Sylvis Society Collection, 1854-1992, n.d.

ArchivalResource

Sylvis Society. Sylvis Society Collection, 1854-1992, n.d.

Sylvis Society Collection, 1854-1992, n.d.

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/270774711

The Sylvis Society was formed to commemorate the memory and work of William Sylvis. William H. Sylvis was an important organizer for the Iron Molders Union of North America. He worked as the treasurer of the union and later became the president of the Iron Molders' International Union in 1863 and remained president until his death in 1869. Because of various mergers the union changed names several times. What began as the Iron Molders' International Union changed to the Iron Molders Union of North America (I.M.U. of N.A.). That later became the Iron Molders and Foundry Workers Union of North America (I.M. & F.W.U. of N.A.) and then again the Iron Molders and Allied Workers Union of North America (I.M. & A.W.U. of N.A.). The union became affiliated with the American Federation of Labor in 1887 as well. These mergers all worked to bolster the strength of the union. James E. Wolfe was the secretary of the Sylvis Society. He was born in Louisville, Kentucky and from an early age was involved with labor unions and education. After years of work in Kentucky and Cincinnati for various labor unions he was hired by the Iron Molders Union of North America and ran their Research and Education department. He also taught evening classes at the University of Cincinnati. Over time he was also on the Mayor's Friendly Relations Committee, the Cincinnati School Foundation, the Kennedy Heights Community Council, the Urban League and also ran for Cincinnati School board unsuccessfully two times. Wolfe was very interested in the history of the Molders Union and that of William H. Sylvis.

48 cubic ft. (96 boxes and 1 oversize folder).

Cincinnati History Library, Cincinnati Museum Center