IWW Yearbook 1917

This is a database of campaigns, strikes, and labor related events as recorded in the Industrial Worker and Solidarity. It was researched by Alison Cheung and Arianne Hermida. Start by reading the highlights report. Below that is the database.

Highlights 1917 by Alison Cheung

For the Industrial Workers of the World 1917 was a pivotal year defined a massive campaign to organize lumber workers across several states, and the United States entry into WWI.These events directly and indirectly contributed to the decline of the IWW in the following years.

The year began with the closely watched trial Thomas H. Tracy, one of the Wobblies who survived the Everett Massacre. On November 5, 1916, a violent confrontation occurred between a group of IWW members approaching Everett to support striking shingle weavers and a group of local deputized sheriffs. This encounter resulted in the death of two sheriffs, five Wobblies and left nearly fifty individuals wounded on both sides. Seventy-four IWW members were arrested in connection to the incident. Tracy was the first Wobbly to stand trial for the murder of the two sheriffs and the IWW capitalized on the publicity given to the lengthy trial. Proceedings lasted for months and the Industrial Worker and Solidarity dutifully reported the inconsistencies found in witness testimony against the Wobblies and the conditions for the imprisoned members. Tracy’s acquittal in May 1917 was a massive victory for the IWW.

Simultaneous to the Everett trial, the IWW launched an ultimately unsuccessful campaign to organize lumber workers. The Industrial Worker reported a series of strikes across Minnesota, Washington, Montana and Idaho. While the IWW did not organize many of these strikes, lumber workers were able to make important advancements such as an eight-hour day in the Pacific Northwest.

[read full report/close report]

These successes shifted to the background as the Wobblies became frequent targets of violence and repression. The United States entrance into WWI in April 1917 shifted the political climate and the IWW became subjects of suspicion for their anti-war stance. The resulting repression took both legal and extralegal forms. Many members were arrested, charged with sedition or “criminal syndicalism” and held without bail. In December 1917, police raided the national IWW headquarters in Chicago. In incidents across the country, Wobblies were beaten, murdered and intimidated by vigilante citizens in an increasingly hostile wartime environment. Frank Little, an active IWW organizer, was lynched in Butte, Montana for his affiliation with the IWW. While the Industrial Worker attempted to absorb these incidents as a rallying cry for activism, the increased frequency and magnitude of incidents served as a warning to members across the country.

January

January was a month of lumber news in the Industrial Worker. The year opened with the headline “Monster Revolt of Northern Minnesota Lumberworkers” [1], the article detailing a massive strike enacted by lumber workers across Northern Minnesota. The workers demanded a raise in wages as well as a non-discrimination policy against IWW or other union affiliated laborers. As the month went on, the striking lumber workers, whose numbers reached 4000, struggled to raise the funds to continue[2]. Five were jailed for strike activities.[3]

February

Several strikes took place during the month of February. Most outstanding was the Philadelphia sugar workers strike beginning in the first half of the month[4]. In an act of solidarity, waterfront workers pledged to not handle sugar products until the sugar worker’s strike had been resolved. This spirit continued through the following weeks, as longshoremen and seamen joined in the effort; by the end of the month, over 5000 sugar workers, 1500 longshoremen, and 100 seamen were involved in the strike[5].

March

The month began with reports of violence. In late February, one IWW man was killed after police in Philadelphia attempted to check strike activity[6]. The violence continued, as picketers were attacked and beaten in the aftermath of the death. In brighter news, steel workers in San Francisco declared victory[7]. Striking for higher wages and the enforcement of an eight-hour workday, the protestors were shocked when steel bosses kidnapped IWW fellow members. The men were later released as the strike requests were granted. In other news, the court proceedings for the Everett Massacre began in the second half of the month with the trial of Thomas Tracy, an important labor leader. [8] Coal workers in Utah struck for a wage raise and better working conditions. The strike ended unsuccessfully when “scabs” were hired to take their places[9].

April

Coverage of the Everett trials continued. Evidence of police brutality[10] accompanied with confirmation that the first shot of the event came not from IWW men, but from the shore where their enemies stood[11] bolstered IWW spirits. In other, less heartening news, came multiple accounts of violence and abuse against workers based on their IWW membership: first, in Eureka, Montana, where workers were refused meals by local eateries[12], then in Sacramento, California, where a young man was arrested on false charges because of his visible IWW status[13], followed by the beatings and arrests of several IWW men in Montana[14], and finishing with arrests of IWW picketers in Exeter, California[15]

May

May began with much activity from mill workers and river drivers in Montana. Striking for an eight-hour day and a raise in wages, the workers were pleased to find that the “scabs” brought in to fill their roles were, in fact, IWW men, who quickly joined their brothers in the picket lines[16]. Though low in funds, the strike continued through the remainder of the month. Construction workers in the Seattle area declared success after striking for higher wages and an eight-hour day[17]. The strike, lasting five days, was relatively short, and hopefully a sign for more success in the future. Finally, the Everett trial continued with encouraging outcomes. After revealing lies in the testimonial of the former sheriff[18] and shoddy arguments on the part of the defense, Thomas Tracy, a significant labor leader, was released and cleared of charges[19]. The month ended with news of the unlawful arrest of an IWW member, Joe Shoon, for a crime he did not commit[20]. Shoon, recently arrived in Stockton, California, was arrested for vagrancy with a friend. While walking to the police department, there was a scuffle and a shot was fired. Shoon fled the scene, but was soon captured and jailed for the murder of the police officer.

June

River workers in Brief, Washington won an amusingly short strike at the beginning of the month[21], when their demands of a higher wage for an eight-hour day were met in less than ten minutes. A string of victories proceeded, from mine workers in Arizona[22] to lumberjacks in Washington[23] and Montana[24]. Despite these cheerful happenings, not all was joyous. An update on the Shoon case reported that the jury was composed of individuals pre-screened to convict the accused on circumstantial evidence[25]. An important union organizer for the Sheep Shearer’s Union was shot and killed by a sheep owner midway through the month, as the men were negotiating a raise in wages for the shearer’s[26]. In an act of hatred, soldiers and sailors attacked the IWW hall in Seattle after local newspapers published inflammatory articles. Though the attackers did not manage to breach the establishment, there was some violence resulting in the arrests of several IWW members[27]. The month finished with a number of rousing lumber strikes in Washington and Idaho, beginning the massive lumber strike that would carry through the rest of the year.

July

July opened with the declaration of a “General Strike in Woods and Mines”, the culmination of several lumber and mine strikes in the Pacific Northwest area[28]. Across Montana, Idaho, Washington, and Arizona, lumberjacks and mine workers alike went on strike for an eight-hour day, higher wages, and improved working conditions. By the end of the month, the strike had spread from North Dakota to the coast of the Pacific Ocean[29], a vast expanse encompassing many thousands of workers. A notable opinion piece appeared later in the month regarding the immigration of African American workers from the South of the US to the North[30]; bosses in the South discouraged this immigration because African Americans represented cheap labor. As the IWW was an egalitarian organization, the piece welcomed the African Americans to the North.

August

August’s news mainly revolved around the murder of union leader Frank Little. Little was hung in the night by a party of five masked men[31]. It was revealed that a note, pinned to Little’s shirt, “warned” IWW members of their future fate matching Little’s. Later reports claimed that the murderers were known to the IWW[32]. An update on the massive lumber strike detailed that shipyards in Aberdeen, Washington had almost entirely shut down because of the effects of the strike[33].

September

September was a month full of both news and opinion. Spurred by the death of Frank Little, excerpts from the newsletter of a bank of the wealthy were shared; these excerpts implied that Little’s murder was a justifiable move, and that similar killings should take place[34]. Laborers in Shasta, California displayed unrest inspired by the effects of the massive lumber strike[35]. Most notable in September was the federal raid of IWW offices across the nation on the 5th [36]. Federal marshals and local police forces invaded IWW offices and newspaper rooms, seizing publications, documents, typewriters, and other office supplies, apparently searching for proof of sedition. Though impeded by the unexpected raid, the IWW still managed to publish The Industrial Worker. In an opinion piece, the editor of The Industrial Worker described the trials of African American laborers in the US, and in particular the effects of the AF of L’s methods against them[37]. According to the author, African Americans were shut out of craft unionism by being refused education and apprenticeships on the basis of race, then called “scabs” and blamed for strike failure when taking the little work they could get. The beliefs of the IWW were clear, as the author outlined the union’s egalitarian stance—African American workers were welcomed warmly into the IWW, and said to be given the same treatment as white men.

