Swedish Typographical Union of Chicago Records

On the 23rd of August 1893 Swedish typographers of Chicago met in discussion regarding "huruledes kunna de svenska typographerna i Chicago bäst organiseras." (In what matter can the Swedish typographers of Chicago be best organized.) Up until this time there was only a Norwegian‑Danish typographical union, but from the conclusion of this discussion, along with two months of continuing discussion, a Swedish typographical union was formed on October 5th 1893. The organization's first elected committee included: President, John J. Engberg; Vice‑President, John L. Danielson; Secretary, Eric C. Elm; Treasurer, C. O. Williamson; Sargent‑of‑arms, Anton T. Nelson; and Accountants, H. Hesselroth, Ernest Younggren, and Claes Larson.

On November 2nd of that same year, after the assassination of Mayor Carter H. Harrison, a resolution of sympathy was written by C. O. Williamson, Eric C. Elm, and John L. Danielson. It was published in Chicago's daily newspapers and marked the first life sign of the Union's activity.

On April 4, 1894, after a request and two months of decision making, the Union decided to become a charter member of the International Typographical Union. The Union's official title became The Chicago Swedish Typographical Union, No. 247 of the International Typographical Union (I.T.U.) There were 51 members, of which 17 were charter members and 34 were general members.

From the very beginning the Union was both instrumental in securing higher wages and being supportive of its members. Until 1912, health and death benefits were combined in one fund to which every member was obligated to contribute. The death benefits were discontinued when the I.T.U. increased their life insurance benefits to $400. A retirement home, Union Printers Home, located in Colorado Springs, Colorado, was strongly supported by the Union and its members. To be admitted one had to be a union member for a minimum of ten years. A pension fund and a life insurance fund were also eventually established.

Some celebrated events which the Society tried to promote annually were Founder's Day, October 5th, and a summer family outing. These events were celebrated in La Grange, Illinois. They also celebrated 20, 30, and 70 year anniversaries.

Their first twenty years were relatively active, with a combined membership of 34 in 1913. They published a memoir of their first twenty years, and this is where most of the Union's only documental history is recorded. After 1913, the Union continued to be an integral part of Chicago's Swedish and American printing life. They revised their bylaws, scale of prices, and shop rules in 1926.

This collection is missing a bulk of its documented material which mainly consists of minutes for the years 1894 to 1959. From the available records, the Union started to regain its activity in 1944. Between 1944‑1966, the Union's most organized years (except for the twenty years after founding), documented material is in abundance, in comparison to the total collection.

The minutes and correspondence are very helpful in recovering information about these years. In 1964 they celebrated their 70th anniversary, which consisted of only 14 members. After 1964 the union dwindled because of lack of interest and old age. The minutes stop on August 6, 1965.

About 1970 Hjalmar Johnson, secretary of the union for 50 years was awarded his 60‑year I.T.U. long service emblem and certificate. A few days after this event, because of dwindling membership, Local No. 247 voted to surrender its charter. The few remaining members transferred to Local No. 16 of the I.T.U. and Mr. Johnson passed away. Thus, the Chicago Swedish Typographical Union was in existence for 76 years, 1894‑1970.