Burt D. Wells papers, 1950-1971

Overview of the Collection

Creator
Wells, Burt D.
Title
Burt D. Wells papers
Dates
1950-1971 (inclusive)
Quantity
3.6 cubic feet (4 boxes)
Collection Number
6176 (Accession No. 6176-001)
Summary
Papers of paper worker union organizer and officer Burt D. Wells related to his involvement with the International Brotherhood of Pulp, Sulphite and Paper Mill Workers, Local 242 of Portland, Oregon; the revolt of the Rank and File Movement for Democratic Action; and the Association of Western Pulp and Paper Workers.
Repository
University of Washington Libraries, Special Collections
Special Collections
University of Washington Libraries
Box 352900
Seattle, WA
98195-2900
Telephone: 2065431929
Fax: 2065431931
speccoll@uw.edu
Access Restrictions

Collection is open for research use but records are stored offsite; advance notice is required for use.

Request at UW

Languages
English
Sponsor
Full processing supported by the Labor Archives Fund and the Labor Archives of Washington State Budget.

Biographical NoteReturn to Top

Burt D. Wells was President of the International Brotherhood of Pulp, Sulphite and Paper Mill Workers (IBPS&PMW) Local 242 in Portland, Oregon. Wells also served as Secretary-Treasurer of the Rank and File Movement for Democratic Action in the late 1950s-early 1960s, a committee formed by members of IBPS&PMW locals in protest of decisions made by the International leadership, including the dismissal of Research and Education Director, George Brooks in 1961. These and similar efforts within paper worker unions across the U.S. and Canada resulted in the establishment of rebel union, the Association of Western Pulp and Paper Workers in 1964 where many dissatisfied members of the IBPS&PMW and United Papermakers and Paperworkers relocated themselves.

Content DescriptionReturn to Top

Papers of paper worker union organizer and officer, Burt D. Wells, consisting primarily of records related to his involvement with the Rank and File Movement for Democratic Action and the Association of Western Pulp and Paper Workers, including correspondence, newsletters, legal files, reports, press, and flyers as well as general correspondence and other records related to the International Brotherhood of Pulp Sulphite and Paper Mill Workers and Local 242 in Portland, Oregon. There is considerable overlap of related materials across series and subseries but maintained to respect the arrangement of the materials prior to processing.

Other Descriptive InformationReturn to Top

Forms part of the Labor Archives of Washington.

Use of the CollectionReturn to Top

Preferred Citation

Labor Archives of Washington, University of Washington Libraries, Special Collections, Burt D. Wells papers, 6176-001, box number, folder number.

Restrictions on Use

Creator's copyrights transferred to the University of Washington Libraries Special Collections.

Administrative InformationReturn to Top

Arrangement

The collection is arranged into the following series and subseries:

  • SERIES 1: RANK AND FILE MOVEMENT FOR DEMOCRATIC ACTION
    • Subseries A: Correspondence
    • Subseries B: Individual Rank and File Movement for Democratic Action Member Correspondence
    • Subseries C: Meetings and Conventions
    • Subseries D: Rank and File Movement for Democratic Action Financial and Administrative Records
  • SERIES 2: INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD OF PULP, SULPHITE AND PAPER MILL WORKERS
    • Subseries A: International
    • Subseries B: Rose City Local 242, Portland, Oregon
  • SERIES 3: ASSOCIATION OF WESTERN PULP AND PAPER WORKERS
  • SERIES 4: PUBLISHED MATERIAL

Acquisition Information

Donated by Rosa Millo Eyer, originally a part of the John H. Eyer papers (3932-001), 1987-09-14

Processing Note

Processed by Assistant Labor Archivist Crystal Rodgers

Processing completed in January 2018, including refoldering and rehousing of material, preservation photocopies of thermofax paper made, rusty fasteners removed and replaced with plasticlips, and acid free paper interwoven between newspaper clippings. Materials arranged into series and subseries physically and intellectually.

