Chapter 7, top shelf
This shelf displays news clippings related to the Toledo Electric Auto-Lite strike, a letter from William M. Booker to the Toledo Chamber of Commerce, and a photograph of "Hooverville" on the Maumee River during the Depression.
Community Chest
July 22, 1930
William M. Booker actively sought monetary reelief on behalf of the ToledoCommunity Chest to help the needy. In this letter to the Chariman of the the Toledo Chamber of Commerce's Industrial Committee, Booker refers to "abnormal conditions" contributing to a "temporary interruption" to the city's financial prosperity. Booker's activities earned him much praise from various donor organizations like thge Toledo Rotary Club.
Officer is hurt in fighting
May 1934
Newspaper clippings, Toledo Electric Auto-Lite strike, May 1934. Labor History Archive Records, Department of History, University of Toledo Archives, UR 86/75.
These clippings from local papers document the strike that left two workers dead after a battle with the Ohio National Guard.
In this photo: An Ohio National Guard officer injured by a brick tossed by rioters is being escorted back to headquarters
Two slain...troops fire
May 25, 1934
Newspaper clippings, Toledo Electric Auto-Lite strike, May 1934. Labor History Archive Records, Department of History, University of Toledo Archives, UR 86/75.
These clippings from local papers document the strike that left two workers dead after a battle with the Ohio National Guard.
Electric Auto-Lite Co.
May 23, 1934
Newspaper clippings, Toledo Electric Auto-Lite strike, May 1934. Labor History Archive Records, Department of History, University of Toledo Archives, UR 86/75.
These clippings from local papers document the strike that left two workers dead after a battle with the Ohio National Guard.
Tear gas used in riot
May 1934
Newspaper clippings, Toledo Electric Auto-Lite strike, May 1934. Labor History Archive Records, Department of History, University of Toledo Archives, UR 86/75.
These clippings from local papers document the strike that left two workers dead after a battle with the Ohio National Guard.
In this photo: Tear gas projectiles are aimed at the riot area by a guardsman.
Strikebreaker stripped
May 1934
Newspaper clippings, Toledo Electric Auto-Lite strike, May 1934. Labor History Archive Records, Department of History, University of Toledo Archives, UR 86/75.
These clippings from local papers document the strike that left two workers dead after a battle with the Ohio National Guard.
In this photo: Rioters parade a strikebreaker stripped-naked through downtown.
Striker arrested
May 1934
Newspaper clippings, Toledo Electric Auto-Lite strike, May 1934. Labor History Archive Records, Department of History, University of Toledo Archives, UR 86/75.
These clippings from local papers document the strike that left two workers dead after a battle with the Ohio National Guard.
In this photo: Police arresting strikers, sympathizers, and agitators such as the man on the photo believed to be one.
The strike riot area
May 1934
Newspaper clippings, Toledo Electric Auto-Lite strike, May 1934. Labor History Archive Records, Department of History, University of Toledo Archives, UR 86/75.
These clippings from local papers document the strike that left two workers dead after a battle with the Ohio National Guard.
In this photo: The aerial view of the strike riot area around the Electric Auto-Lite plant on Champlain Street, extending to Elm and Mulberry Streets.
Autos burned by rioters
May 25, 1934
Newspaper clippings, Toledo Electric Auto-Lite strike, May 1934. Labor History Archive Records, Department of History, University of Toledo Archives, UR 86/75.
These clippings from local papers document the strike that left two workers dead after a battle with the Ohio National Guard.
In this photo: Autos of neutral parties overturned and burned by rioting Auto-Lite strikers.
Camera, Action
May 1934
Newspaper clippings, Toledo Electric Auto-Lite strike, May 1934. Labor History Archive Records, Department of History, University of Toledo Archives, UR 86/75.
These clippings from local papers document the strike that left two workers dead after a battle with the Ohio National Guard.
In this photo: Press and news reel photographers perched atop a roof with good view of the events.
Hooverville, East Toledo
August 19, 1903
“Hooverville” along the Maumee River, East Toledo, ca. 1933. Source: Toledo-Lucas County Public Library, Images in Time
Without an adequate social safety net, many Toledoans who lost their jobs and homes during the Depression were forced to live in make-shift housing constructed of found materials. These settlements were known as “Hoovervilles,” a reference to President Herbert Hoover whose policies many blamed for creating the Depression.