. It was so hopeless from the record of expenditures. start that the Federation’s legislative agent did not Throughout this period, the Federation sought legis­ bother to argue for its passage. lative help for the textile industry, which was admittedly In many ways it was a wonderful decade. For the in ‘'deplorable” condition. Nevertheless, a campaign to only time on record a hapless convention delegate was bring about an investigation of the industry and to secure relieved of his badge, “until such time as he sobers up.” remedial legislation was unsuccessful. The roll call never again carried his name. There was The 54-hour law remained fixed throughout the decade. the celebration of the 25th annual convention in 1928, An effort to reduce the hours of women and children to when first Federation president Henry M. Donnelly came 48 was defeated. back to speak of the old days and Charles O. Beals wrote One product of the depression was the first appear­ and delivered a history of the first quarter century. ance of a bill to provide Maine with some form of un­ Beauty parlors were becoming big industry and it

Compliments of Eastern Conference of Teamsters

Affiliated with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Chauffeurs, Warehousemen and Helpers of America, A. F. of L.

Connecticut New York D elaw are North Carolina District of Columbia Pennsylvania M aine Rhode Island M aryland South Carolina Massachusetts V erm ont New Hampshire V irginia New Jersey West Virginia

★ BEST WISHES FOR THE Maine Federation Golden Jubilee GREETINGS of the Maine Federation of Labor

from Affiliated with the American Federation of Labor LEWISTON AUBURN JUNE— 1954 SHOE WORKERS PROTECTIVE

ASSOCIATION

Fraser Paper Limited

★ Madawaska, Maine was decided to organize the beauticians to end their ex­ coincidence, the Federation had endorsed Maj. Thayer’s ploitation. A Portland Electrical Worker broke all rec­ gubernatorial candidacy that year. In 1930 the Federation bought a mantel clock as a ords by appearing at the 1928 convention wearing no wedding gift for the Hon. Clyde H. Smith, who married fewer than twelve union labels on his person. There the lady who was to become Senator Smith. By 1932 were only nineteen delegates at the 1929 convention and fewer than 20 men were able to attend the annual con­ there was but $65.65 in the kitty. In industry, it had vention, which found “conditions to be serious through become the fashion to fire and to refuse to hire older out the country, with a great need for cooperation and workers. organization at this critical time.” Gov. Ralph O. Brewster—later Senator—didn’t bother But, as the dark decade ended, the Blue Eagle was to acknowledge labor petitions asking the reappointment (lapping his wings and everywhere, everyone was singing of Maj. Arthur L. Thayer as chairman of the I.A.C. By . . . “Happy days are here again!”

TRUCKING...... Is VITAL To This State

• Everything you eat • Everything you wear • Everything you use

comes to you partly or wholly by Maine (rucks. No matter what you do, the Maine trucking; industry partly or completely benefits you!

On the road you’ll find Maine Truck drivers courteous and alert— They are a highly skilled group . . . carefully trained in safe operation.

PROOF That Maine Trucks Serve You Well !

The extreme flexibility of trucks brings you fresh vegetables in the dead of winter—They pick up fresh milk from the farmer early in the morning and your milk is delivered by route trucks. To the business man Maine trucking means quick, economical shipping anywhere. Trucks make your life easier and are vital to everyone because roads link small communities to large—because trucks can and do carry the goods rapidly, economically and with greater flexibility than any other form of transportation.

This message is sponsored by the following truck owners:

COLE'S EXPRESS, Bangor WM. P. HALEY, Portland

CONGDON TRANSPORTATION CO., HUNNEWELL TRUCKING, Inc. Portland Portland PENOBSCOT MOTOR EXPRESS, FOGGS TRANSPORTATION, Inc., Bangor Portland H. TABENKEN & CO., Bangor FOX & GINN, Inc., Bangor WAREHOUSE TRANSPORTATION CO., GRAVES EXPRESS, Bangor Portland THE FOURTH DECADE of dedicated effort, including that of Maine's organized 1934-1943. These were the “golden years.” They workers. These are some of the triumphs which Maine brought the enactment into Federal statutes of some of labor helped to bring about through political action: the greatest advancements of all time. They saw the Unemployment and old-age and survivors insurance; the death by decision of the NRA and the birth of the CIO. Wagner Labor Relations Act, which restored Labor’s right This was a time of membership increase, of the estab­ to organize and bargain collectively, first placed in Fed­ lishment of Federal Social Security, of wage and hour eral law in the NRA and which had been declared un­ legislation and the outbreak of the Second World War. constitutional. There has been a close identification of organized The passing of the National Industrial Recovery Act labor’s advance in this decade with Franklin Delano brought joy to every “enemy of labor.” The State Fed­ Roosevelt and the Democratic “New Deal.” But these eration found “workers submerged in the shadows of tremendous gains were actually the product of decades despair." But out of it there came a challenge: “The