October

October proved to be a lively month, with many arrests of IWW members being made on unlawful grounds. At the start of the month, five IWW men were arrested on charges of “conspiracy and sedition”, accusations that were later refuted[38]. On the same day, two hundred and sixty-six IWW leaders were imprisoned across America by the federal government[39]. They have been charged with “striking”. A noteworthy case is that of William Haywood, the national secretary of the IWW, whose bail was set at $25,000[40]. In addition to several large strikes throughout the nation, every woman working at a phone company in Seattle walked out at midnight on October 26th, only striking for several hours after being told that their demands would be dealt with shortly[41].

November

In a rather bleak turn of events, an act of extreme violence was taken against IWW members during the month of November. On November 17th, a masked gang of fifty individuals kidnapped seventeen IWW men, took them to a secret location, and then proceeded to whip and tar and feather them[42]. Calling themselves the “Knights of Liberty”, the masked group was aided by local police in their capture and torture of the IWW men. Meanwhile, the number of IWW members arrested for their union association grew. The initial two hundred and sixty-six prisoners were refused bond[43]. More arrests were made. Two hundred delegates at an IWW conference in Omaha, Nebraska, were arrested on charges of “sedition”[44]. On the same gloomy note, it was revealed that thirteen men in a Wenatchee, Washington jail have been held for over three months with no mention of trial[45]. Another office raid was conducted, now in Miami, Arizona[46]. Despite the unfavorable events of the previous month, there were some bright spots. In the Pacific Northwest, progress was made on ensuring a universal eight-hour day for lumber workers. Multiple camps promised workers that they would enforce the policy[47]. In a display of true solidarity, lumber workers in Montana discovered that the lumber they processed was being sold and used in unfair mines; upon hearing about this, the lumber workers walked out as a form of protest[48].

December

December began with news that another “Knights of Liberty” group had been formed in Sioux City, Iowa[49]. Like their predecessors in Nebraska, this group openly wished violence upon IWW members. To add to the worries of savagery against the IWW, longtime IWW attorney Fred Moore was reported missing for over two months[50]. IWW investigators suspected either foul play or kidnapping. A number of raids were conducted during December, continuing the trend of the previous two months. Three separate raids were enacted, the most significant being the raid on the IWW national headquarters in Chicago, Illinois[51]. However, not all reports were so dismal. All the IWW members indicted in the earlier arrests in St. Maries, Idaho were released in December, prompting hopes that the multiple anti-IWW policies that had propagated since the September arrests would not be written into law[52]. In a comical act of protest, several IWW members turned themselves into authorities for arrest, claiming that they were affiliated with the IWW[53]. They were eventually turned away. A twenty-two weeklong strike of miners in Butte, Montana was reported to be holding strong[54]. According to reports, there were over 20,000 copper miners involved in the strike. Finally, the prospects of a universal eight-hour workday for lumber workers in the Pacific Northwest was reported to be very likely, as the efforts of the massive lumber strike earlier in the year paid off.

[1] “Monster Revolt of Northern Minnesota Lumberworkers.” The Industrial Worker. January 6th, 1917.

[2] “Strike Funds Needed.” The Industrial Worker. January 20th, 1917.

[3] “Workers Are Released.” The Industrial Worker. January 20th, 1917.

[4] “Pennsylvania Sugar Workers Strike.” The Industrial Worker. February 10th, 1917.

[5] “A Story of Solidarity.” The Industrial Worker. February 24th, 1917.

[6] “Gunmen Attack Pickets, Kill and Injure.” The Industrial Worker. March 3rd, 1917.

[7] “Successful IWW Strike.” The Industrial Worker. March 10th, 1917.

[8] “Labor History’s Greatest Trial Opens.” The Industrial Worker. March 17th, 1917.

[9] “Utah Coal Miners Revolt.” The Industrial Worker. March 24th, 1917.

[10] “Barbarity Revealed in Evidence.” The Industrial Worker. April 14th, 1917.

[11] “Story of Savagery Graphically Developed.” The Industrial Worker. April 21st, 1917.

[12] “Unconscious Grave Diggers.” The Industrial Worker. April 14th, 1917.

[13] “Help This Member Get Justice.” The Industrial Worker. April 21st, 1917.

[14] “Beating Up IWW’s.” The Industrial Worker. April 21st, 1917.

[15] “Arrested While Picketing.” The Industrial Worker. April 21st, 1917.

[16] “Revolutionary Throbs from the Revolt on the Fontine.” The Industrial Worker. May 1st, 1917.

[17] “Construction Men Win Big Victory.” The Industrial Worker. May 5th, 1917.

[18] “Conspiracy Bubble Punctured.” The Industrial Worker. May 1st, 1917.

[19] “Verdict “Guilty” Against Everett Bosses.” The Industrial Worker. May 12th, 1917

[20] “Again Seek a Worker’s Life.” The Industrial Worker. May 26th, 1917.

[21] “Eight Hours, Five Dollars Won in Ten Minutes.” The Industrial Worker. June 2nd, 1917.

[22] “Arizona Miners Win Their Demands.” The Industrial Worker. June 9th, 1917.

[23] “Another Great Victory!” The Industrial Worker. June 9th, 1917.

[24] “Results Organization in the Labor Industry.” The Industrial Worker. June 16th, 1917.

[25] “Methods in Conviction of Shoon by Courts.” The Industrial Worker. June 16th, 1917.

[26] “Union Organizer Murdered.” The Industrial Worker. June 16th, 1917.

[27] “Soldiers and Sailors Attack IWW Hall.” The Industrial Worker. June 23rd, 1917.

[28] “General Strike in Woods and Mines.” The Industrial Worker. July 7th, 1917.

[29] “Lumber Strike Still Spreading.” The Industrial Worker. July 28th, 1917.

[30] “An Economic Problem.” The Industrial Worker. July 28th, 1917.

[31] “Butte Copper Strike Leads to Barbarous Murder.” The Industrial Worker. August 4th, 1917.

[32] “Little Murder Result Long Series Assaults.” The Industrial Worker. August 8th, 1917.

[33] “Aberdeen Shipyards Out Solid.” The Industrial Worker. August 1st, 1917.

[34] “Business is Good; Kill the IWW!” The Industrial Worker. September 1st, 1917.

[35] “Metal and Coal Miners Show Growing Industrial Unrest.” The Industrial Worker. September 5th, 1917.

[36] “Halls and Newspapers Raided.” The Industrial Worker. September 12th, 1917.

[37] “Is There a Negro Problem?” The Industrial Worker. September 19th, 1917.

[38] “Defense in Needed for Imprisoned Men.” The Industrial Worker. October 3rd, 1917.

[39] “Wholesale Jailing of "Leaders" Causes Wave of Resentment But Fails to Quell Organization Activities.” The Industrial Worker. October 3rd, 1917.

[40] “Revising Her Down to Date.” The Industrial Worker. October 13th, 1917.

[41] “Phone Employees to Arbitrate.” The Industrial Worker. October 27th, 1917.

[42] “Vigilantes Mob IWW in Oklahoma.” The Industrial Worker. November 17th, 1917.

[43] “Bondsmen Intimidated, Men Languish in Jail.” The Industrial Worker. November 3rd, 1917.

[44] “Arrest Scores IWW Delegates.” The Industrial Worker. November 17th, 1917.

[45] “Trials Denied to Prisoners.” The Industrial Worker. November 3rd, 1917.

[46] “Cavalry Men Raid IWW Quarters.” The Industrial Worker. November 3rd, 1917.

[47] “Timber! Timber! Hours Coming Down.” The Industrial Worker. November 10th, 1917.

[48] “No Timber for Unfair Mines.” The Industrial Worker. November 17th, 1917.

[49] “Sioux City Forms Ku Klux Klan.” The Industrial Worker. December 1st, 1917.

[50] “Attorney Fred Moore Missing.” The Industrial Worker. December 1st, 1917.

[51] “General Headquarters in Scene of Raid.” The Industrial Worker. December 22nd, 1917.

[52] “All IWW Members Released at St. Maries, Idaho.” The Industrial Worker. December 8th, 1917.

[53] “Federal Authorities Don’t Want Prisoner.” The Industrial Worker. December 15th, 1917.

[54] “Butte Miners Holding the Fort.” The Industrial Worker. December 1st, 1917.

