International Typographical Union, Local 260 (Findlay, Ohio) records

The records of the International Typographical Union Local 260 of Findlay, Ohio, document the activities of a twentieth century labor union. Consisting primarily of correspondence, contracts and agreements, and printed material, the collection spans the years from 1890 to 1981. However, the bulk of the material dates from 1954 to the mid-1970s.

Although Local 260 was chartered in June of 1890, minutes are not available until 1925, from which time they are complete until 1975. It is believed that the early section of minutes was misplaced due to frequent changing of officers resulting in a shuffling of records. The minutes provide a general overview of the meetings and are not detailed. Often, following the dismissal of a regular meeting, a chapel meeting was held to continue a particular discussion. Chapel minutes, available form March 7, 1964 to October 1, 1966, are more specific.

One of the major strengths of this collection is the contract and wage agreements between Local 260 and the Findlay Publishing Company complete from 1954 to 1980. This information, illustrating the development and progress of union-company relations, provides much detail into the collective bargaining process. Former Local 260 president, H. Thomas Rodabaugh, notes that the union always acted fairly and amiably. This is apparent as no strikes occurred during the ninety-one year working relationship with the Findlay Publishing Company. In addition, the contracts and agreements document the steady increase in wages and benefits.

The audit reports from 1973 to 1978 illustrate the expenses incurred by the union to maintain a successful operation. Also available in these reports are the number of journeymen and apprentices for each given time period. With the exception of a dues ledger dating from 1890 to 1891, no other early financial records exist.