Vigo County Historical Society

In March 1935, Terre Haute was the focus of national attention as it became the third city in the history of the United States to experience a general strike.

Problems began at the Columbian Enameling and Stamping Co., which manufactured metal utensils coated with enamel. There, 450 of approximately 500 workers were members of Federal Labor Union Local 19694.

After a series of contract disputes and a three-day strike in July 1934, labor leaders attested that preference was shown to unorganized workers. In meetings between union and company officials, union workers demanded a closed shop and a 20 percent increase in salary. Werner Grabbe, plant manager, and plant officers refused both proposals.

On March 23, 1935, a strike was called. After armed guards were hired by the company, strikers attacked the plant, causing approximately $15,000 in damages. When 58 strike breakers were called in by the company, union representatives met and resolved that a "labor holiday" or general strike would result if the strike breakers did not leave.

When the strike breakers remained, a "labor holiday" was called. Nearly every business establishment in town was closed. Streetcars, buses and taxicabs were off the streets. There was no delivery of milk or ice. The newspapers were forced to suspend publication.

Gob. Paul McNutt declared martial law in Terre Haute. The stores began opening. Militiamen clashed with strikers and sympathizers with tear gas bombs being deployed.

Conciliators from the Department of Labor in Washington were sent in. At the end of the second day, it was agreed that the striking unions should call off their "labor holiday."

The general strike was over but the strike at the mill continued. Martial law was finally revoked by the governor on Feb. 10, 1936.