Dates are either the reported date of the incident or the date the article appeared in the newspaper. Articles are from Industrial Worker (IW) or Solidarity (S).

Date	Title (publication)	Place	State	event description
12/12/1916	I.W.W.'s Defend Themselves: -- Murder Charge (S)	Pittsburg	CA	Two fish and game commissioners shot three IWW members without provocation, inciting a shoot out that ended in the death of the two commissioners. The IWW were charged with murder.
12/30/1916	Bemidji in Action (S)	Bemidji	MN	Eight camps in the Backus and Brooks Company, a lumber business, went on strike. The 700 strikers demanded an 10 dollar per month pay increase, the nine hour day, cleaner living conditions, better food, and no discrimination against "union men (I.W.W.)".
1/3/1917	Monster Revolt of Northern Minnesota Lumberworkers (IW)	Virginia, Bemidji, International Falls, Duluth	MN	Lumberworkers across Northern Minnesota begin a mass strike. According to meeting details, they strike to gain a 25 cent raise, fair working hours during the weekend, and no discrimination between union and non-union workers. Several other pieces on the same strike appear in this edition of the paper.
1/3/1917	The I.W.W. in Action (S)	Kenosha	WS	275 striking IWWs kerosene and burn an icehouse.
01/06/1917	Minnesota Again Strike Bound (S)	Gemmell	MN	Minnesota lumberjacks go on strike for a 25 cent per day wage increase, the removal of the Sunday night shift, Saturday shifts being on 8 hours, the changing from day to night shift every week, and equal treatment of unionized workers.
01/06/1917	Minnesota Again Strike Bound (S)	Gemmell	MN	Six arrested for distributing pamphlets related to a lumberjack strike. Their sentences suspended by a judge.
01/06/1917	Latest from Minn. Strike (S)	Gemmell	MN	All strike organizers ordered out of town and 70 jailed in response to the strike of "thousands" of lumberjacks.
01/06/1917	Great I.W.W. Activity at the Year's Opening (S)	Virginia	MN	1500 saw mill workers strike for better condition.* not specified as an IWW strike.
1/6/1917	I.W.W. in Action (S)	Portland	OR	40 IWW members released on a dismissal order form a judge.
1/11/1917	Strike Funds Needed (IW)	Virginia, Bemidji, International Falls, Duluth	MN	Minnesota lumberworkers, on strike since early January, put out a call for strike funds, as the protest is ongoing. Over 1000 men are on strike.
1/12/1917	Workers Are Released (IW)	International Falls	MN	Five lumberworkers jailed during the "monster strike" of lumbermen in Northern Minnesota have been released. The reasons for their arrests are unclear, and likely were an effort to weaken strike organization.
1/13/1917	Lumber Strike Near Aberdeen (IW)	Aberdeen	WA	Forty lumberworkers in the Aberdeen area strike in favor of a 25 cent raise. This was not an IWW strike.
01/13/1917	Another Link in the M.T.W. Chain (S)	San Pedro	CA	Local branch of the Marine Transport Workers formed.
01/13/1917	The Strike at Gemmell, Minn. (S)	Gemmell	MN	50 gunmen hired by the lumber companies to protect the camp against the 800* striking lumberjacks. Note: an earlier article said thousands were striking. This says 800.
01/13/1917	A Sample of "Justice" for I.W.W. Members (S)	Fargo	ND	Two IWW members arrested after a group of 30 of them boarded a freight train bound for the harvest fields and removed all train non-IWW train riders. The two IWW members eventually pled guilty to carrying a concealed weapon and were sentenced to 90 days and a 100 dollar fine. After four weeks in jail, they were pardoned.
1/14/1917	Thompson Lectures in New York City (S)	New York City	NY	James P. Thompson held a lecture on the Everett Massacre as part of his country-wide tour organized by the Everett Defense Committee.
1/15/1917	Outside Judge to Try Everett Case (S)	Everett	WA	IWW lawyers won fight to bring in outside judge after filing and affidavit for prejudice.
1/20/1917	Utah, Dr. To The I.W.W. (IW)	Tucker	UT	Migratory construction workers go on strike in Tucker, Utah for shorter hours and a better wage. After the strike was called off, a string of violent murders were enacted by non-union individuals.
1/20/1917	A Control That Cuts No Logs (IW)	Virginia, Bemidji, International Falls, Duluth	MN	Greater military support is called to Northern Minnesota: "Bachaus says that unless the sheriffs can break the strike the paper mills will have to close."
01/20/1917	The Pageant in Frisco (S)	San Francisco	CA	The mass meeting that was to be held in January moved back a month after the police demanded they not use a particular venue. The performance was planned to include speakers and a play detailing the events of the Everett Massacre.
01/20/1917	Making Laws Against I.W.W. (S)	Pierre	SD	A representative introduced two bills, one outlawing riding freight trains and the other banning tin horn gambling in that state with the intention of halting the I.W.W.
01/20/1917	The I.W.W. in Action (S)		IA, NE, SD	Legislators planned a meeting in Sioux City to "discuss the I.W.W. problem."
01/20/1917	The I.W.W. in Action (S)	Oxnard	CA	IWW in jail incited a riot by destroying part of the jail, lighting a fire, and flooding it by breaking water pipes .
01/20/1917	I.W.W. in Action (S)	Portland	OR	52 IWW members arrested for vagrancy.
01/20/1917	I.W.W. in Action (S)	Philadelphia	PA	Judge asked 80 applicants for naturalization about their membership status in the IWW. If they answered they were a member, the judge would refuse citizenship.
01/20/1917	I.W.W. in Action (S)	Virginia	MN	60 IWWs arrested after taking control of a freight train. They were released after trial.
1/22/1917	Pearl Button Makers Strike (S)	New York	NY	1000 button makers held a strike for increased wages.
1/27/1917	Jacks Answering I.W.W. Battle Call (IW)	Virginia, Bemidji, International Falls, Duluth	MN	The "monster strike" of Northern Minnesota lumberworkers continues. The Industrial Worker reports that more than 4000 lumberworkers are involved. The article reports solidarity between lumberworkers and sawmill workers, both of whom are forced to live in squalid conditions with low wages.
1/27/1917	M'Neely and Wetmore Acquitted of Murder (S)	Aberdeen	SD	Two Wobblies acquitted of murder of a security guard.
02/03/1917	Everett Police Methods (S)	Everett	WA	Police arrested IWW member, originally citing it was for his own safety as vigilantes planned on killing all IWW members in town. After being held for two weeks, he was tried for vagrancy and disorderly conduct.
02/03/1917	A.W.O. Activity (S)	Park Falls	MN	IWW member arrested for carrying an unloaded gun and sentenced to six months.
02/03/1917	A.W.O. Activity (S)	Los Angeles	CA	IWW members convicted of "defrauding the railroad company" and sentenced to thirty days.
2/6/1917	Free Speech Victory in Cushing Oil Fields (S)	Dumright note: likely meant "Drumright"	OK	IWW member arrested while soapboxing. After demonstrations in his defense, he was released. He then held a street meeting and was left unmolested.
2/9/1917	A Story of Solidarity (IW)	Philadelphia	PA	The Pennsylvania sugar strike continues. As the IWW has become more involved, many sugar workers are becoming union men. In an act of solidarity, IWW longshoremen on sugar docks and IWW seamen on sugar boats are striking as well. There are over 5000 striking sugar workers, 1500 striking longshoremen, and 100 striking seamen.
2/10/1917	Pennsylvania Sugar Workers Strike (IW)	Philadelphia	PA	Workers at every sugar refinery in Pennsylvania have gone on strike. Regardless of job, all employees are participating. Many of these workers have joined the IWW during their involvement with the strike. The workers are demanding a 5 cent/hr increase in wages. In a display of working class solidarity, waterfront workers in Philadelphia have pledged not to handle a single pound of sugar until the sugar workers' struggle is rewarded.
2/10/1917	Refuse To Starve! (IW)	Seattle	WA	Railway workers were hired by the Great Northern Railway to shovel snow near a tunnel. The wages were so poor that the men would not have been able to afford food during the few weeks they spent there. The strike was ultimately unsuccessful.
02/10/1917	Sugar Refineries Tied Up by I.W.W. (S)	Philadelphia	PA	5000 sugar refinery workers held a strike for a wage increase of five cents an hour. IWW longshoremen refuse to ship related cargo in solidarity.
