Rochester's original Labor Lyceum, inaugurated in 1897 by local unions and socialists, met Sundays in the Common Council of the old City Hall. The Lyceum presented speakers, papers and debates on topics ranging from the principles of trade unionism to child labor, from issues of academic freedom to current socialist literature. In 1911 the mayor, upset with such programs, expelled the Lyceum from City Hall.
The program was continued at the Progressive Working People's Lyceum, built on St. Paul Street in 1912. The Lyceum housed radical unions such as the Amalgamated Optical Workers and the Brewers, provided space to socialist organizations, and continued to host weekly lectures and discussions on labor topics through the 1950's.
The St. Paul Street building displays intricate sculptures of three figures: one a male carpenter holding a mallet with wood workers tools in his belt. The second is a veiled woman holding a sheaf of wheat, and the third (above the other two) is the Statue of Liberty. The three images represent the Labor communities’ respect for the dignity of working people and dedication to their community. (From www.rochesterlabor.org).
Text courtesy of Pat Domaratz / Pictures by Jason Crane
The Bakers and Confectioners Union was also housed in the Labor Lyceum. I remember my father having to 'report in' there, and waiting in the car parking lot next door, or in the entry hall.
This was in the 40's and early 50's.
Posted by: Dolores Castelli | 31 July 2006 at 02:01 PM