Separated Materials

Material Described Separately:

Due to the collection's distinctiveness as a body of records belonging to Burt D. Wells and the material's historical significance, this collection was separated from the first accession of the John H. Eyer Papers (Manuscript Accession 3932-001) during processing in December 2017.

Related Materials

Association of Western Pulp and Paper Workers records (manuscript collection 2052)

Detailed Description of the CollectionReturn to Top

 

SERIES 1 :   RANK AND FILE MOVEMENT FOR DEMOCRATIC ACTION1953-1965 Return to Top

Container(s): Box-folder 1/1-3/2

Container(s) Description Dates
Box/Folder
1/1-26
Subseries A : Correspondence
1959-1965
Box/Folder
1/1
Correspondence: Dismissal of George Brooks, Appointment of Jerald Hatt Controversy
1962-1963
1/2
Regional Correspondence: Rank and File Movement for Democratic Action
1959-1963
1/3
Correspondence with Locals: Protest Letters Regarding Firing of George Brooks
1960-1962
1/4
Correspondence: Rank and File Movement for Democratic Action
1960-1962
1/5
Correspondence with Locals Around United States: Detroit Convention
1962
1/6
Correspondence: Brooks Dismissal, United Papermakers and Paperworkers and Frank Grasso, Detroit Convention
1960-1962
1/7
International Brotherhood of Pulp, Sulphite and Paper Mill Workers Convention, Detroit, Michigan: Burt Wells' Convention Materials [1 of 2]
Contains full issues of the following print publications: Pulp, Sulphite and Paper Mill Workers' Journal, Vol. XLVI, No. 1, Jan-Feb 1962; Clean-UPP, Vol. 2 No. 2, May-June 1963; Pulp & Paper Worker, Vol. 17, No. 2, 1962 August; Oregon Labor Press, Vol. 63, No. 38, Portland, September 21, 1962
1962
1/8
International Brotherhood of Pulp, Sulphite and Paper Mill Workers Convention, Detroit, Michigan: Burt Wells' Convention Materials [2 of 2]
1962
1/9
International Brotherhood of Pulp, Sulphite and Paper Mill Workers 26th Annual Convention, Detroit, Michigan: Rank and File Movement for Democratic Action Local Delegates and Proposed Resolutions
1962
1/10
International Brotherhood of Pulp, Sulphite and Paper Mill Workers Correspondence: George Brooks' Dismissal [1 of 2]
1961
1/11
International Brotherhood of Pulp, Sulphite and Paper Mill Workers Correspondence: George Brooks' Dismissal [2 of 2]
1961
1/12
Gerard Schmidt Firing Case at International Brotherhood of Pulp, Sulphite and Paper Mill Workers Local 318, Glen Cove, New York
1962
1/13
Proposal for Constitutional Reform for Elections
1962
1/14
International Brotherhood of Pulp, Sulphite and Paper Mill Workers General Correspondence
1961 May-December
1/15
International Brotherhood of Pulp, Sulphite and Paper Mill Workers General Correspondence
1962 January-May
1/16
International Brotherhood of Pulp, Sulphite and Paper Mill Workers General Correspondence
1962 June-December
1/17
Union Locals Correspondence: George Brooks Resignation
1961
1/18
Quarterly Audit Report Inquiry by Rank and File Movement for Democratic Action
circa 1960-1962
1/19
United Papermakers and Paperworkers
1960-1961
1/20
F.J. Tierney's Resignation Letter to President Burke
1962 May 9
1/21
Rank and File Movement for Democratic Action Opposition [1 of 2]
1961-1962
1/22
Rank and File Movement for Democratic Action Opposition [2 of 2]
1961-1962
1/23
Opposition to Appointment of Jerald Hatt as International Representative
1963-1964
1/24
Support for Reinstatement of George Brooks
1961-1962
1/25
International Officer Correspondence: George Brooks' Resignation and Southwest Area Staff
1961
1/26
Burt Wells' Correspondence with University of Wisconsin and Wisconsin State Historical Society: Rank and File Movement for Democratic Action Records
This file contains correspondence related to the loan of RFMDA records to archives for microfilming
1964-1965
1/27-2/22
Subseries B : Individual Rank and File Movement for Democratic Action Member Correspondence
1960-1964
Box/Folder
1/27
Amden, Richard, Local 183, Everett, Washington
1961-1962
1/28
Ballantyne, James, President, Local 89, Kapuskasing, Ontario
1961-1962
1/29
Bartlett, Harold M., Local 22, Fort Orange, New York
1961-1962
1/30
Benson, Herman W., Editor of Union Democracy in Action newsletter
1961-1962
1/31
Bevan, Edwin C., Treasurer of Rank and File Movement for Democratic Action
1962
2/1
