July 14th, 2011
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/14/2011
Scarce manuscript broadside, 1p. quarto, July 7, 1865, issued by D. Fromberger & Co., and reads in full: "...On condition that the other Iron Manufacturers will not hire negroes who leave their owners or former places of work in the Iron business - we pledge ourselves not to employ any hand from any person who will sign a similar agreement to this, except the Negro has a written permission from his master or former employer to go and hire. We think due to the existing state of affairs in the country this is but a just agreement and we have heretofore expressed and complied with the principles set forth and no other..." VG. Before the Civil War, more than 2,000 slaves worked in the iron mills of the South, creating a skilled work force that the northern iron companies were quick to exploit after the war. When a labor dispute shut down the industry in Pittsburgh in 1875, African-American workers were brought in, setting a pattern that would continue for decades. Strike breakers were resented by whites for working for lower wages and, at the time, unions were not willing to accept minorities.
Click on a thumbnail above to display a larger image below
Hold down the mouse button and slide side to side to see more thumbnails(if available).
Click above for larger image.