02/10/1917	Lumber Strike Called Off (S)	Duluth	MN	Central Strike Committee of Minnesota called off lumber strike after winning a wage increase and better food and camp conditions.
2/17/1917	Sugar Workers In Philadelphia Strike (IW)	Philadelphia	PA	Over 5000 Pennsylvania sugar workers continue to be on strike. The article details that their regular workday had been from 11-14 hours, with each worker making around 25 cent/hr. The workers are demanding a raise of 5 cents an hour. As more workers have joined the strike, the strike has become more organized and looks to be successful.
02/17/1917	Help Needed in Packingtown (S)	Chicago	IL	Company Swift and Co. attempted to identify workers in the IWW and threatened to fire any members.
02/17/1917	Verona Victims to be Tried in Seattle (S)	Everett	WA	Judge granted the IWW members charged in the Everett massacre a change of venue to Seattle.
2/24/1917	Unorganized Strike; Unionists Scab (IW)	Sacramento	CA	An unorganized strike took place in Sacramento, when many were hired, some IWW men, to work for Libby, MacNeill & Libby's at Lockport (job unclear). Upon arriving at the job site, the workers found poor living conditions and their low wage too intolerable, and began an unorganized strike. More skilled carpenters and members of the AFL promised to strike with them, but did not. The strike was unsuccessful as AFL union men took their places.
2/24/1917	Hand 'Em Wallop (IW)	Bellingham	WA	Sixty-five workers from the Bloedel-Donovan Lumber Company have gone on strike for a raise in wages, currently at two dollars a day. The company has sent for new workers to replace them. Although this is not an IWW organized strike, the newspaper calls for IWW members to aid the striking lumbermen.
02/24/1917	Free Speech Victory in Cushing Oil Fields (S)	Vinita	OK	IWW members working for Sinclair & Cudaby Pipe Company struck for increased wages and won.
2/26/1917	Funeral of Sugar Striker (S)	Philadelphia	PA	Funeral of striker killed by police in late February drew over 15000 people.
2/27/1917	Gunmen Attack Pickets, Kill And Injure (IW)	Philadelphia	PA	The Pennsylvania sugar strike continues for its fourth week. The strikers are positive they will have a success. However, on February 21st, police attacked the strikers, shooting one man to death and wounding many others. Violence has continued, as the strikers are beaten and arrested continuously.
3/1/1917	Industrial Flashlights (S)	Ironton	MI	100 IWW struck and received their demands of for increased wages, removal of the contract system, and "the right to enter and leave on company time."
03/03/1917	The Case of Louis Lavine (S)		OR	Lavine and another worker were discovered by brakemen while riding a freight train. The brakemen demanded they get off the train that was travelling at 20 mph. When they refused, the brakemen attempted to force them off. Lavine brandished a set of pliers he tried to pass off as a gun, which scared away the brakemen. Upon dismounting at Hornbrook, they were arrested for "shooting... with intent to kill."
3/10/1917	Successful IWW Strike (IW)	San Francisco	CA	IWW steel workers for the South Pacific Steel company organized a successful strike, winning eight hour days, 31.5 cent/hr wages, and time and a half for overtime. The bosses of the steel company kidnapped one of the IWW men in hopes to barter with the strikers, but it became clear that they would not. The man was released, and the strikers were rewarded with better conditions.
3/10/1917	Efficiency On Bunk Houses (IW)	Sedro Woolley	WA	Workers for the Lyman Lumber Company are threatening strike, as bosses demand workers to cut more lumber in one day than possible, and the lumbermen live in poor conditions.
3/10/1917	The Usual Solidarity (IW)	Bonners Ferry	ID	Lumbermen at Paige's Camp in Bonners Ferry, Idaho have gone on strike to protest their living conditions. All lumber jacks in the area are said to be IWW men, though the bosses say they will no longer hire IWW men.
3/17/1917	Labor History's Greatest Trial Opens (IW)	Everett	WA	The trial of the IWW members involved in the Everett massacre in November of 1916 has begun. Vigilante shooters are questioned for their violence against a peaceful IWW meeting/protest at the docks.
3/17/1917	Framing Up On Everett Victims (IW)	Everett	WA	The men arrested during the Everett massacre are still in jail. Their lives in jail are monotonous, and they live in poor conditions. They report a scheme by the jailers to try to get the men to commit acts of violence, as a bottle of whiskey is left untended in the men's showers. The IWW men have destroyed one bottle. IWW encourages members to visit the men in jail.
03/17/1917	Colored I.W.W. Men in Baltimore Are Game (S)	Baltimore	MD	Longshoremen strike called off after winning a wage increase and the 25 jailed IWWs released. Nine black workers who joined the strike were arrested and several shot at by police.
03/17/1917	Industrial Flashlights (S)	Brainerd	MN	200 miners held a strike in protest of the blacklist that led to the termination of a unionized worker.
3/24/1917	Witnesses Having Struggle With Truth (IW)	Everett	WA	The trials in Everett continue. Witnesses to the violence have stories that begin to contradict each other.
3/24/1917	Trying the IWW (IW)	Everett	WA	The Everett trials continue. However, Tracy, the worker in question, has only been mentioned a few times. Instead, the trial seems to be attacking the nature and actions of the IWW.
3/24/1917	Utah Coal Miners Revolt (IW)	Castle Gate	UT	Coal miners in Castle Gate, Utah have gone on their first strike in thirteen years. Demanding a wage raise and change in environment, they were defeated when other workers came to take their places.
03/24/1917	Successful I.W.W. Strike in Norfolk (S)	Norfolk	VA	IWW members on the S.S. Franklin went on strike for a 10 dollar per month wage increase. Their demand was granted after a few hours, making them the highest paid ship workers on the East coast.
03/24/1917	Industrial Flashlights (S)		ID	The Idaho legislature outlawed "advocat[ing] violence to secure reform."
03/24/1917	Industrial Flashlights (S)	Oakland	CA	Alleged IWW members burglarized a Standard Oil warehouse and left the message, "John D. had better keep some money here; we want it for the Mooney defense."
03/24/1917	Industrial Flashlights (S)	Nebraska	NE	Eight IWWs on trial for the destruction of goods in a Missouri Pacific rail car.
3/26/1917	Cleveland M.T.W. News (S)	Cleveland	OH	First annual convention of the MTW held, leading the election of the executive board.
03/31/1917	Des Moines I.W.W.'s Face Frame-Up (S)	Des Moines	IA	Three Wobblies charged with murder, though they claimed they were in the IWW hall at the time of the killing.
04/07/1917	I.W.W. Hall Raided in Kansas City (S)	Kansas City	MO	A gang of marines raided the IWW, causing mass destruction. None of the intruders were arrested.
4/14/1917	Barbarity Revealed in Evidence (IW)	Everett	WA	The trials in Everett continue. One IWW man recounts violence at the hands of jailers, with a picture for evidence. Stories of witnesses continue to contradict.
4/14/1917	Unconscious Grave Diggers (IW)	Eureka	MT	IWW organizers in Eureka, Montana are facing hunger as locals refuse to sell them meals. A stockade has been built to keep the IWW members out.
04/14/1917	Successful M.T.W. Strike in Philadelphia (S)	Philadelphia	PA	IWW sailors went on strike and won a ten dollar per month raise.
04/14/1917	Try to Suppress I.W.W. in Coal Fields (S)	Various	PA	Sheriffs closed IWW halls across the coal fields.
4/14/1917	Solidarity Stopped in Rockford (S)	Rockford	IL	Nine IWW members arrested for selling Solidarity and Alarm, a Swedish IWW publication.
4/16/1917	Paper Mill Strike (IW)	Camas	WA	Over 600 paper mill workers in Camas, Washington have gone on strike. They are demanding a raise of 50 cents per day as well as an eight hour work day. At this time, they are not organized, but the IWW is hopeful.
4/21/1917	Story Of Savagery Graphically Developed (IW)	Everett	WA	The trials in Everett continue. It is testified that the first shot came from the docks, where those opposing the IWW men on the boat waited armed.