We Extend Hearty Congratulations and Best Wishes on this memorable Golden Anniversary

the M errill T rust Company "SERVING EASTERN MAINE" Member Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation • Member Federal Reserve System

2 Hammond Street Bangor, Maine

Greetings Sandler Moccasin We send this greeting to the Maine Fed­ Company, Inc. eration of Labor at this time as an expres­ sion of our gratitude to so many officers 62 Oak Street and members of the Maine Federation and Bangor, Maine its affiliates for the tremendous aid they have been to our striking brothers in Nor­ walk, Connecticut. It was only through the solidarity displayed by your officers and affiliates that we were able to prevent SPORTSTERS the recruitment of many hundreds of strikebreakers from the State of Maine BY during the months of February and March of this year. SANDLER OF United Hatters, Cap and Millinery Workers International Union BOSTON Marx Lewis Alex Rose Gen. Sec.-Treas. President organized worker in Maine is powerful enough to resist tion Act. These enactments and administrative agencies aggression and will protect his living and working con­ represented the accomplished aspirations of organized ditions at all costs.” workers everywhere, including the affiliates of the Maine This was the era of the first National Conference on State Federation. Labor Legislation, instituted by Secretary of Labor Fran This was also the era of the “sit-down” strike and the ces Perkins; the birth of the Bureau of Labor Standards; first history-making internal disagreement within the AFL the Public Contracts Act; the Federal Apprenticeship on the issue of craft versus industrial unionism. Out of Law; the Railroad Retirement Act; the Fair Labor Stan­ this issue, in 1935, the “Committee for Industrial Or­ dards (Wage and Hour) Act; the Federal Committee on ganization” was set up for the announced purpose of Fair Employment Practices; the National War Labor organizing mass production and unorganized industries Board; the War Manpower Commission; the historic for affiliation with the AFL. In 1936, while the sit- “Little Steel Formula”; and the National Wage Stabiliza­ down strike was raging across the land, the Federation

CONGRATULATIONS

to the Maine State Federation of Labor

on its Golden Jubilee

ST. REGIS PAPER COMPANY

Bucksport Maine asked the Committee to disband. When this was refused, mediate declaration of war. Labor's contributions to de the participating unions were suspended by the Executive fense and in direct war participation, notable in the Council. First World War, were magnified throughout this conflict. The CIO held its first convention in November, 1938. In this decade four Maine Federation stalwarts served became the “Congress of Industrial Organizations” and as President: Alonzo F. Young, Bar Harbor, 1934; Jean elected mine leader John L. Lewis as its President. In D’avignon, Rumford, 1935; Chelsea A. Waldron, Portland, spite of this major schism in the ranks of labor, union 1936; and Benjamin J. Dorsky, elected in 1937 and now membership rose to more than 10 million. At the same in his 18th year, longest presidential tenure in the his­ time strikes increased in reaction to rising prices. With Europe in flames the United States had con­ tory of the state branch. verted to defense production. There came the infamous Secretaries were Clarence R. Burgess of Augusta, first attack on Pearl Harbor in December, 1941. and the im­ elected in 1931; and Charles 0. Dunton of Rumford, who

GREETINGS ON YOUR FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY

International Brotherhood of Firemen, Oilers, Powerhouse Employees, Operators and Maintenance Men

Francis Cahill John J. McNamara President Business Representative

Joseph P. McNamara Business Representative and Organizer

The Penobscot Chemical Fibre Company GREAT WORKS MAINE A PROGRESSIVE ORGANIZATION with an exceptional record of steady operation over nearly three quarters of a century, where excellent employer-employee relationships prevail, and whose many life-time employees attest to superior working conditions. whose advanced techniques for the conservation of our timberland resources are outstanding, as are also its contributions to the life of the community. whose products of Bleached Soda and Sulphite Pulps set a standard for high quality wherever such products are used.