Braaten, Orville, Business Agent, Local 433, Vancouver, British Columbia
1961-1963
2/2
Chatham, R. H., West Monroe Local 512, Louisiana
1961-1962
2/3
Dukes, Clarence W., San Joaquin Local 713, Antioch, California
1961-1962
2/4
Cowman, William H., President of Local 400, Brunswick, Georgia
1962
2/5
Farrace, Arthur, Antioch, California
1961-1962
2/6
McCormick, Bob, Western Canada Council, Ocean Falls, British Columbia
1961-1962
2/7
MacPhee, Angus, Watson Island Local 708, Prince Rupert, British Columbia: Committee of Inquiry, Cuba Trip and Communist Allegations
1961-1962
2/8
Marshall, Peter, Secretary-Treasurer of Western Canada Area Rank and File Movement for Democratic Action, Local 312, Ocean Falls, British Columbia
1961-1964
2/9
Melton, Melvin, Secretary of Local 194, Bellingham, Washington
Includes essays submitted by union members to story contest about corruption in the International.
1960-1964
2/10
Mercer, Graham, Local 169, Hoquiam, Washington
1961-1962
2/11
Perrin, William, Local 68, West Linn, Oregon
1961-1962
2/12
Rodgers, Henry, Local 375, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania [1 of 2]
1961-1963
2/13
Rodgers, Henry, Local 375, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania [2 of 2]
Contains issue of Local 375 East Coast Newsletter
1961-1963
2/14
Rosebush, George, Rank and File Movement for Democratic Action Area Chairman for Ontario and Manitoba, Local 89, Kapuskasing, Ontario
1961-1962
2/15
Ruddick, Godfrey J., International Vice-President, Little Rock, Arkansas
1961-1962
2/16
Savage, Leo R., President of United Gilman Local 41, Gilman, Vermont
1961-1962
2/17
Scarselletta, Mario, President of Hudson River Local 20, Glens Falls, New York
1961-1962
2/18
Schmidt, Herbert, Secretary of South Gate Local 253 Correspondence: 1962 Election Dispute and Rank and File Movement for Democratic Action
1962
2/19
Stanley, L. R., Secretary, Local 171, Vancouver, Washington: Anti-Rank and File Movement for Democratic Action Correspondence
1960-1962
2/20
Sterman, Albert, Local 375, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Correspondence with International about John McNiff and Education Spending
1961-1962
2/21
Stewart, L. E., President, Local 253, South Gate, California Correspondence: Election Dispute
1962
2/22
Wilner, Don S., Correspondence with Burt Wells and William Perrin
1961-1962
2/23-32
Subseries C : Meetings and Conventions
1959-1963
Box/Folder
2/23
Northwest Committee for Union Justice: Correspondence and Minutes
1961-1962
2/24
British Columbia Committee of Inquiry Minutes: George Brooks Resignation
1961
2/25
Western Canada Area of the Rank and File Movement for Democratic Action: Meeting Minutes
1961
2/26
Rank and File Movement for Democratic Action: Mid-Atlantic States Conference Meeting Minutes
1961 June 3
2/27
Rank and File Movement for Democratic Action: Southeast Area Conference Meeting Minutes
1962 March 3
2/28
Rank and File Movement for Democratic Action Area Executive Conference, Denver, Colorado: Meeting Minutes
1961-1962
2/29
International Brotherhood of Pulp, Sulphite and Paper Mill Workers Local 89, Kapuskasing, Ontario: Special Meeting on Connolly and Hayes Dismissal
1960 August 28
2/30
Meeting Minutes of Joseph Tonelli's Staff at Prince George Hotel
1961 March
2/31
Western Canada Council of Pulp and Paper Mill Unions Spring Conference in Vancouver, British Columbia: Meeting Minutes
1962 May 14
2/32
United Papermakers and Paperworkers: Correspondence, Reports, Court Records, Newsletters
1959-1963
2/33-3/2
Subseries D : Rank and File Movement for Democratic Action Financial and Administrative Records
1953-1964
Box/Folder
2/33
Rank and File Movement for Democratic Action Per Capita Dues Payments [1 of 2]
1961-1962
2/34
Rank and File Movement for Democratic Action Per Capita Dues Payments [2 of 2]
1961-1962
2/35
Amplifier Subscribers, Paper Worker Members, and Executive Officers Mailing Lists
circa 1953-1964
2/36
Reform Movement Background: Assorted Writings by Burt Wells and Others
1960-1964
2/37
Reform Movement: Burt Wells' Affidavit and Court Exhibit Files
circa 1957-1964
3/1
Rank and File Movement for Democratic Action Handbook for Constitutional Reform
circa 1962
3/2
Rank and File Movement for Democratic Action Financial Statements and Receipt Logs
1961-1962