4/21/1917	Help This Member Get Justice (IW)	Sacramento	CA	A young IWW member named Frank Warren has been arrested for a crime he did not commit, purportedly on the grounds of his visible IWW membership. Despite a solid alibi and many witnesses as to his whereabouts at the time of the crime, he and another man have been imprisoned for ten years for a robbery he did not commit.
4/21/1917	Beating Up IWW's (IW)	Judith Gap	MT	IWW members found in Judith Gap, Montana are arrested and beaten up solely because of their IWW membership.
4/21/1917	Funds Are Sufficient (IW)	Philadelphia	PA	The sugar workers strike is continuing very successfully. Striking workers have found secure jobs elsewhere, and the strike continues, well funded. Those wishing to donate are urged to send funds to the IWW in Everett.
4/21/1917	Arrested While Picketing (IW)	Exeter	CA	Workers digging irrigation ditches in California have gone on strike against the boss, James Kennedy. Several workers have been arrested for assault and battery.
04/21/1917	War on I.W.W. in Cleveland Slave Pen (S)	Cleveland	OH	Willard Storage Battery Co. fired 60 workers in order to clear the factory of all IWW members. 80 additional workers quit in protest.
04/21/1917	Strike at Strathmore, Calif. (S)	Strathmore	CA	200 men went on strike for increased wages and the eight hour day. A police officer arrested two of them on charges of assault with a deadly weapon on an officer.
04/21/1917	Solidarity Wins in Kansas Oil Fields (S)	Augusta	KS	Boss began to fire two workers for advocating shorter hours, but was told that all IWW members would quit if he did. He allowed the two workers to continue their employment.
4/25/1917	Revolutionary Throbs From The Revolt on the Fontine (IW)	Eureka	MT	Mill workers in Eureka, Montana, have gone on strike for a wage of $5 per eight hour day. The owner of the mill spent $300 bringing in replacement workers, but once they arrived it was revealed that all of them were IWW men and would not work.
4/25/1917	Comments On Progress Of Industrial Battle (IW)	St. Maries	ID	A strike has been won by river drivers in St. Maries, Idaho. The strikers declared victory with a $5/8 hour day, from a $3.5/12 hour day. The strike is said to be the shortest in the history of the lumber Industry.
04/28/1917	Log Drive Starts (S)	Various	MT	Lumberjacks went on strike for better living conditions, higher wages, the eight hour day, fair treatment of unionized workers, and other basic demands.
04/28/1917	Spokane A.W.O. Notes (S)	Spokane	WA	"River Drivers" joined the lumber strike that begun in Montana.
5/1/1917	Conspiracy Bubble Punctured (IW)	Everett	WA	The trials in Everett continue, and begin to draw to a close. It is confirmed by many that the first shot came from the docks, and thus was not the act of any IWW man. It is revealed that policemen fired at drowning IWW members in the water. The ex-sheriff is shown to have lied in the trial.
5/1/1917	The "Heathens" Our Inheritance (IW)	Alhambra	CA	Over 200 Mexican and Japanese fruit pickers have gone on strike. Packing houses have been closed down due to their actions. Bosses have requested more workers to be brought in by train.
5/5/1917	Drivers On Strike (IW)	Spokane	WA	Lumber workers in Spokane, Washington, have declared a strike for $5/8 hour day. The boss, a Mr. Bronson, hired outside workers, or "scabs", to take their places, but found that the "scabs" were in fact IWW men who proceeded to join the other workers in the strike.
05/05/1917	Log Drive Tie-Up Complete (S)	Maries	ID	After three days, striking lumber workers win their demands and return to work.
05/05/1917	Chicago Macaroni Workers Join the I.W.W. (S)	Chicago	IL	800 macaroni workers went on strike to win higher wages, the eight hour day, fair treatment to unionized workers, no employment for non-unionized workers, and overtime pay.
05/05/1917	I.W.W. Active in Boston (S)	Boston	MA	1500 attend mass meeting with speeches by J. J. Ettor and Scarlett.
05/05/1917	I.W.W. Silk Weavers Strike in Paterson, N.J. (S)	Paterson	NJ	Silk weavers went on strike for increased wages.
05/05/1917	Nolan Released (S)	San Francisco	CA	Edward Nolan, accused of involvement in the San Francisco bomb plot, was released on bail due to lack of evidence.
5/8/1917	Fourteen Men Still Held in the Clutches of the Enemy (S)	Everett	WA	Courts dismissed charges again Tracy and 38 others in relation to the Everett massacre. Fourteen are still being held.
5/12/1917	Verdict "Guilty" Against Everett Bosses (IW)	Everett	WA	The first phase of the Everett Trial has been completed. IWW leader Thomas H. Tracy, on trial for the deaths of two deputies, was acquitted of the charge and released. Attorneys Lloyd Black and Cooley testified against Tracy, basing much of their argument upon the character of IWW workers.
5/12/1917	Strike of Construction Workers (IW)	La Crosse	WA	Construction workers at three separate camps in La Crosse, Washington, have gone on strike for a variety of reasons. One camp may give in to the demands,
05/12/1917	Shuh and Michele Strike Won (S)	Paterson	NJ	Strikers won their demands and returned to work.
5/16/1917	Again Seek A Worker's Life (IW)	Stockton	CA	IWW Man Mr. Schoon was arrested for vagrancy in Stockton, California with a one other man. While being accompanied to the police department, the officer attacked the other man, a shot was fired, and Schoon ran from the scene. He was arrested one hour later and charged with the murder of the officer. The other man was not found. According to insiders, multiple details of the case have been ignored or fabricated to convict innocent Mr. Schoon because of his IWW membership.
5/19/1917	Construction Men Win Big Victory (IW)	Seattle	WA	A five day strike in the Seattle area by construction workers has ended in victory. Bosses have agreed to hire IWW men and pay wages of $3/day or more for eight hours.
5/19/1917	Funds Needed for River Drivers (IW)	Eureka	MT	The strike of mill workers in Eureka, Montana continues. "Scab" workers hired by the bosses are leaving. Funds are needed.
05/19/1917	I.W.W. Wins Strike in Prescott, Ariz. (S)	Prescott	AZ	Smelters won their demand of a 12.5% increase in wages.
05/19/1917	I.W.W. Arrested in New Orleans (S)	New Orleans	LA	IWW arrested and accused of "being active in I.W.W. labor agitation."
05/19/1917	Oxman Must Face Trial for Bomb Case Perjury (S)	San Francisco	CA	Primary witness against Thomas J. Mooney accused of perjury. Superior Judge refused to remove himself from the case after accusations of prejudice.
5/21/1917	"No Compromise" Say River Drivers (IW)	Fontine	MT	River Drivers in the Eureka area of Montana continue their strike on the Fontine River. Some "scabs" have been hired, but business is still slow.
5/25/1917	Eight Hours, Five Dollars Won In Ten Minutes (IW)	Brief	WA	One of the shortest strikes of IWW history has been won in Brief, Washington by river workers.
05/26/1917	Dock Strikers Deadlocked (S)	Buffalo	NY	Buffalo police raid IWW hall and arrest 46 workers during a meeting.
05/26/1917	Death Penalty for an I.W.W. (S)	Stockton	CA	Worker convicted of killing a police officer and sentenced to death. The worker was under arrest at the time of the shooting and maintained his innocence.
5/31/1917	Union Organizer Murdered (IW)	Riverside	OR	An organizer for the Sheep Shearer's Union in Riverside, Oregon, has been shot and killed by a sheep owner. Mr. George W. Shoemaker and other shearers went on a strike for a raise in wages. When attempting to negotiate the raise, Shoemaker was shot by the sheep owner three times.
06/02/1917	Macaroni Workers' Strike Called Off. (S)	Chicago	IL	IWW strike called off due to AFL interference.
06/02/1917	Strike Situation Unchanged (S)	Buffalo	NY	Thirty-six of those arrested in the IWW hall raid released from jail after pleading not guilty and demanding a jury trial.
06/02/1917	Special Wire from Buffalo (S)	Buffalo	NY	The remained IWW members arrested in the raid released.
06/02/1917	"Union" Conscription in Arizona (S)	Morenci	AZ	Two IWW organizers arrested without charge and released after five days on the grounds that they join the Western Federation of Miners.
06/02/1917	I.W.W. Teamsters Strike in Atkins, Iowa. (S)	Atkins	IA	Fifty IWW won a strike for higher wages and better conditions.