"The Mark of Quality" has served continuously since he succeeded Burgess in deadlocked in balloting on three candidates to replace 1938. Young. Even AFL President William Green, who was Venerable “Pat” Fitzgerald, Treasurer for over two appealed to, was unable to solve the constitutional enigma decades, missed his first convention since the beginning and a successor to Young was never chosen. Secretary of the Federation because of illness. In that year, 1935. Burgess acted until the Convention of 1935. the delegates chose Richard W. Gustin as Treasurer. He Wage reductions and lengthened hours were issues has served in that office since. of that year and it was said: “Apparently Maine is the The resignation of Alonzo F. Young on December 19. dumping ground for anti-union employers.” The Maine 1934, to accept a state appointment, precipitated one of State Labor News became a pillar of strength and Gov­ the toughest constitutional problems in the history of the ernor Louis Brann joined with the Federation in recom Maine State branch. With the President and two Vice- mending broad social and labor legislation to the 1935 Presidents resigned, the Executive Council was repeatedly Legislature. Enactment of a Labor Relations Act for

Maine Credit Union League Member of Credit Union National Association 9 DEANE STREET, PORTLAND 4, MAINE Telephone 2-5833

Alexander Ferguson Managing Director Boris Blumenthal, President Ralph C. Robbins, Jr., Clerk Portland Biddeford George Rancourt, Vice-Pres. Margaret Brink. Director Lewiston Portland Alfred P. Dugal, Treasurer Carl A. Dennis, Director Lewiston Rumford An Association of State and Federal Chartered Credit Unions Which Promotes Thrift Among Members and Creates a Source of Credit for Useful Loans to Members.

Benoit’s Federal Credit Union, Portland Ste. Marie Federal Credit Union, Lewiston Columbia Market Emp. F. C. U., Portland Ste. Famille Federal Credit Union, Lewiston Government Emp. of Maine C. U., Portland St. Croix (Parish) Federal Credit Union, Lewiston Hannaford Emp. Federal Credit Union, Portland St. Pierre Credit Union, Lewiston Maine Div. Gen. Ice Cream F. C. U., Portland Aerotread F. C. U., Knapp Bros. Shoe Co., Lewiston Neptune F. C. U. Portland Tank & Copper, Hill Emp. F. C. U., Bates Mfg. Co., Lewiston So. Portland Kennebec Journal Emp. F. C. U., Augusta Portland Canco F. C. U., Amer. Can Co., Portland Calumet F. C. U., Calumet Club, Augusta Portland Gas Light Credit Union, Portland Augusta (Maine) Municipal F, C. U., Augusta Portland (Maine) City Emp. F. C. U., Portland Sentinel Emp. F. C. U., Waterville Sentinel, Press Herald Federal Credit Union, Portland Waterville P. M. & B., F. C. U. Porteous Mitchell & Braun, Taconnet F. C. U., Hollingsworth & Whitney Paper, Portland Waterville Portco F. C. U. Portland Company, Portland Lucerne F. C. U., Viner Shoe Company, Bangor Socony Vacuum Federal Credit Union, So. Portland Bangor Shoe F. C. U., Bangor Shoe Company, St. John’s (So. Port.) F. C. U., So. Portland Bangor Southworth Federal Credit Union, Portland Logrollier F. C. U., Sandler Shoe Corp., Bangor Springpoint F. C. U. Port. Machine Tool, So. Portland Maine Aire F. C. U., Northeast Shoe Co., Pittsfield Telephone Workers of Maine C. U.. Portland Trot'n Tramper F. C. U., Penobscot Shoe Co., S. D. Warren F. C. U„ S. D. Warren Paper Co., Old Town Westbrook Bonafide Mills F. C. U., "Bonafide Mills, Winthrop St. Hyacinthe Federal Credit Union, Westbrook Gardiner City Emp. F. C. U., Gardiner Nissen Emp. F. C. U., Nissen Baking Co., Portland Hartland Tanners F. C. U., Hartland Tanning Co., Maine Corenco F. C. U., Maine Rendering Co., Hartland Portland Heart O’Maine F. C. U., Fay Scott Company, Dexter Portland (Maine) Teachers F. C. U., Portland Lubec Canco Emp. F. C. U., Amer. Can Co., Lubec Songo Shoe F. C. U., Songo Shoe Company, Portland Oxford F. C. U., Oxford Paper Company, Rumford Maine League Federal Credit Union, Portland Seaboard F. C. U., St. Regis Paper Company, Eastland F. C. U., Eastland Hotel, Portland Bucksport Iron Workers of Maine F. C. U., Local 496, A. F. of L„ Phippsburg Federal Credit Union, Sebasco Estates Portland Sacre Coeur Federal Credit Union, Auburn Cumberland County Teachers F. C. U., Portland Tremont Federal Credit Union, McKinley Thomas Laughlin Emp. F. C. U., Thomas Laughlin Wilner Emp. F. C. U., Wilner Wood Prod. Co.. Co., Portland Norway St. Andre’s Federal Credit Union, Biddeford York Div. F. C .U., Bates Mfg. Company, Saco Saco-Lowell F. C. U„ Saco Lowell Shops, Biddeford Monmouth Federal Credit Union, Monmouth Laconia F. C. U. Pepperill Mfg. Company, Biddeford Tri-City Fish & Game Federal Credit Union St. John’s (Brunswick) F. C. U„ Brunswick Otis Div. F. C. U.. International Paper Co. St. Charles (Brunswick) F. C. U., Brunswick Livermore Falls St. Agatha Federal Credit Union, St. Agatha Katahdin F. C. U., Great Northern Paper Co. Lewiston Municipal F. C. U., Lewiston Millinocket York County Te; : F. C. U„ Sanford