SERIES 2 :   INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD OF PULP, SULPHITE AND PAPER MILL WORKERS1950-1964 Return to Top

Container(s): Box-folder 3/3-23

Container(s) Description Dates
Box/Folder
3/3-11
Subseries A : International
1958-1964
Box/Folder
3/3
International Brotherhood of Pulp, Sulphite and Paper Mill Workers General Correspondence [1 of 2]
1959-1960
3/4
International Brotherhood of Pulp, Sulphite and Paper Mill Workers General Correspondence [2 of 2]
1959-1960
3/5
International Brotherhood of Pulp, Sulphite and Paper Mill Workers Financial Quarterly Reports
1958-1961
3/6
International Brotherhood of Pulp, Sulphite and Paper Mill Workers Reports of the Auditor
1961-1962
3/7
International Brotherhood of Pulp, Sulphite and Paper Mill Workers Complete Report of the Special Investigating Committee [on Vice President Joseph Tonelli]
1960 September 20
3/8
International Brotherhood of Pulp, Sulphite and Paper Mill Workers Report of Union Job Evaluation Committee
1963 January 14
3/9
International Brotherhood of Pulp, Sulphite and Paper Mill Workers and United Papermakers and Paperworkers Pre-Wage Conference Minutes
1959 May 11
3/10
International Executive Board Meeting Minutes
1960-1962
3/11
Paper Worker Union Local Rosters and Officers Lists
circa 1960-1964
3/12-23
Subseries B : Rose City Local 242, Portland, Oregon
1950-1963
Box/Folder
3/12
Local 242 Resolution Proposals to International President-Secretary
1962
3/13
External Correspondence
1953-1957
3/14
Wage Stabilization Board Correspondence
1951-1963
3/15
Local and International Resolutions
circa 1957-1963
3/16
Rose City Local 242 Information for New Members
circa 1950-1957
3/17
Portland and Salem, Oregon Labor Councils: Correspondence
1954-1955
3/18
Local 242 Internal Correspondence [1 of 2]
1955-1963
3/19
Local 242 Internal Correspondence [2 of 2]
1955-1963
3/20
Unemployment Benefits Information
1956-1958
3/21
Correspondence to and from International and Local 242 Quarterly Reports
1952-1962
3/22
Local 242 Financial Report
1957
3/23
Artifact: Burt D. Wells' Detroit Convention Ribbon and Medal Pin
1962

