Bud and Hazel Simons Papers

Collection

Identifier: LP000160

Staff Only

Scope and Content

The Simons collection is particularly important in its documentation of the Flint Sit-down Strike of 1937. The personal notes and orders kept by Simons, as strike chairman, during the strike give an insight to the events and conditions in the plant.

The collection covers the period 1937 to 1962.

Dates

1937 - 1962

Creator

Simons, Bud (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. 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

Bud Simons was born on April 16, 1905, in a small town in southern Indiana. He quit school and started to work because of the financial situation of his family. He travelled all over the country and worked at all kinds of jobs, including spending a short period in the coffee fields of Mexico. Simons married Hazel, who was a daughter of a coal miner, a strong union man. The Simonses settled in South Bend, Indiana, where Bud got a job at the Studebaker plant. He worked there fairly steadily from 1925 to 1928. The family then went to Grand Rapids, Michigan, where Bud obtained employment at Hayes Body. In 1934 he brought his family to Flint, Michigan, where he became active in the AFL and then in the CIO. He was active in laying the groundwork for the union in his department, at Flint #1.

Extent

.5 Linear Feet (1 MB)

Additional Description

Abstract

Bud Simons was strike chairman of Fisher Body Plant 1 during the Flint sit-down strikes of 1937. The collection is particularly important in its documents of the strike and contains correspondence with John L. Lewis. It includes correspondence, notebooks, picket cards, songs, newspaper clippings, photographs and memorabilia collected by Simons. An oral history interview with Simons is available.

Arrangement

Folders are listed by their location within the box.

Acquisition

This collection given to the Archives in July 1965 by Bud and Hazel Simons.

Transfers

Union buttons, hats and convention badges (circa 1947-1956); one blackjack; three large convention photographs were transferred to the Reuther Audiovisual Department.