Would you like to belong to a credit union? If you have 75 or more members in your group contact the Maine Credit Union League for in­ formation on how to get a charter. Maine failed then, and again in 1939. A “poor” Act was members voted in referendum to borrow the sum of $500. a “start” in 1941. Congress was asked to support a 30- At the 1939 Convention the membership voted for a state hour week bill and the Legislature considered a demand lottery and attempted to change the 54-hour week to 44, for a Workman’s Compensation state fund. without success. With war imminent, the 1940 Convention pledged to In 1936 the Convention refused to combine the offices give up some social and civil liberties. “Let us take care,” of Secretary and Treasurer. Although a state sales tax warned President Dorsky, “Liberties hard won and lost was enacted in 1937, the Federation helped to defeat it are harder to regain.” in referendum. Most measures suffered defeat. However, In 1941 there were 6,400 new Federation members an Unemployment Compensation bill was enacted. and it was a year of great achievement. The Bangor Before 1938, with 12 million unemployed walking the headquarters was established. Four important labor bills nation’s streets, and Federation finances at ebb, affiliated were enacted and a "sleeper” bill to repeal the 54 hour

Bricklayers, Masons and Plasterers International Union of America

jiCocal ;N o . 7 u f ^ a u t e organized April 14, 1899

REPRESENTING: BRICKLAYERS PLASTERERS STONE MASONS MARBLE MASONS TILE SETTERS CEMENT FINISHERS

For Permanent Homes Build W ith Brick or Stone

KEYES FIBRE WALSH-PORTLAND CO. DIVISION

• CONTINENTAL Manufacturers of COPPER & STEEL FIBROUS & PLASTIC INDUSTRIES, INC. PRODUCTS Engineers and Steel Plate Fabricators •

Waterville, Maine 148 Pickett Street Hammond, Indiana South Portland, Maine law was discovered and defeated. The unemployment of the Secretary of War said ominously: “Our enemies compensation waiting period was reduced from two weeks threaten our lives and institutions. We have not gained to one, but the Federation was forced to kill off its own one inch of enemy territory and they are sinking our wage and hour bill when that measure was overloaded ships faster than we are building them.” with amendments. So tense were the times that the 1943 Convention One victory for labor was a favorable weekly wage instructed its Legislative Agent not to introduce any payment bill. The 1941 Convention re-endorsed the sale material changes in present laws or any major new laws of malt beverages and informed the Portland Chamber at the Legislature. It was said in Convention that “the of Commerce that its invitation was “filed” because it primary job of everyone should be to win the War, and arrived on non-union paper, with non-union printing, and devotion to other efforts would be a detriment rather was typed by a non-union stenographer. than an aid to the war effort.” Yet in this Legislature Speaking at the 1942 Convention, the representative an apprentice training program was set up, experience

COMPLIMENTS OF

FORT HALIFAX PACKING COMPANY

Augusta Road, Winslow, Maine

On Behalf of the Membership

of Local No. 2658, United Textile Workers of America, AFL, Waterville

we extend our hearty congratulations to the Maine State Federation of Labor on its Fiftieth Anniversary, with special thanks for the serv­ ices it has rendered us in the past decade.

