1957 Appleton Wire Works Strike
Background Information
The 1957 Appleton Wire Works strike was an indication to skilled workers and business owners alike that the end of an era in the Fox Valley was fast approaching. AWW had experienced several strikes before the middle of the twentieth century, however none lived up to the level of significance that the 1957 struggle represented.
AWW’s sole product in 1957 was “wire cloth” which was used in the making of paper. Weavers who operated the massive “looms” on which the cloth was created were highly skilled professionals who trained for many years as apprentices before finally being able to take the name of their profession. Apprentices and Weavers alike were members of the Wire Weavers Protection Association, Local 23659. MORE
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Developed by the Outagamie County Historical Society with funding from Cooperative Education Service Agency 6, University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, and the U.S. Department of Education. © 2006 OCHS.
Letter written by management about the company's position, December 14, 1956
Threat letter sent to Mr. Harold Schwartz, who crossed the pciket line, February 11, 1957.
Examination given to apprentice weavers, circa 1950.
Newspaper photograph and caption "Wire Weavers And Apprentices Began Picketing..." Appleton Post-Crescent, January 25, 1957
Memo from Appleton Wire Works management to employees, August 16, 1957
