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

Lansing's Labor Holiday

The UAW Takes Action

— They took it to the streets on June 7, 1937 —

Lansing's Labor Holiday Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bill Rieske, May 30, 2017

1. Lansing's Labor Holiday Marker

Inscription. Following Flint's example, Lansing Amalgamated United Auto Workers Local 182 concluded a successful sit-down strike at Reo in April 1937. A subsequent effort to organize Capital City Wrecking Company resulted in the firing of workers, picket lines and an injunction. When union president Lester Washburn ignored the injunction, Sheriff Allan MacDonald came to arrest him at 2:00 A.M. Washburn wasn't home, so the sheriff arrested his wife and took her to jail, leaving their three children with a neighbor girl. When morning came, 2,000-5,000 people took to the streets in support of the union.

Erected by Motorcities National Heritage Area, National Park Service.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Labor Unions • Notable Events. In addition, it is included in the MotorCities National Heritage Area series list. A significant historical date for this entry is June 7, 1937.

Location. 42° 44.023′ N, 84° 33.017′ W. Marker is in Lansing, Michigan, in Ingham County. Marker is at the intersection of East Michigan Avenue and N. Grand Avenue, on the right when traveling west on East Michigan Avenue. Located in the west side of the Michigan Ave. bridge over the Grand River. Touch for map. Marker

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is at or near this postal address: 200 BlockEast Michigan Avenue, N side, 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. Kerns Hotel Fire / Box 23 Club (a few steps from this marker); Remembrance Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); George E. Palmer / Old Newsboys (within shouting distance of this marker); Herbert Henry Dow (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Fannie Richards (about 600 feet away); Stevie Wonder (about 600 feet away); Joe Louis Barrow (about 600 feet away); Helen Thomas B. 1920 (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lansing.

Additional keywords. MotorCities National Heritage Area

Lansing's Labor Holiday Marker and environs. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bill Rieske, June 1, 2017

2. Lansing's Labor Holiday Marker and environs.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 14, 2017. It was originally submitted on May 31, 2017, by Bill Rieske of Lansing, Michigan. This page has been viewed 253 times since then and 13 times this year. Last updated on June 7, 2017, by Bill Rieske of Lansing, Michigan. Photos: 1. submitted on May 31, 2017, by Bill Rieske of Lansing, Michigan. 2. submitted on June 7, 2017, by Bill Rieske of Lansing, Michigan. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.