Mary R. Wheeler Papers

Collection

Identifier: LP000384

Staff Only

The Mary Wheeler Collection covers the period from 1938 to 1967.

Series Description: Series I contains material concerning the American Federation of Teachers and one folder on the Illinois Federation.

Series II contains material concerning Local 571 of A.F.T., the West Suburban Teachers Union.

Series III concerns the Proviso Council of Local 571, a further break-down of the local. The greatest amount ', of material falls into this category since Mary Wheeler began her union activities at Proviso High School.

Series IV contains material relative to salary negotiations within the Proviso Council.

Dates

1938 - 1967

Creator

Wheeler, Mary R. (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.

Extent

1.5 Linear Feet (3 MB)

Additional Description

Abstract

These papers reflect Miss Wheeler's career as a vice-president of the AFT, and as an officer of the West Suburban Teachers Union (Chicago area) and the Illinois Federation of Teachers. Correspondence, minutes, reports, and other documents are included. Among the topics are professional standards for teachers, retirement plans, and negotiations and strikes by teachers.

History

Mary Wheeler was a teacher at Proviso High School in Maywood, Illinois, and a member of Local 571, American Federation of Teachers, from its inception. In 1938, she was relieved of her teaching position presumably because of union activities, and union negotiations brought about her re-instatement. She served as president and executive secretary of West Suburban Teachers Union (Local 571), chairman of the bargaining committee and of the executive committee. She served also as a vice-president of the American Federation of Teachers and was president of the AFT Boca Raton Residence Corp. Inc.

Arrangement of the Records

Arranged in 4 series - Series 1 (Box 1), Series 2 (Box 1), Series 3 (Box 2), and Series 4 (Box 3).

Folders are arranged alphabetically by subject within the series and chronologically within the folder.