Lansing in Ingham County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Walter Reuther 1907-1970

Walter Reuther Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bill Rieske, May 26, 2017

1. Walter Reuther Marker

Inscription.
Walter Reuther was a skilled die maker in Ford auto plants. Following a family heritage of labor and political activism, he joined the young United Auto Workers (UAW) in 1936 and quickly emerged as a leader. He gained national attention in May 1937 when Ford security agents attacked him and other UAW workers handing out leaflets on an overpass near the Rouge factory.

Union members elected Reuther their president in 1946. He held that post until his death. During his tenure, autoworkers made economic gains and obtained greater job security, paid vacations, medical insurance and pensions. An early proponent of universal health care, Reuther also supported civil rights and environmental movements.

Erected 2007.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Civil Rights • Environment • Labor Unions • Roads & Vehicles. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Walk of Fame series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1946.

Location. 42° 44.143′ N, 84° 33.119′ W. Marker is in Lansing, Michigan, in Ingham County. Marker is on North Washington Square. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 230 North Washington Square, Lansing MI 48933, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker.

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Elijah McCoy 1843-1929 (a few steps from this marker); William Crapo “Billy” Durant 1861-1947 (a few steps from this marker); Muzyad Yahkoob “Danny Thomas” (a few steps from this marker); Gordie Howe (within shouting distance of this marker); Eero Saarinen (within shouting distance of this marker); Jonas Salk (within shouting distance of this marker); Drs. Pearl Kendrick and Grace Eldering (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Joe Louis Barrow (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lansing.

Also see . . . Walter Reuther - Wikipedia. (Submitted on May 28, 2017, by Bill Rieske of Lansing, Michigan.)

Walter Reuther 1907-1970 Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, January 23, 2023

2. Walter Reuther 1907-1970 Marker

The marker is embedded in the concrete sidewalk next to the orange brick pavers.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 4, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 26, 2017, by Bill Rieske of Lansing, Michigan. This page has been viewed 207 times since then and 6 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on May 26, 2017, by Bill Rieske of Lansing, Michigan. 2. submitted on January 29, 2023, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.