Dearborn in Wayne County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
The Hunger March
Labor's Historic Confrontation
Photographed By Joel Seewald, July 8, 2021
1. The Hunger March: Labor's Historic Confrontation Marker
Thousands of unemployed auto workers and union organizers gathered
in bitter cold on March 7, 1932 near the Fort Street Bridge, in the despair of the Great Depression. They intended to march to the Ford Rouge Plant, to present to Henry Ford a list of demands for jobs and better working conditions. Before they could get there, the marchers were confronted by Dearborn police and Ford security with teargas and firehoses. Marchers responded by throwing rocks, and violence escalated to gunfire by the police which killed five of the hunger marchers. Days later, thousands of people joined the funeral procession to nearby Woodmere Cemetery. The tragedy of the 1932 Hunger March helped spark the success of organized labor in America, and the United Auto Workers union was formed in 1935.
You Auto Know
In early 1932, Detroit's unemployment rate was over 50%. Thousands of Ford workers were laid off as Model A production ended.
Erected 2019 by MotorCities National Heritage Area, National Park Service.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: 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 March 7, 1932.
Location. 42°
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Ford Hunger March (here, next to this marker); UAW Local 600 (a few steps from this marker); Shipbuilding Traditions (approx. 0.3 miles away); Model A (approx. 0.6 miles away); Ford Negotiating Team (approx. 0.6 miles away); Miller Road Overpass (approx. 0.6 miles away); Ford Model A (approx. 0.6 miles away); United Auto Workers (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Dearborn.
Also see . . . Ford Hunger March. Wikipedia article about the Ford Hunger March. (Submitted on July 9, 2021, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.)
All photos courtesy of the Reuther Library, Wayne State University, Detroit.
2. The Hunger March: Labor's Historic Confrontation Marker — top left images
Top: Dearborn police were armed with clubs as they confronted the marchers approaching the Ford Rouge Plant.
Bottom left: An injured Dearborn policeman was assisted by demonstrators as violence first erupted along Miller Road.
Bottom right: Tear gas filled the air as Dearborn police and Ford servicemen attacked demonstrators outside of the Rouge Plant.
Bottom left: An injured Dearborn policeman was assisted by demonstrators as violence first erupted along Miller Road.
Bottom right: Tear gas filled the air as Dearborn police and Ford servicemen attacked demonstrators outside of the Rouge Plant.
Courtesy of the Reuther Library, Wayne State University, Detroit.
3. The Hunger March: Labor's Historic Confrontation Marker — bottom right image
As the marchers gathered, leader Albert Goetz mounted a truck bed to address the group. He reminded them that there was to be no trouble, no violence. Marchers' signs indicate their concerns.
Courtesy of the Reuther Library, Wayne State University, Detroit.
4. The Hunger March: Labor's Historic Confrontation Marker — top right image
On March 12, 1932, mourners confronted Detroit police officers during the victims' funeral procession to Woodmere Cemetery.
Courtesy of the Reuther Library, Wayne State University, Detroit.
5. The Hunger March: Labor's Historic Confrontation Marker — bottom right image
Victims Kalman Leny, Joseph DeBlasio, Joseph Bussell, and Joseph York were buried at Woodmere Cemetery on March 12, 1932. A fifth victim, Curtis Williams, died weeks later and was denied burial there because he was African-American. In 1992, UAW Local 600 honored them with headstones.
Photographed By Joel Seewald, July 8, 2021
6. The Hunger March: Labor's Historic Confrontation Marker
This marker is the one on the left, under the green Michigan Bureau of History marker.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 9, 2021. It was originally submitted on July 9, 2021, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 199 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on July 9, 2021, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.
