Labor history Sept 20 Upton Sinclair born author of "The Jungle", John Henry born a slave, more

[Omaha Steve]

September 20

Upton Sinclair, socialist and author of "The Jungle" -- published on this day in 1906 -- born in Baltimore, MD - 1878

And this: September 20, 1878 - Upton Sinclair was born in Baltimore, Md. Sinclair was the author of the 1906 novel, The Jungle, an indictment of packinghouse employers’ exploitation of workers. The shocking conditions revealed in the book brought about corrective actions including legislation for stricter inspection laws.


According to folklorist John Garst, steel-drivin’ man John Henry, born a slave, outperformed a steam hammer on this date at the Coosa Mountain Tunnel or the Oak Mountain Tunnel of the Columbus and Western Railway (now part of the Norfolk Southern) near Leeds, Ala. Other researchers place the contest near Talcott, W. Va. - 1887

(The Inventory of American Labor Landmarks is an attractive little (24 pages) booklet offering a selection from the Labor Heritage Foundation’s comprehensive, ongoing inventory of labor landmarks across the country. Nearly 200 monuments, plaques and other markers are described here, from 33 states and the District of Columbia, accompanied by historical summaries and, often, by photographs. Great history, great inspiration, and a great source of potential daytrips and vacation stopovers. In the UCS bookstore now!)

International Hod Carriers, Building & Common Laborers Union of America changes name to Laborers' International Union - 1965

Labor history found here: http://www.unionist.com/big-labor/today-in-labor-history & here: http://www.workdayminnesota.org/index.php?history_9_09_20_2011

[Riley18]

1. I highly recommend The Jungle. The book really makes

you realize how far we have come for workers since that time. I just hope we don't keep sliding backwards as workers are now fighting for their rights all over the country.