Souvenir Program from the Annual Ball of the Los Angeles Cloak and Dressmakers's Union, 1940
Los Angeles: 1940.
Softcover. Very good. Full title: Souvenir Journal, Annual Ball, Los Angeles Joint Board Cloak and Dressmakers' Union, I.L.G.W.U. T.V.G. Auditorium, Saturday Evening, February Tenth, 1940. 9' x 6", [16] pp., stapled wrappers. Light toning, union ink stamp on front cover; very good. Los Angeles Joint Board Cloak and Dressmakers' Union was part of the International Ladies Garment Workers Union (ILGWU). "Founded in 1900 by local union delegates representing about 2,000 members in cities in the northeastern United States, the ILGWU grew in geographical scope, membership size, political influence to become one of the most powerful forces in American organized labor by mid-century. Representing workers in the women's garment industry, the ILGWU worked to improve working and living conditions of its members through collective bargaining agreements, training programs, health care facilities, cooperative housing, educational opportunities, and other efforts" (Cornell finding aid). This program, which is composed almost entirely of advertisements from supporters, offers valuable documentation of the scope of the ILGWU in Southern California at this time. There are ads from dozens of Los Angeles clothing mnaufacturers and shops, as well as other local businesses, with Jewish-owned businesses particularly well represented. Two pages are entirely in Hebrew. Many of the ads include statements of support for labor, for example" "A strong and powerful labor movement will combat Nazism, Fascism, and Dictatorship," and "Greetings to our Union, Symbol of Tenacity and Courage. In these days of economic distress we retain our past gains and strive to improve." There are also ads and statements of support from ILGWU locals in other parts of the country. The opening words from the ball organizers ackowledge this support, as they "endeavor to better the conditions of our members, of the working class, and of the human society."
Item #22379
Price: $125.00