#steelworkers

[underlined] COPY [/underlined] BUCKEYE LODGE, NO. [handwritten check mark]

174, OHIO

Gieard, Ohio, Dec. 20, 1934

Mr. Charlton Ogburn,

Union Trust Building,

Washington, D. C.

Dear Mr. Ogburn:

Much interest has been shown by our members and other workmen around this district in your negotiations with the Steel Industry. I will try to give you a picture of the situation here.

To begin with, the excellent impression made on our members, including adjacent lodges, by the Steel Board is fast being dispelled. No decisions, after being promised, particularly in discrimination cases is the largest cause. It is becoming increasingly apparent that some serious and mysterious (to us) complication has arisen. I cold, but will not, elaborate on this phase.

Due to the extended delay, the more radically minded leaders are becoming to exert a stronger influence. Unless at least partial satisfaction is obtained, the certainty of an extremely bitter and violent strike is almost sure to follow next spring. Efforts are being made to secure the cooperation of the unemployed who also are in a most inflammable frame of mind. The Communists have abandoned their Union and have instructed their members to join the Amalgamated. This is largely offset, however, by sympathetic if weak willed non members who would cooperate if a strike is called. More anon.

The situation has been so kaleidoscopic that definite recommendations regarding a compromise have been very difficult to determine. In my chat with Spang, I very definitely received the impression that definite, concrete and [underlined] advertisable [/underlined] concessions must be obtained. However, he seemed inclined to await a decision of the court, no matter how long, if the majority rule decision seemed to have a good chance of being sustained.

My state of mind is such that I must have, if at all possible, some clarification on the following points.

23. Wanda, interviewed on January 26, 2011. She wore a scrupulously butch tie, sweater, and hat, along with a Bluetooth. She was a dark-complected black woman with no visible hair. Her handshake and manner of sitting established butch domi- nance immediately, as did her sideways, knowing smile. I would guess she was in her mid to late thirties.

Xena, interviewed January 31, 2011, at her home. She wore a Steelers jersey over a thermal shirt and smoked constantly. She had a dry sense of humor and a butch presentation. She had iron gray hair. Probably in her mid-forties.

Carmen, interviewed in March 2011. In her fifties, she is a black woman with dreadlocks, who has some scarring from a burn accident at the mill. She was very reserved and held her lower jaw tensely.

Danielle, interviewed on April 25, 2011. She is a big woman, with long, straight, almost stringy hair. She wore glasses and dressed casually but with lots of makeup.

Janis, interviewed July 20, 2011, at a restaurant. She wore the jacket of union electrical workers and identified as a strong union supporter. Blonde and fit, in her fifties, she had a lively demeanor, but she refused to be recorded.

Kate, interviewed in August 2011, at a bar. Relaxed and funny, she loved to talk and was full of stories about the area, the mill, family, and life. She carried herself with confidence and had a physical presence. She had medium-length gray-blonde hair.

Lupe, interviewed September 18, 2011, at a bar. She was fairly boxy in build, with short black hair and butch mannerisms. Though she was in her mid-forties, there was something very boyish and innocent about her.