Arthur Preis papers , 1853-1963

Overview of the Collection

Creator
Preis, Art
Title
Arthur Preis papers
Dates
1853-1963 (inclusive)
Quantity
3 linear feet, (2 containers)  :  2 record storage boxes
Collection Number
Ax 283
Summary
Arthur Preis (1911-1964) was a labor organizer, author, and historian. The collection includes manuscripts, records of The Militant, correspondence, and miscellaneous items.
Repository
University of Oregon Libraries, Special Collections and University Archives
UO Libraries--SCUA
1299 University of Oregon
Eugene OR
97403-1299
Telephone: 5413463068
spcarref@uoregon.edu
Access Restrictions

Collection is open to the public. Collection must be used in Special Collections and University Archives Reading Room. Collection or parts of collection may be stored offsite. Please contact Special Collections and University Archives in advance of your visit to allow for transportation time.

Additional Reference Guides

Paper finding aid with additional information is available in Special Collections & University Archives.

See the Current Collection Guide for detailed description and requesting options.

Languages
English
Sponsor
Funding for production of this finding aid was provided through a grant awarded by the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC).

Historical NoteReturn to Top

Arthur Preis (1911-1964), labor organizer, author, and historian, was born in Philadelphia and educated at the University of Pennsylvania and Ohio State University. In 1933 he organized the National Unemployed League. He was an early member of the Conference for Progressive Labor Action, which group formed the American Workers Party and merged with the Communist League of America. He later was a member of the national committee of the Socialist Workers Party. He was on the staff of The Militant (New York) from 1940, and wrote a series of articles on the history of the Congress of Industrial Organizations, which he later expanded into a book, Labor's Giant Step (N.Y., 1964).

Content DescriptionReturn to Top

The collection includes manuscripts, records of The Militant, correspondence, and miscellaneous items.

The manuscripts are divided into six sections: book manuscript, articles and other manuscripts by Preis, article manuscripts by other authors, print material, pamphlets and manuscripts of articles in the International Socialist Review. The book manuscript is of "Labor's Giant Step." Articles and other manuscripts by Preis and other authors include titles such as "Political Follies of 1950" and "The Present Situation in the Trade Union Movement." The print material includes articles from the The Fourth International, and the pamphlets include "Jobs for all" and "Welfare State or Socialism." There are also manuscripts for International Socialist Review including "How the Miners Won" and "American Labor--Fact and Fiction."

There are also records of The Militant including eight issues dating 1853-1864, mark-up and style sheets, and Martha Gray cartoons dating 1943-1945.

Miscellaneous items include Preis's commemorative address by Ted Selander, a photograph of Preis, and an obituary and article.

Correspondence, 1938-1964, is arranged alphabetically by correspondent. Correspondents include Comrades of Allentown, George Breitman, Cara Cook, James P. Cannon, Farrell Dobbs, Ross Dowson, Joe and Reba Hansen, Harry Howe, Jack Maloney, Jean Simon, W.F. Ward, and Beverly Wulp.

Administrative InformationReturn to Top

Detailed Description of the CollectionReturn to Top

Names and SubjectsReturn to Top

Subject Terms

  • Labor journalism--United States
  • Labor leaders--United States
  • Labor movement--United States--History--20th century
  • Labor unions--United States--History--20th century
  • Socialists--United States

Personal Names

  • Preis, Art
  • Preis, Art

Form or Genre Terms

  • Correspondence
  • Manuscripts for publication