06/02/1917	None (S)	Pittsburgh	PA	Fifteen Wobblies arrested on charges of conspiracy against the US and released.
6/5/1917	Arizona Miners Win Their Demands (IW)	Jerome	AZ	Mine workers in Jerome, Arizona have won a strike for an increase in wages.
6/7/1917	The I.W.W. in Arizona (S)	Swansea	AZ	Miners went on strike for the "Miami scale."
6/8/1917	Log Drivers Fighting Hard (S)	Whitefish	MT	Military men raided the IWW hall and arrested their secretary without charge.
6/9/1917	Another Great Victory! (IW)	Monroe	WA	Striking IWW members and workers at a logging camp in the Monroe area have succeeded in their demands for better living conditions and the right to organize.
06/09/1917	I.W.W. Wins in Jerome, Arizona (S)	Jerome	AZ	Striking miners won their demands of wage increases, the abolition of the contract system, sliding scale, and hospital fees, and fair treatment for unionized workers.
06/09/1917	Federal Secret Police Make Raid (S)	Detroit	MN	Under the auspices of a secret service agent, the Detroit IWW was raided. Their literature and records were seized and destroyed and two members arrested.
6/9/1917	Kansas City Hall Again Raided (S)	Kansas City	MO	Soldiers raided the IWW hall, destroyed the interior, and injured a worker so severely he was sent to the hospital.
6/9/1917	The I.W.W. in Arizona (S)	Mayer	AZ	Miners went on strike for the "Miami scale [and] recognition of the grievance committee." The strike was one the next day.
6/12/1917	Industrial Revolt In Butte (IW)	Butte	MT	Miners in Butte, Montana have gone on strike for the right to assemble and organize. Over five mines have closed down.
6/16/1917	Results Organization In The Lumber Industry (IW)	St. Maries	MT	River workers on the St. Maries river in Montana have won a strike for a $5 wage for eight hours. They have begun to organize a fund for other striking river workers nearby.
6/16/1917	Methods In Conviction Of Shoon By Courts (IW)	Stockton	CA	The Shoon case continues. Joe Shoon, wrongly convicted of the murder of a police officer. The jury is composed of a variety of people who have agreed to convict on circumstantial evidence. The evidence is poorly pieced together and there are many gaps in the story.
6/16/1917	Soldiers and Sailors Attack IWW Hall (IW)	Seattle	WA	After inflammatory articles by the Seattle PI and the Seattle Times were published, sailors and soldiers attacked the Seattle IWW Hall. IWW members had some prior knowledge of the raid, and were prepared, even notifying the police force and mayor prior to the attack. One shot was fired, though it is unclear from which side, and fifty-one IWW men were arrested. By the next day, all but ten had been released.
6/16/1917	Another Lumber Strike (IW)	Sand Point	ID	One hundred and thirty lumber workers in Sand Point, Idaho, have gone on strike for better food and board.
06/16/1917	Many I.W.W.'s Arrested in Rockford (S)	Rockford	IL	138, about half IWW members, arrested during an anti-registration demonstration.
06/16/1917	Big Strike in Butte, Montana (S)	Butte	MT	Butte's five largest mines shut down by a strike in protest of low wages, long hours, and the unsafe conditions that lead to over 100 deaths.
6/16/1917	Try to Raid I.W.W. Hall in Seattle (S)	Seattle	WA	Military men attempted to raid the IWW hall, leading to 51 arrests on open chargers and the injury of one soldier.
6/23/1917	Real Solidarity Being Displayed By Workers (IW)	Cle Elum	WA	Lumber workers have gone on strike at the camps of Cascade Lumber Company near Cle Elum, Washington. Strikers are demanding an eight hour day for the same wages as they had been working ten hour days for. They also demand better food and housing.
06/23/1917	I.W.W.'s Arrested in Pennsylvania (S)	Scranton	PA	Two IWW members arrested for unlawful assembly.
6/23/1917	I.W.W.'s Arrested in Duluth (S)	Duluth	MN	Elizabeth Gurley Flynn, prominent IWW speaker, and 9 other IWW members arrested in a raid on their hall. They were charged with being in violation of the state's ban on "unpatriotic agitation."
6/25/1917	Big Lumber Strike Is Spreading (IW)	St. Maries	ID	Influenced by similar strikes in Northern Idaho, Montana, and Eastern Washington, lumber workers near St. Maries, Idaho, have gone on strike for better working conditions and to protest unfair charges.
6/26/1917	Lavine Released (S)	Portland	OR	Lavie, charged of shooting a brakemen, scheduled to be released from jail.
6/26/1917	Strike to Win! (S)	Bisbee, Globe, Miami, Jerome	AZ	Over 25000 miners went on strike in support of the striking miners in Butte.
6/26/1917	In the Can. (S)	Elkader	IA	IWW member arrested for vagrancy.
6/28/1917	Status of Shoon Case (IW)	Stockton	CA	Update on the Shoon case: Shoon is currently residing in Folsom Prison, does not want to return to the Stockton jail where he was starved. The death sentence has been passed on him, though attorneys are working to improve his prospects.
6/30/1917	Reasons For Revolt Of Butte's Workers (IW)	Butte	MT	Miners in Butte, Montana have gone on strike to protest a number of issues, including extremely poor working conditions, unsafe practices, ill-treatment, and low wages. Several unions are on site, and all are participating.
6/30/1917	Win Victories In Lewiston, Idaho (IW)	Lewiston	ID	Fruit pickers near Lewiston, Idaho have achieved success in their demands for an eight hour day with wages of $3/day. IWW spirit is strong.
06/30/1917	General Strike of Lumber Workers in Full Swing (S)	Various	MT, ID, WA	General strike of miners begun in Idaho and spread to the neighboring regions. The strike demanded better food, shorter hours, and the right to organize.
06/30/1917	12,000 Butte Miners on Strike (S)	Butte	MT	12000 miners went on strike for the abolition of the "rustling card" system, respect for Montana mining laws, removal of the State Mine Inspector, the right to free speech and organization, the abolition of black lists, and higher wages.
06/30/1917	The Raid that Failed (S)	Seattle	WA	Wobblies arrested in the raid of their two weeks earlier released.
6/30/1917	Lumber Workers' Progress (IW)	Fontine	MT	The strike on the Fontine River and other surrounding rivers continues with success. Although some men have been arrested in the picketing efforts, the force remains strong. A strike has already been won at Homestead Creek, where increased wages for a five-hour day have been achieved.
7/1/1917	"Jayhawker" Justice (S)	Turon	KS	Depot agent shot AWO delegate without provocation. Two IWW members arrested in the incident, one for disturbing the peace and the there for assault and battery.
7/2/1917	Shut-Down in Arizona Complete (S)	Bisbee, Globe, Miami, Jerome	AZ	The miners' strike halt production in nearly all mines and smelters in Arizona.
7/3/1917	Hall Raided in Bend, Ore. (S)	Bend	OR	Men raided the IWW hall and removed all materials. One Wobbly charged with extortion. He was released upon trial.
7/6/1917	Case Against Francik Dismissed (S)	Kansas City	MO	IWW member arrested during the raid on their hall dismissed upon appeal.
7/7/1917	General Strike In Woods And Mines (IW)		MT, ID, WA, AZ	An enormous general strike involving over 15,000 workers is taking place across Montana, Idaho, Washington, and Arizona, as lumberjacks and mineworkers come together for their rights. Demand highlights include 1) an eight hour day with a minimum $3 wage, 2) Time and a half for overtime and double time on Sundays/holidays, 3) Improved food and cleanliness standards, 4) Improved sleeping conditions, and 5) no discrimination against workers for attempting to better their conditions.
7/7/1917	Power Strikes With Smelter-Men (IW)	Salt Lake City	UT	Smelters near Salt Lake City, Utah, have struck for better wages.
7/7/1917	The Miner's Strike Wins New Strength (IW)	Bisbee	AZ	Copper miners near Bisbee, Arizona have won a strike for better working conditions. No violence took place, making it difficult for bosses to shut down the strike.
07/07/1917	Butte Strike Ties Up Mines (S)	Butte	MT	The Butte miners' strike reached 15000 participants. Electricians, blacksmiths, and boilermakers joined the strike in solidarity.
7/9/1917	N. Yakima Holding the Fort (S)	Yakima	WA	IWW hall closed and almost 100 jailed without charge.
7/10/1917	Lumberworkers Standing Firm (IW)		MT, ID, WA	The general lumber strike across Montana, Idaho, and Washington continues.
