Leo Kramer Papers
Collection
Identifier: LP001318
Scope and Content
Part 1:
The collection was processed in two parts because of a later addition of two manuscript boxes of material. The collection documents the birth and development of the AFSCME Union from 1931 until the retirement of Arnold Zander in 1964. Also included in the colleciton are notes, correspondence, and research materials relating to Kramer's writings and labor activities. The addition includes correspondence, information on the 1964 convention, reports, clippings, and historical information on the formation of AFSCME and its early years. Some information on a dispute between Jerry Wurf, who succeeded Zander as AFSCME president, and a union member, Julio Sabater, also appears in this addition.
Part 1 Series Description: Series 1, WSEA Executive Board Minutes, 1932-1936: Typed and handwritten minutes of the WSEA Executive Board.
Series 2, AFSCME Executive Board Minutes, 1935-1963: Types minutes of the AFSCME Executive Board
Series 3, AFSCME Office Files, 1931-1964: Office files containing correspondence, constitutions, convention materials, speeches, and clippings relating to Union activities and concerns.
Series 4, Personal Files of Leo Kramer, circa 1948-1969: Personal files relating to Mr. Kramer's writings and albor activities. Included is the manuscript for Mr. Kramer's book, Labor's Paradox.
Series 5, Arnold Zander's Appointment Books/Diaries, 1943-1973: Brief entries covering Zander's daily activities, personal and professional.
Part 1 Series Description: Series 1, WSEA Executive Board Minutes, 1932-1936: Typed and handwritten minutes of the WSEA Executive Board.
Series 2, AFSCME Executive Board Minutes, 1935-1963: Types minutes of the AFSCME Executive Board
Series 3, AFSCME Office Files, 1931-1964: Office files containing correspondence, constitutions, convention materials, speeches, and clippings relating to Union activities and concerns.
Series 4, Personal Files of Leo Kramer, circa 1948-1969: Personal files relating to Mr. Kramer's writings and albor activities. Included is the manuscript for Mr. Kramer's book, Labor's Paradox.
Series 5, Arnold Zander's Appointment Books/Diaries, 1943-1973: Brief entries covering Zander's daily activities, personal and professional.
Part 2:
This addition includes correspondence, information on the 1964 convention, reports, clippings,and historical information on the formation of AFSCME and its early years. Some information on a dispute between Jerry Wurf, who succeeded Zander as AFSCME president, and a union member, Julio Sabater, also appears in this addition.
Dates
- 1931 - 1969
Creator
- Kramer, Leo (Person)
Language of Materials
Material entirely in English.
Access
Collection is open for research.
Use
Refer to the Walter P. Reuther Library
Rules for Use of Archival Materials.Refer to the Walter P. Reuther Library
Rules for Use of Archival Materials.Restrictions: Researchers may encounter records of a sensitive nature – personnel files, case records and those involving investigations, legal and other private matters. Privacy laws and restrictions imposed by the Library prohibit the use of names and other personal information which might identify an individual, except with written permission from the Director and/or the donor.
History
Leo Kramer served in the capacity of personal assistant to Arnold Zander during Zander's presidency of AFSCME. The papers were assembled and used by Kramers in the writing of his book, Labor's Paradox: The American federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, AFL-CIO (New York; John Wiley and Sons, Inc., 1962). Given Kramer's relationship to Zander, and his purpose in accumulating the records, the collectino largely reflects the career of Arnold Zander.
Arnold Zander served as the first president of AFSCME. He was instrumental in the inception and formation of the union. From 1930 to 1934, Zander was empoyed as the principal examiner for the Wisconsin State Bureau of Personnel. 1932 saw the creation of the Wisconsin State Employees Association (WSEA), in which Zander occupied the post of financial secretary, and later, executive secretary. The AFSCME Union, in cooperation with the American Federation of Labor, grew out of WSEA, receiving its official charter in 1936. Zander was elected AFSCME president in 1936, remaining in office until 1964. Zander died in 1975.
Arnold Zander served as the first president of AFSCME. He was instrumental in the inception and formation of the union. From 1930 to 1934, Zander was empoyed as the principal examiner for the Wisconsin State Bureau of Personnel. 1932 saw the creation of the Wisconsin State Employees Association (WSEA), in which Zander occupied the post of financial secretary, and later, executive secretary. The AFSCME Union, in cooperation with the American Federation of Labor, grew out of WSEA, receiving its official charter in 1936. Zander was elected AFSCME president in 1936, remaining in office until 1964. Zander died in 1975.
Extent
6.25 Linear Feet (11 MB, 1 OS)
Abstract
The Leo Kramer Papers were given to the Reuther Library by Leo Kramer who served as personal assistant to Arnold Zander during Zander's tenure as AFSCME International President, 1936-1964. Kramer assembled and utilized the Papers in the writing of a book about AFSCME. Therefore, included in the collection are notes, correspondence, and research materials relating to Kramer's writings and labor activities. The bulk of the Papers, however, reflect the development of AFSCME from its beginning as the WSEU (Wisconsin State Employees Union) to the end of Zander's presidency in 1964.
Arrangement
Part 1:
Arranged in 5 series – Series 1 (Box 1), Series 2 (Boxes 1-3), Series 3 (Boxes 4-8), Series 4 (Boxes 8-9), and Series 5 (Box 10). Folders are arranged chronologically, except for series 4 which is arranged alphabetically.
Part 2:
Folders are filed alphabetically by subject.
Acquisition
The Leo Kramer Papers were placed with the Walter P. Reuther Library by Leo Kramer and were opened for research in February 1991.
Transfers
Approximately 60 photographs have been placed in the Archives Audiovisual collection.
Processing History
Processed and finding aid written by Walter P. Reuther Library in February 1991.
Creator
- Kramer, Leo (Person)
- Zander, Arnold S. (Arnold Scheuer), 1901-1975 (Person)
- Title
- Guide to the Leo Kramer Papers
- Status
- Completed
- Author
- Processed by Walter P. Reuther Library.
- Date
- 1991-02
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
- Language of description note
- English
Repository Details
Part of the Walter P. Reuther Library Repository
Contact:
5401 Cass Avenue
Detroit MI 48202 USA
5401 Cass Avenue
Detroit MI 48202 USA