| | Abstract: | The International Association of Machinists, District 54, is the district lodge founded in 1913 to coordinate the interests and activities of various Cleveland, Ohio, IAM locals. It was led by President Matthew DeMore, 1939-1961. District 54 was known for its progressive social philosophy and it set the standards on issues of medical insurance, pension plans and other benefits which were models for other unions. District 54 also initiated several cooperative programs for its members, including the Cleveland Homes Committee to provide low cost quality housing, the Co-op of Cleveland, a consumers' cooperative, and the Union Eye Care Center. The collection consists of minutes, newsletters, correspondence, reports, contracts, financial records, membership rosters, business agents' weekly reports, grievance and arbitration proceedings, organizing files, scrapbooks, newspapers and periodicals relating to the day-to-day activities of a major Cleveland union and its relationship to the International headquarters, subordinate locals and the Cleveland industrial community, particularly during and after World War II. | |