7/12/1917	The Iron Heel At Work (S)	Bisbee	AZ	2000 strikers and strike sympathizers deported in crowded cattle cars and left for 36 hours without food or water.
7/14/1917	Strike At Pasco (IW)	Pasco	WA	A variety of workers near Pasco, Washington have gone on strike for increased wages. These are not IWW men.
07/14/1917	Arizona Strike Developing Rapidly (S)	Jerome	AZ	200 striking miners deported from Jerome.
07/14/1917	News from Agricultural Workers' Industrial Union (S)	Unspecified	CO	Coal miners formally declared strike.
07/14/1917	Sioux City Preparing for I.W.W. "Invasion" (S)	Sioux City	IA	Anti-IWW vigilante group Sioux City Civilian Unit created in anticipation of the coming IWW members.
07/14/1917	117 Rockford Rebels Sentenced (S)	Rockford	IL	117 of the 136 (about half of whom IWW members) arrested in an anti-registration demonstration sentenced to non-registration or vagrancy. Their sentenced ranged from 30 days in jail to a year and a day of hard labor, the maximum sentence.
07/14/1917	Milwaukee Rebel Thrown in Jail. (S)	Milwaukee	WI	Worker arrested on charged of being an active member of the IWW.
7/18/1917	Oil Workers Win at El Dorado, Kansas (S)	El Dorado	KS	IWW oil workers won strike that demanded a wage increase of 50 cents per day.
7/20/1917	Strike Bulletin (S)	Sandpoint	ID	At the alleged request of the governor, IWW member arrested.
07/21/1917	Find No German Aid of I.W.W. (S)	Washington, D.C.		Investigation found no evidence of German monetary support of the IWW.
07/21/1917	More Thuggery (S)	Bisbee	AZ	30 unionized workers deported from Bisbee for their involvement in the copper strike.
07/21/1917	General Strike of Lumber Workers (S)	Seattle	WA	Lumber Workers Industrial Union 500 announced general strike.
07/21/1917	News from Marine Transport Workers' Union Number 200 of the Great Lakes (S)	Niagara Falls	NY	Organized Manuel "Ray" (Rey) arrested for agitation.
07/21/1917	Another Raid in Kansas City (S)	Kansas City	MO	Other publications reported another raid on the Kansas City IWW hall.
07/21/1917	News from Duluth (S)	Duluth	MN	Mine owners begun to deport all IWW members.
07/21/1917	Duluth Cases Being Tried (S)	Duluth	MN	IWW members charged of vagrancy went on trial and faced horrible conditions in jail, including lack of edible food.
7/21/1917	Notes from Bemidji, MN (S)	Bemidji	MN	Four IWWs accused of burning down a sawmill and arrested. The IWW claimed it was burned by the company to collect insurance. Shortly after, three released and one held for "Displaying Literature Advocating Sabotage."
7/21/1917	Deported Miners Standing Firm (S)	Columbus	NM	The 1100 miners removed from Bisbee and shipped to New Mexico released. However, they refused to leave unless they could return to their families in Bisbee.
7/22/1917	I.W.W. Ice Men Strike in Fargo, N.D. (S)	Fargo	ND	Ice workers strike for the ten hour day, weekly pay periods at $20 per week, overtime pay, and exclusive employment for IWW members.
7/22/1917	I.W.W.'s Arrested in Bemidji, Minn. (S)	Bemidji	MN	3 IWW members arrested during a raid on their hall.
7/23/1917	"Democracy" in Aberdeen (S)	Aberdeen	SD	Fifty IWWs arrested without charge. Thirty-five taken outside town and beaten. Their hall was raided and their property destroyed. In all, 250 reported to have been arrested or harassed.
7/24/1917	Lumber Strike Still Spreading (IW)	Aberdeen	WA	The lumber strike in Montana, Idaho, and Washington continues to spread, reportedly from the Pacific Ocean to North Dakota. Little violence has occurred.
7/28/1917	An Economic Problem (IW)			Opinion piece: An anonymous author has written a piece, entitled "An Economic Problem", about growing dissension regarding black workers immigrating from the South to the North. Southern bosses discourage the movement of working class African Americans to the North, because they represent cheap labor.
7/28/1917	Eight Hour Day (IW)			Opinion piece: An anonymous author has written a piece on the eight hour day and its importance, specifically within the lumber industry. In light of the recent lumber strike across multiple states, the author calls for a realization of the significance of the eight-hour day. The author highlights the rising price of lumber and the falling cost to produce it. Wages for lumberjacks and other workers have stagnated.
07/28/1917	Put Fairfield, Iowa, on the Map (S)	Fairfield	IA	Sheriff threatened to expel all IWW delegated found in the town.
07/28/1917	San Antonia, Too! (S)	San Antonio	TX	Local police raided IWW hall and arrested workers on charges of "complting against the U.S.A."
07/28/1917	Barbosky Freed (S)	Detroit	MI	IWW member held for seven weeks on charges of conspiracy released on bail.
07/28/1917	"Vag" Ordinance Nullified (S)	Duluth	MN	16 Wobblies tried for vagrancy released after the ordinance they violated was considered unconstitutional.
7/30/1917	Oregon Joins Big Lumber Strike (IW)		OR	Lumber workers in Oregon have joined the massive lumber strike spreading from North Dakota to the coast. Lumber jacks and mill workers alike have joined the strike under the IWW banner. The article includes multiple updates on other strike happenings, including one comical situation where lumber bosses attempted to do the work of their erstwhile laborers.
7/30/1917	Baldazzi Arrested (S)	Brooklyn	NY	IWW member arrested on charges of advocating property destruction.
7/30/1917	"Suppress the I.W.W." (S)	Spokane	WA	Twenty citizens in a city council meeting requested the government take action against the IWW. The request was shot down after being considered ineffective to curbing the IWW.
8/1/1917	Aberdeen Ship Yards Out Solid (IW)	Aberdeen	WA	Due to the effects of the massive lumber strike, ship yards in Aberdeen, Washington have shut down.
8/1/1917	Frank Little Lynched in Butte (S)	Butte	MT	An armed and masked group kidnapped organizer Frank Little and hanged him on a railroad trestle.
8/1/1917	Tulsa Wob Pinched for "Unpatriotic" Speech (S)	Tulsa	OK	Dual card holder arrested after a speech at an AFL meeting in which he refused to purchase a flag for Labor Day. The AFL subsequently revoked his card.
8/3/1917	Butte Copper Strike Leads To Barbarous Murder (IW)	Butte	MT	Frank Little, a striking copper worker in Butte, Montana, has been murdered because of his IWW affiliation. Killed stealthily at night by five masked invaders, Little was found with a coded note pinned to his clothing, stating, "Others take notice. First and last warning."
8/3/1917	Oil Workers Win at Gypsy Camp/ (S)	Drumright	OK	25 Wobblies and 75 others went on strike for a 50 cent per day wage increase and improved conditions. Their demands met in three hours.
08/04/1917	Strike Bulletin (S)	Sandpoint	ID	Sheriff stepped down after refusing to expel all IWW members from the town.
08/04/1917	Strike Bulletin (S)	Sandpoint	ID	IWW hall closed.
08/04/1917	Strike Bulletin (S)	Unspecified	Unspecified	Gray's Harbor Lumber Co. sued 24 IWW members for striking without notice.
08/04/1917	Strike Bulletin (S)	Various	Various	General strike of Lumber Workers' Industrial Union No. 500 remained strong with participants in the tens of thousands across the West.
08/04/1917	General Strike in Michigan Iron Mines (S)	Virginia	MN	Iron miners declared general strike. Not specified as an IWW action.
08/04/1917	Solidarity Asserts Itself (S)	Index	WA	At least 13 IWW members arrested in relation to the lumber strike. They were released after one and half days.
08/04/1917	"Comical Clubs" Use Rough Stuff in Aberdeen, S.D. (S)	Aberdeen	SD	Law enforcement begun to inspect all trains for IWW riders and, if found, beat them.
08/04/1917	Rockford I.W.W.'s Want Change of Venue (S)	Chicago	IL	Three IWW members on trial for conspiracy requested a change of venue to avoid trial by infamously anti-IWW judge Kenesaw Mountain Landis.
8/8/1917	Little Murder Result Long Series Assaults (IW)	Butte	MT	The hanging of Frank Little has had a great effect on working culture in Butte, Montana. The noted labor leader was murdered in secret by "masked vigilantes". Workers have gone on strike to protest, while others have spoken out against it publicly. The identities of the murderers are believed to be known.
