Wheeling was a hotbed of unionism throughout its industrial period. In observation of the 250th anniversary of Wheeling’s founding, we will explore that industrial history, focusing on the experiences of the working class and the rise and organization of labor unions.

CLASS 1: AUGUST 6, 7:00 to 8:30 pm, Auditorium, Ohio County Public Library, 52 Sixteenth Street, Wheeling

EARLY INDUSTRY AND THE ROOTS OF LABOR ORGANIZATION

From 1830 to 1930, Wheeling was West Virginia’s premier city and the Ohio Valley’s leading industrial center: providing the nation with metal products, glassware, and tobacco products, plus hundreds of other manufactured items for local and regional consumption. It also led the way in unionizing the various trades in the city–from bootblacks to stogie makers.

INSTRUCTOR: DR. DAVID JAVERSAK