David Riehle, experienced local labor historian, is working with LES staffer Randy Croce on the project. Riehle has plunged into the archives at the Minnesota History Center and the Capitol to find original sources about the workers who participated in the construction of the building between 1896 and 1907, as well as workers who have continued to do restoration and maintenance on the statehouse up to the present.
The project has received funding from four sources: Education Minnesota Foundation, International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers, Minnesota Historical Society and the Center for Human Resources and Labor Studies at the University of Minnesota.
The first stage of the project consists of finding information about these early workers, including the names, jobs and addresses of as many workers as possible, what trades were involved, the unions that represented them, their training and techniques, where the workers came from, worksite conditions and the contractors and other companies that employed the workers.
The next steps involve producing a video and school curriculum based on the most interesting findings. The first research phase will last at least through July 2010 and the entire project, including additional research, documentary and school-related activities will take place over a year or two.
LES is asking for the public’s help. If you have any of the following knowledge, or know someone else who might know, please contact project director Randy Croce by e-mail or phone: 612-625-5546:
•A grandparent, other family member or friend who worked on the Capitol (or yourself).
•Any records your Minnesota building trade or related union has that go back to the late 1800s and early 1900s in your union hall, training center, your international’s office or a private collection. While obviously looking at the trades, the project hopes to tell the stories of other workers who made the Capitol possible, such as the men who worked in the quarries, the Teamsters who hauled materials and seamstresses and carpenters who made drapes and furniture.
•A union member, staff or someone related to the union, who has taken an interest in the history of the local, the trade or labor in general, who might know something about the Capitol construction.
• Any construction contractor or other company that may have worked on the Capitol.
Brian Pease, Minnesota Historical Society Site Manager at the Capitol, wants to expand the MHS records to include this worker information. The file would be available at the Capitol to families and others in the future who want to know who worked on the building.
At least six workers are believed to have died in the building process, but MHS only has the names and circumstances of two of them and Riehle has uncovered another. Researchers would like to find all their names so they may be remembered and honored.
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| Do you know these men? This 1905 photo shows a group of construction workers who helped build the state Capitol, but only one, crane operator Zebulon Olson (back row, far right) has been identified. Photo courtesy of Minnesota Historical Society |
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David Riehle, experienced local labor historian, is working with LES staffer Randy Croce on the project. Riehle has plunged into the archives at the Minnesota History Center and the Capitol to find original sources about the workers who participated in the construction of the building between 1896 and 1907, as well as workers who have continued to do restoration and maintenance on the statehouse up to the present.
The project has received funding from four sources: Education Minnesota Foundation, International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers, Minnesota Historical Society and the Center for Human Resources and Labor Studies at the University of Minnesota.
The first stage of the project consists of finding information about these early workers, including the names, jobs and addresses of as many workers as possible, what trades were involved, the unions that represented them, their training and techniques, where the workers came from, worksite conditions and the contractors and other companies that employed the workers.
The next steps involve producing a video and school curriculum based on the most interesting findings. The first research phase will last at least through July 2010 and the entire project, including additional research, documentary and school-related activities will take place over a year or two.
LES is asking for the public’s help. If you have any of the following knowledge, or know someone else who might know, please contact project director Randy Croce by e-mail or phone: 612-625-5546:
•A grandparent, other family member or friend who worked on the Capitol (or yourself).
•Any records your Minnesota building trade or related union has that go back to the late 1800s and early 1900s in your union hall, training center, your international’s office or a private collection. While obviously looking at the trades, the project hopes to tell the stories of other workers who made the Capitol possible, such as the men who worked in the quarries, the Teamsters who hauled materials and seamstresses and carpenters who made drapes and furniture.
•A union member, staff or someone related to the union, who has taken an interest in the history of the local, the trade or labor in general, who might know something about the Capitol construction.
• Any construction contractor or other company that may have worked on the Capitol.
Brian Pease, Minnesota Historical Society Site Manager at the Capitol, wants to expand the MHS records to include this worker information. The file would be available at the Capitol to families and others in the future who want to know who worked on the building.
At least six workers are believed to have died in the building process, but MHS only has the names and circumstances of two of them and Riehle has uncovered another. Researchers would like to find all their names so they may be remembered and honored.
|
| Do you know these men? This 1905 photo shows a group of construction workers who helped build the state Capitol, but only one, crane operator Zebulon Olson (back row, far right) has been identified.
Photo courtesy of Minnesota Historical Society |