The History of Thurber in 12 Objects: Thurber's Union Pride
by Shae Adams
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| James Elzie Marrs' union ribbons with black reverse for mourning. Marrs Collection |
As Labor Day approaches, we’re taking a moment to celebrate the history of this 100% unionized town. Beginning in 1903, seven different unions represented Thurber workers based on their trade. During special occasions, Thurber workers proudly wore ribbons like this one proclaiming their affiliation with a national trade union. Each ribbon indicated the name of the union, the local number, and if the wearer served as a union officer. As this example shows, union ribbons often featured a black reverse, worn to honor recently deceased members.
This particular ribbon belonged to James Elzie Marrs, a Thurber carpenter. Marrs worked as a foreman in the Thurber carpentry shop. When unionization occurred in 1903, he paid his ten dollar initiation fee to the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America to signal his union membership. Marrs obviously believed in the goals of the UBC&J as he served as both a trustee and president of the Thurber Local.
Thurber’s workforce had reason to be proud of their union membership. Unlike many places in the United States, unionization in Thurber occurred without bloodshed. In September 1903, Thurber coal miners with the help of representatives from the United Mine Workers of America gave W. K. Gordon and the Company a list of demands. These included higher wages, better working hours, and the removal of the fence around the town. When the Company refused, the miners staged a peaceful walkout, leaving Thurber with their families. Newspapers across the country applauded the strikers for not resorting to violence during their demonstration.
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| James E. Marrs. Thurber workers like Marrs benefitted from the close relationship between TPCC officials and union representatives. Marrs Collection |
Realizing they would have to negotiate with the miners or face a total shutdown, Edgar Marston and W. K. Gordon agreed to meet with union representatives. After days of deliberation, the parties reached an agreement on September 26, 1903, and Thurber became a unionized community. Over the next eighteen years, Company officials and union representatives worked closely together to settle disagreements, creating a successful and profitable town.
The partnership between the unions and Company officials profoundly impacted the lives of TPCC employees like James Marrs. This fall, learn more about the place of labor unions in Thurber’s history by exploring our newest temporary exhibit: Unions in a Company Town.
Join us in celebrating the people of Thurber on Saturday, September 1, at our community Labor Day Picnic! This free event offers something for everyone with a bounce house, outdoor games, music, and a beer tasting by HopFusion Ale Works. All donations from this event will support reading programs at schools in De Leon, Gordon, and Ranger during the 2018-2019 school year. Learn more about the picnic on our Facebook event page.