May it continue to prosper in the future as a symbol of the work­ ing men and women of the State of Maine.

Wilfred Dostie, President Odilon Lessard, Financial Secretary John Gregoire, Treasurer Robert Quirion, Recording Secretary rating became a part of the Unemployment Compensation dled.” An increase in the Federation per capita tax from law and a bill pressed by Senator Brown of Aroostook three to five cents was proposed. to require unions to secure certificates of authorization Seeking industrial development in the state, the state from the Maine Secretary of State and to submit their branch joined hands with Associated Industries of Maine, books and records to audit and examination was soundly the state chamber of commerce and the Maine Develop­ defeated. ment Comjnission. This was, the year that Commissioner THE FIFTH DECADE of Labor and Industry Marion E. Martin addressed a con­ 1944—President Dorsky speaks: “ . . . we enter upon vention for the first time. the most crucial time in our struggle for human free­ 1947 was the year of the “infamous” Taft-Hartley Act, dom.” passed over the presidential veto. It also brought Maine This is the TH Decade . . . “TH” for Taft Hartley and the Tabb Act and the Barlow Bill . . . anti-union shop Test Hydrogren. The world took its first unsteady steps and anti closed shop. Labor attorney Sidney Wernick into the Atomic Age, Japan was fission-bombed, World stirred the 1947 convention with the warning that this War II was won and, meantime, the Federation’s president legislation would push industrial relations back fifty spoke again: “The dark cloud of the Taft-Hartley Act has years, and said to the convention, “I implore you to sent us into paths unknown and untrod for many, many unify yourselves” for the fight to come. years.” The stage was set, in 1948, for the historic fight The Tabb Act and Barlow Bills went to the people, against Barlow and Tabb. The “dark cloud” was growing. when Maine courts acted favorably on the Federation's First came a steering committee composed of three top petition, and the working men and women of the state officers, Dorsky, Dunton and Howe. The National politi­ gave new meaning to the words, “As Maine goes, so goes cal organization of the AFL was backed by the Maine the nation.” For here in the Pine Tree State reactionary- Educational and Political League. For LLPE there came state labor legislation was stopped dead in its tracks the urgent request for voluntary $1 contributions; from and organized labor throughout America breathed a sigh the Maine League there went out an appeal for badly of relief. needed financial help. It was answered, with some or­ In that year Maine unions did a trojan job in raising ganizations emptying their treasuries to support the fight funds for relief organizations through the Star War against discrimination against organized labor. Chest. The Federation president, like an avenging angel, The victorious referendum election campaign which, pursued then U.S. Senator Owen Brewster for five months, in 1948, saw the utter defeat of the Barlow and Tabb trying to get the senator to keep an engagement to ex­ measures is one of the Maine State Federation’s greatest plain his bill, S-1307, a “National Labor Code Governing memorials to the loyalty of the individual union member Operations and Procedures for Labor Unions.” Maine’s and his willingness to make personal sacrifice for the “elder statesman” proved too elusive. Then came the common good. It is also a testimonial to the respect for hard-to-believe “Brewster Bailey Bill.” Workers said: organized labor by now firmly established in the public “Hitler in America” . . . “forced labor.” consciousness. Vice President Horace E. Howe in his annual report The story of the Barlow-Tabb battle is epic, deserving noted that the Labor Temple in Portland had been a separate record of its own. It tends even to over­ dedicated in September, 1943. Two elections were lost shadow in many Federation members’ minds the end of in the South Portland shipyards, but there was a first World War II in Europe after invasion, and the atomic victory at the Portland Company. Ernest A. Eaton of bombings that finally subdued Japan in the Pacific. Sanford fought hard against nomination as Legislative Agent, but lost and was elected. Later AFL President Throughout the period of readjustment the Maine William Green appointed Eaton as Maine Organizer and State Labor News continued to grow in influence. There the 1946 convention was pleased to learn that the Federa­ was the first of the annual state safety conferences suc­ tion had added sixteen new affiliates. cessfully planned and carried out by the Department of To eliminate the evils of bootlegging, the 1944 con­ Labor and Industry with full worker cooperation, the vention resolved to vote “yes” on all liquor questions. birlh of the Federation’s “Legislative Digest,” the fight Treasurer Richard Gustin was given a rising vote for his to obtain repeal of the Taft-Hartley Act, the opening of new Federation headquarters at Bangor in October, 1951, work on the War Labor Board. Maine labor’s wartime the loss of Editor Freeman M. Saltus in 1950 and of "no strike” pledge remained unbroken. revered AFL President William Green the following In 1945 the Office of Defense Transportation refused year. approval, and so there was no convention. Vice President Albert O. Page of Lewiston, reporting At the convention of 1953 President Dorsky could to the 1946 convention, won acclaim with an account of report “one of the most progressive and successful of almost daily, concentrated organizing activity. An in­ all the years.” The number of affiliated local unions vitation for the state branch to join in the World Trade had increased to 112 and there was a conservatively Union Congress was officially “filed in the waste basket,” estimated paid membership of 16,000 wage-earning men for the Federation had warned years before that Commu­ and women. nist Russia would some day attempt to put out the light As the first half century for the Maine State Federa­ of Democracy. Resolutions at the 1946 convention in­ tion of Labor approached its close, the goals remained cluded those opposing a double wage standard, insisting what they were in the beginning. No one has ever stated that Maine deserved to have a Labor Relations Act, and them better than did Samuel Gompers earlier in the 20th opposing a sales tax, as it did again in 1947. century: “The labor movement was born of hunger— A sales tax measure, opposed as always because it hunger for bread. It is still a hunger, but now it is a laid the greatest burden upon those least able to pay, hunger for the better things of life.” If he could have was enacted in a special session of the Legislature in lived to see the 50th anniversary of the Maine State 1947, but the Federation was instrumental in defeating Federation of Labor he might have added . . . “better it in referendum. The state’s finances remained “mud­ things for all men.”

