Terre Haute in Vigo County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Walter Philip Reuther
Photographed By Courtesy:: Marilyn S. Wolf, August 12, 2012
1. Walter Philip Reuther Marker
1907 - - - - - 1970
“- - - - Whose memory is enshrined in the hearts of all of us.”
Born at Wheeling, W. Va. Sept. 1, 1907, the son of Valentine and Anna Reuther. One of four brothers, the oldest Theodore and two younger brothers Roy and Victor, both of whom also became leaders in the United Auto Workers.
After learning to be Die Maker, Reuther went to Detroit, worked at Ford Plant and lost his job because of Union activity; Toured Russia and Europe working in many auto plants. Married May Wolf, Union School Teacher, March 13, 1936 in Detroit. Sept. 1, 1936 organized, elected President of West Side Local 174, UAW; May 1937 fought “Battle of Overpass” at Rouge Plant; 1941, Ford signs with UAW; 1946, elected President of UAW; 1948 wounded by would-be assassin; 1952, elected President CIO; 1955. Leads merger of AFL-CIO; 1968 UAW leaves AFL-CIO as Independent Union; May 9, 1970 dies in plane crash near Pellston, Mich. with wife, two aides.
Advisor to President Franklin D. Roosevelt throughout World War II: in forefront of Civil Liberties fight for blacks through
this page online
In Memoriam
“His aim and purpose were economic and social justice. But to him, the ideals of social justice, economic security, peace and freedom, human dignity and human brotherhood were not matters merely for philosophic discourse but practical goals to achieve. Dreams to be made real.”
Irving Bluestone, his Administrative Assistant in Eulogy at funeral
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Labor Unions. A significant historical date for this entry is March 13, 1906.
Location. 39° 28.312′ N, 87° 24.314′ W. Marker is in Terre Haute, Indiana, in Vigo County. Marker can be reached from North 8th Street south of Spruce Street. Located in back-yard of Eugene Debs home (museum). Can be reached by a back access drive from Sycamore Street - west of North 9th Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: (back yard of) 451 North 8th Street, Terre Haute IN 47801, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. William H. Sylvis (here, next to this marker); Samuel Gompers (here, next to this marker); Jerry Wurf (here, next to this marker); Joseph A. Beirne (here, next to this marker); Michael J. Quill (here, next to this marker); Patrick J. Quinlan
Photographed By Al Wolf, July 6, 2008
2. Eugene Debs Home (Museum)
Also see . . . Walter P. Reuther. Walter P. Reuther Library website entry (Submitted on August 18, 2012, by Al Wolf of Veedersburg, Indiana.)
Photographed By Courtesy:: Marilyn S. Wolf, August 12, 2012
3. Walter Philip Reuther Marker - -(Third from Left)
Reuther Library, Unknown
4. Walter Philip Reuther
Credits. This page was last revised on November 28, 2021. It was originally submitted on August 18, 2012, by Al Wolf of Veedersburg, Indiana. This page has been viewed 937 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 18, 2012, by Al Wolf of Veedersburg, Indiana. 4. submitted on November 6, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.