SERIES 3 :   ASSOCIATION OF WESTERN PULP AND PAPER WORKERS1952-1971 Return to Top

Container(s): Box-folder 3/24-46

Container(s) Description Dates
Box/Folder
3/24
Association of Western Pulp and Paper Workers: Correspondence, Minutes, Reports, Published Material
1969-1971
3/25
Election Campaign: Flyers and Press
circa 1967
3/26
Attorney Retainer Fee Policy
1966
3/27
Burt Wells' Letter of Credentials as Representative of the Association of Western Pulp and Paper Workers
1964 October 8
3/28
Uniform Labor Agreement Committee Draft Bylaws
circa 1964
3/29
Burt Wells' Personal Correspondence
1952-1965
3/30
Presidents William Perrin and Hugh Bannister: Correspondence, Ephemera, Press
1962-1970
3/31
Burt Wells' Secretary-Treasurer Reports to the Association of Western Pulp and Paper Workers
circa 1964-1967
3/32
Transcript of Wayne Morse's Keynote Speech at the 4th Annual Association of Western Pulp and Paper Workers Convention
1969 September 15
3/33
Draft of The Paper Rebellion: The Story of the Association of Western Pulp and Paper Workers by Paul L. Kleinsorge and William C. Kerby
1966
3/34
H.W. Benson's Article on Association of Western Pulp and Paper Workers in Union Democracy in Action
1967
3/35
Elections: Flyers, Press, and Correspondence
1967-1969
3/36
Referendum Election
1967
3/37
Local 7 Pipefitters Union Picket at Boise-Cascade Plant in Salem, Oregon
1967
3/38
Local 153, Longview, Washington: Picket Line Crossing
1964 December
3/39
Local 672 Newsletter The Little Rebel
1967 January
3/40
Office Policies and Personal Issues
1965-1967
3/41
Southern Washington Area Council Meeting Minutes
1968 April
3/42
Burt Wells' Secretary-Treasurer Quarterly Report
1970 March 31
3/43
Local 64, Portland, Oregon: Executive Board Newsletter
1970 December 14
3/44
Local 6 and 68 Election Rules Violations
1970
3/45
The Necessity of Reform in the Pulp and Paper Union Movement Report
circa 1964
3/46
Assorted Correspondence and Reports
1966-1968

SERIES 4 :   PUBLISHED MATERIAL1953-1965 Return to Top

Container(s): Box-folder 3/47-4/8

Container(s) Description Dates
Box/Folder
3/47
Assorted News Clippings on Paper Worker Unions in the Pacific Northwest [1 of 2]
1964-1965
3/48
Assorted News Clippings on Paper Worker Unions in the Pacific Northwest [2 of 2]
1964-1965
4/1
Portland Reporter News Clippings on Paper Workers
1964
4/2
Post Record Newspaper of Camas and Washougal, Washington: Clippings on Paper Workers Union
1964-1965
4/3
The Broke Beater Newsletter of International Brotherhood of Pulp, Sulphite and Paper Mill Workers Local 153, Longview, Washington
1964
4/4
Clean UPP Newsletter of the United Papermakers and Paperworkers
1961-1963
4/5
Employee Welfare Trust Funds
1953-1954
4/6
Assorted Articles, Pamphlets, and Handouts
1960-1964
4/7
Political Memo Newsletter of the AFL-CIO
1955-1956
4/8
Union Democracy in Action Issues and Publicity
circa 1959-1962

Names and SubjectsReturn to Top

Subject Terms

  • Labor movement--Oregon
  • Labor union members--Oregon
  • Labor unions--Oregon
  • Labor unions--Oregon--Officials and employees
  • Labor--Oregon
  • Personal Papers/Corporate Records (University of Washington)

Personal Names

  • Wells, Burt D.--Archives

Corporate Names

  • International Brotherhood of Pulp, Sulphite, and Paper Mill Workers
  • Rank and File Movement for Democratic Action

Other Creators

  • Corporate Names
    • Labor Archives of Washington (University of Washington) (host institution)