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Saul Shalit Sanford Brewer Manufacturing Company Contributors: Registered Pharmacist High Quality Wood Products Local No. 16, UTWA Winthrop Batchelder Brothers Sanford Old Town, Maine General Insurance Ralph W. Atkins Co. Waterville Memorial Bridge Motor Court Sanford Loan and Building Association The Jefferson Hotel Waterville 159 Main Street, Sanford, Maine "One of the Nation’s Best Motels" Charles E. Morse & Son Waterville South End Superette Augusta—Tel. 2-0022—Maine Monuments A. E. Chasse, Prop. T. M. Chapman's Sons Co. Dutiles Sundial Shoes Sanford 356 Main Street. Sanford, Maine 60 Center Street, Old Town, Maine Spider Motor Co. Sanford The Bridge Construction Co. Augusta Record Foundry & Machine Co. Legeres Pharmacy Sanford Mt. Zircon Springs, Inc. Rumford Livermore Falls, Maine Seltzer & Rydholm, Inc. Legeres Bakery Sanford Waterville Gas Company Waterville 250 Minot Avenue, Auburn, Maine Robert F. Carr Sanford A Friend Livermore Falls Compliments of A Friend Springvale Bottling Co. Springvale G. H. Bass & Co. Wilton Compliments of A Friend Wilbur G. Shaw Sanford Cochrans' Cash Market Livermore George W. Clark Sanford Ambrose Radio and Television John Kern & Son 251 Commercial Street, Portland Ballenger Automobile Co. Sanford Sales and Service, Jay, Maine Hotel North— Home of Good Food B. D. Stearns, Inc. Buick Sales and Service Sanford Augusta, Maine 195 Commercial St., Portland The Lincoln Press Sanford Office Employees International Union Jordan's "Ready To Eat" Meats Good Loe Motors Sanford Local No. 192, Millinocket, Maine 131 Commercial Street, Portland STOREHSE 331.8 M225g 1954

Maine State Federation of L a b o r .

Golden anniversary souvenir program, 1904-1954.