Johnson (Clyde) Collection, 1954-1983

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Summary

Title:
Clyde L. Johnson collection
Dates:
1954-1983
Creators:
Johnson, Clyde
Abstract:
Materials related to the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America (UBCJA) at the national, California and local levels, including convention proceedings, bylaws, agreements, and pamphlets, collected in the course of Johnson's work as business agent for UBCJA's Local 550 Chapter in Oakland, California. While the majority of the collection reflects official documentation from UBCJA and California State Council of Carpenters, also present are publications from workers and players within the Millmen and Carpenter industry. Some materials reflect Johnson's long standing conflict with the National UBCJA organization.
Extent:
2.5 Cubic Feet (2 cartons)
Language:
Languages represented in the collection: English.
Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], Clyde L. Johnson Collection, larc.ms.0135, Labor Archives & Research Center, San Francisco State University.

Background

Scope and content:

Materials related to the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America (UBCJA) at the national, California and local levels, including convention proceedings, bylaws, agreements, and pamphlets, collected in the course of Johnson's work as business agent for UBCJA's Local 550 Chapter in Oakland, California. While the majority of the collection reflects official documentation from UBCJA and California State Council of Carpenters, also present are publications from workers and players within the Millmen and Carpenter industry. Some materials reflect Johnson's long standing conflict with the National UBCJA organization.

Biographical / historical:

Clyde Johnson (1908-1994) was a lifelong labor organizer who worked within many different industries during his lifetime. Throughout his long career as an organizer, Johnson worked with students, iron and foundry workers, coal workers, sharecroppers, electrical workers, agricultural workers, and carpenters.

In 1955 Johnson moved from Washington, D.C. to Oakland, California where he joined Local 550 of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America (UBCJA). He served as the business agent for UBCJA from 1960-1966 before joining the Institute of Industrial Relations at University of California, Berkeley in 1967. In his later years, Johnson devoted himself to telling the story of working class resistance and organizing struggles, including Millmen 550: A History of the Militant Years (1961-1966) of Local 550 United Brotherhood of Carpenters, which details his role as the union's business agent during the time period.

Johnson's book Organize or Die: Smash Boss Unionism--Build Union Power, Organize Two Million Carpenters and Woodworkers critized the national UBCJA body and President William Hutcheson, a conservative craft-unionist who was often at odds with local chapters, revoking the charters of those that he believe held Communist sympathies. As a Communist, Johnson fought for worker controlled unions and militant organizing strategies, such as strikes and lockouts. Due in part to his efforts, Local 550 became known for its focus on civil rights and trade union democracy. Clyde Johnson died on October 5, 1994.

Acquisition information:
The Clyde L. Johnson Collection was donated by Ted Rosengarten, accession number 2002/049.[ask Catherine for donor information]
Processing information:

Processed by Labor Archives staff; finding aid written by Leah Humphreys, 2020.

Arrangement:

Arranged as received.

Physical location:
Available onsite.
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

About this collection guide

Collection Guide Author:
Finding aid prepared by Leah Humphreys.
Date Encoded:
This finding aid was produced using ArchivesSpace on 2020-10-08 17:17:58 +0000 .

Access and use

Restrictions:

Collection is open for research. A few documents have been restricted to protect personal identifiable information. Access restrictions are noted at the file level. Please contact the Director of the Labor Archives and Research Center for more information.

Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], Clyde L. Johnson Collection, larc.ms.0135, Labor Archives & Research Center, San Francisco State University.

Location of this collection:
J. Paul Leonard Library, Room 460
1630 Holloway Ave
San Francisco, CA 94132-1722, US
Contact:
(415) 405-5549
specialcollections@sfsu.edu
Website