Stoyan Menton Papers

Collection

Identifier: LP000802

Staff Only

Series 1: Personal Files, 1935-1975 Biographies, resumes, and the references of Stoyan Menton. There are also materials that reflect his personal interests.

Series 2: Worker's Education Service, University of Michigan Extension, 1944-1976 Administrative information, educational materials, and news clippings on the Worker's Education Service and the FDR-CIO Summer Schools. There are papers concerning the demise of the Worker's Education Service and its attempted restoration.

Series 3: Michigan State University Labor Education, 1950-1958 Correspondence, proposals, educational materials and administrative papers of the Continuing Education Service, Michigan State College, of which Stoyan Menton was labor consultant, and the Labor and Industrial Relations Center, Michigan State University, of which he was program coordinator.

Dates

1935 - 1976
Majority of material found within 1944 - 1958

Creator

Menton, Stoyan M. (Person)

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.

Extent

2 Linear Feet (4 MB)

Additional Description

Abstract

Stoyan Menton became involved in labor education, first with the United Auto Workers Local 400, and later at the University of Michigan's Worker's Education Service and the Labor and Industrial Relations Center, Michigan State University. His papers reflect both his personal interest in labor education as well as document the activities of both university programs.

History

Stoyan Menton was born in Detroit, Michigan on February 5, 1915. He attended Wayne State University, where he was active in socialist organizations and was President of the Wayne University Chapter of the American Student Union. He was one of the UAW pioneers who participated in organizing drives during the 1930's and later specialized in worker's education, first as education director of UAW Local 400, and later as a staff member of the University of Michigan's Worker's Education Service. In that capacity he conducted labor classes and conferences for CIO and AFL unions all over Michigan, and also directed the educational programs at the Michigan CIO Summer Schools at Lakeport, Michigan. In 1953 he became labor consultant for Michigan State College's Continuing Education Service, and in 1956 was named program coordinator for the newly formed Labor and Industrial Relations Center, Michigan State University. In addition, in 1944 Mr. Menton served as organization director of the Michigan Commission for the Farm Labor Party, which culminated in the formation of the Michigan Commonwealth Federation.

Arrangement

Arranged in 3 series – Series 1 (Box 1), Series 3 (Boxes 1-2) and Series 3 (Boxes 2-4). Folders are arranged alphabetically.

Acquisition

The papers of Stoyan M. Menton were placed in the Archives of Labor and Urban Affairs in the fall of 1976 by Mr. Menton himself, and were opened for research in June of 1988.

Transfers

40 photographs relating to the FDR-CIO Summer Schools and the Continuing Education Service at Michigan State College are available in the Archives Library.