When I came to work at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire McIntyre Library, I was immediately struck by two collections: the Uniroyal, Inc. Records, 1917-1990 and the United Rubber, Cork, Linoleum, and Plastic Workers of America Local 19: Records, 1933-1992. We historians are accustomed to piecing together a story based on only partial information. Together, these two collections complement each other to produce a remarkable record of 20th century industrial and labor relations.

It is a rare circumstance when competing points of view are thoroughly reflected in the historic record. For example, researchers interested in early American history revel in the richness of ideas shared in letters between John Adams and Thomas Jefferson during their old age. We historians value multiple sources of information documenting different perspectives because it leads to a greater understanding of history.

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U.S. Rubber Company Press Release, 1955

New York, N.Y. This press release announces a labor agreement reached with the labor union, April 8, 1955. Eau Claire Mss CB, Box 42, Folder 3.

Founded in 1916 as the Gillette Safety Tire Company, and later purchased by Uniroyal, Inc., the Eau Claire Uniroyal tire plant quickly became one of Chippewa Valley's largest employers. In 1933, its employees successfully unionized and were represented by the Local 19 for almost 60 years. The company was purchased by the Michelin Group in 1990, then ceased production and closed its doors by 1992.

Today, more than two decades later, the legacy of the company and union is represented by records preserved by the Wisconsin Historical Society and managed by the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Area Research Center (ARC) in the McIntyre Library.

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Labor Agreement Signing

Eau Claire Mss CB, Box 79, Folder 6.

The Uniroyal, Inc., collection has more than 80 boxes containing meeting minutes, correspondence, reports, photographs, labor contract negotiation and grievance case files, memorandums, and other materials that document more than 70 years of the plant's operations.

Labor union activities are well documented through the Local 19's records. Files contain minutes from executive board meetings, general meetings, arbitration case files, and other materials. The files also document job actions, including strikes, and activities undertaken to improve conditions for union members.

Both collections are important. Anyone studying factory production would find the company's records invaluable. Likewise, the Local 19's records provide an intimate look at the internal workings of a union.

Throughout most of the 20th century, union officials and plant managers maintained civil relations. The documents, however, reveal periods of tension. In April 1955, the wage and office employees participated in a company-wide strike. A typed note found within the company's records (Eau Claire Mss box 42, folder 11) documents a phone conversation between the local union leader and the plant manager. Although the conversation took place after the conclusion of the strike, the tension between these parties is clear:

He [the union leader] asked that we please review this matter and not take the adamant stand that the contract was still in effect because, after all, it meant nothing to us. I told him we have had a 4-day illegal strike and it did mean something to us; however, I agreed to discuss it once more up here. I told him the Company's position was that the office contract was in effect and unless I called him to the contrary by 4 pm today, that there was no change in the Company's opinion. He seemed to feel that this would get the Company no where and would cause much more difficulty in getting the supplemental agreement and the office agreement finally completed.

Together, these two collections provide a unique picture of 20th century industrial and labor history from the perspective of the company and its employees. When combined, the sum is definitely greater than the parts.

Learn More

• View the Uniroyal Records Archival Finding Aid

  A complete box-by-box inventory of the Uniroyal, Inc. Records, 1917-1990 collection.

• View the United Rubber Local 19 Records Archival Finding Aid

  A complete box-by-box inventory of the United Rubber, Cork, Linoleum, and Plastic Workers of America Local 19: Records, 1933-1992 collection.

• Learn More About the Area Research Network

About the North American History and Genealogy Blog

The North American History and Genealogy blog is written by staff and highlights the world-class collections, recent research, acquisitions, and services available through the Wisconsin Historical Society's Library and Archives