8/8/1917	Starving Prisoners (IW)	Ellensburg	WA	About one hundred IWW members have been jailed in Washington on charges of "being IWW's". Food is scarce and poor, and many are sick.
8/10/1917	Oakland Hall Raided (S)	Oakland	CA	Mob raided IWW hall and burned all dues books and furniture.
08/11/1917	Mrs. Rena Mooney Acquitted (S)	San Francisco	CA	Rena Mooney, wife of Tom Mooney who was convicted in relation to a bomb plot and sentenced to death, acquitted of murder.
08/11/1917	Strike Bulletin (S)	Various	WA	General lumber strike remained strong.
08/11/1917	The Hand of the "Law" (S)	Duluth	MN	Two IWW member received sentences of 18 months in prison.
08/11/1917	I.W.W. Papers Stopped (S)	Unspecified	Unspecified	Hungarian IWW paper Uj Tarsadalom and Italian IWW paper Il Proletario deemed unmailable by the USPS.
08/18/1917	Frank Little's Funeral (S)	Butte	MT	Nearly 7000 people attended Frank Little's funeral.
08/18/1917	Butte Situation Unchanged (S)	Butte	MT	Mines remained unproductive due to the massive strike.
08/18/1917	Another Deportation (S)	Bemidji	MN	Four IWW members deported after attempting to punish those in charge of the mass deportation a month earlier.
08/18/1917	A So. Dakota Sapping with "Reverse English" (S)	Groton	SD	IWW member beaten and robbed by vigilantes.
8/18/1917	Hall Raided in Duluth (S)	Duluth	MN	One hundred soldiers raided the IWW hall and burned all records.
8/19/1917	Protest! (S)	Various	Various	Protests in response to the lynching of Frank Little scheduled for August 19th.
8/20/1917	Release Our Men! (S)	Various	Northwestern states	General lumber strike announced their demand for the release of "class war prisoners."
08/25/1917	Kelly in the "Can" (S)	Montesano	WA	IWW member charged with inciting a riot, unlawful assemblage, contempt of court, and violation of an injunction.
9/1/1917	"Business is Good; Kill the IWW!" (IW)			Opinion piece: several excerpts from the newsletter of the Farmers and Merchants National Bank of Los Angeles have been published on the topic of the IWW. The excerpts imply that the murder of Frank Little was an act of justice, and that similar violence toward members of the IWW is what American citizens must resort to if the law is not sufficient to stop the IWW.
9/1/1917	Realization of Power Great Result of Big Lumber Strike (IW)	Spokane	WA	The eleventh week of the lumber strike has begun as lumber men and other workers realize the power they hold, especially as a studied, organized force. "Scabs" are being turned away in the mills, as there is little lumber to process.
09/01/1917	Jailed for Labor! (S)	Spokane, Pasco	WA	Forty IWW members arrested in relation to the general lumber strike.
09/01/1917	Bisbee Parasites Desperate (S)	Columbus	NM	IWW deportees from Bisbee continued to stay in civilian camp.
9/5/1917	Metal and Coal Miners Show Growing Industrial Unrest (IW)	Shasta	CA	Metal and coal miners in the Shasta, California area have come together to strike and create conversation surrounding their treatment as workers. Members of the United Mine Workers have published a list of resolutions regarding their employment and unity. Multiple mines are closed because of strike activity.
9/5/1917	Halls and Newspapers Raided (IW)	Seattle	WA	The halls, offices, and newspaper rooms of the IWW across the US have been raided by federal marshals assisted by the local police forces. According to the policemen, the forces were searching for seditious material. Papers, typewriters, and other office supplies were seized. Some suspect this was an action to suppress the IWW effort.
9/5/1917	The Raid in Seattle (S)	Seattle	WA	Office of Lumber Workers' Industrial Union No. 500 raided and all files seized. No arrests were made.
9/15/1917	Seattle Shipbuilders Strike; Refuse Handle Scab Lumber (IW)	Seattle	WA	The lumber strike continues with many effects apparent. Two ship building companies in Seattle have agreed to only purchase lumber from mills that have granted eight hour days.
9/15/1917	Haywood's Story of Raids Headquarters and Papers (IW)	Chicago	IL	An update on the raid in Chicago- News from the Chicago headquarters of the IWW state that "business is going as usual", and that all IWW publications are available to buy, as before. The author states that the IWW has nothing to hide in its records.
9/19/1917	Is There a Negro Problem? (IW)			Opinion piece- the editor addresses black workers and the IWW. The writer claims that there is no "Negro Problem", that the IWW fully supports and welcomes black workers into the association. The piece also criticizes the actions of the AFL, claiming that they exclude black workers from craft unionism by discouraging them from learning a trade, and then calling them "scabs" when they attempt to take what employment they can get.
09/22/1917	N.W. Camp Broken Up (S)	Columbus	NM	Rations stopped and formerly striking miners left the camp. Some tried to returned to Bisbee and were promptly arrested. 150 Mexican workers return to Mexico and were welcomed by the government.
09/22/1917	The Raid on '800' (S)	Salt Lake City	UT	M.M.W.I.U 800, formerly based in Arizona, raided and all records seized.
9/29/1917	None (S)	Denver	CO	Secretary of the Denver Recruiting Union arrested.
9/30/1917	Convicted as Criminal Syndicalist (IW)	Bemidji	MN	Jess Dunning, secretary of the Bemidji IWW, was charged with "criminal syndicalism" and determined to serve two years in the penitentiary.
9/30/1917	None (S)	Tulsa	OK	Branch secretary arrested after an IWW meeting after indictment by the Chicago Grand Jury.
10/1/1917	Strike in Louisiana (IW)	Lake Charles	LA	1700 men working at the US Aviation Camp went on strike, demanding 60 cents an hour and an 8 hour day.
10/2/1917	Wholesale Jailing of "Leaders" Causes Wave of Resentment But Fails to Quell Organization Activities (IW)	Chicago	IL	The Federal Grand Jury has indicted 266 IWW members across the country, and 240 of those have already been arrested. They have been charged with "striking".
10/3/1917	Defense is Needed for Imprisoned Men (IW)	Fresno	CA	Fifteen men were arrested and charged with "conspiracy and sedition". These charges are refuted in a later October 6 article.
10/3/1917	Boston Freight Handlers Strike (IW)	Boston	MA	More than 1000 dock freight handlers went on strike today, demanding an advance in wages and an 8 hour day instead of 9.
10/3/1917	Slavery at Irondale, Wash (IW)	Irondale	WA	Workers at a steel plant briefly went on strike over unfair treatment and hours. They went back to work pending a settlement, but the strike committee and two members of the IWW were immediately fired.
10/3/1917	Making Woods Safe for Job Democracy (IW)		WA, MT	Workers in logging camps in multiple locations report events including quitting en masse, strikes, etc.
10/3/1917	Stimson Mill Sues Shingle Weavers (IW)	Seattle	WA	The A.F. of L. shingle weavers and timber workers are being sued for 50,000 dollars by the Stimson Mill Company for damaged alleged to have been sustained by picketing the struck plant.
10/3/1917	Copper Kings Fail to Break Strike (IW)	Butte	MT	A four month long miners' strike endures, and it seems that victory is close to hand.
10/4/1917	Omaha Forms a Defense League (S)	Omaha	NE	Labor Defense League formed in support of those held in jail across the country.
10/6/1917	Seattle Shipyards Tied Up (IW)	Seattle	WA	Ten thousand shipyard workers went on strike at 10 am demanding raises averaging between 15 and 33 cents an hour. Seven thousand are on strike in Portland, OR, and a similar but smaller strike occurred in San Francisco.
10/6/1917	IWW Murdered in Butte (IW)	Butte	MT	Verner Nelson was shot and killed by a man named Savichewich.
10/13/1917	Eight Hour Strike on Job Spreads/Still After Eight Hours (IW)			A series of blurbs describes the increasing support of the Eight Hour Work day
10/13/1917	Revising Her Down to Date (IW)	Chicago	IL	William D. Haywood, nation secretary of the IWW, is detained at the federal prison with $25,000 bail.
10/13/1917	Sloan's Camps Tied Up (IW)	Seattle	WA	Two construction camps run by Sloan Brothers are largely shut down after more than 80 men quit.
10/13/1917	Names of those arrested to-date (S)	Various	Various	This article lists over 75 IWW members incarcerated at the time of publication. Notable figures include Ralph Chaplin, William D. Haywood, Rangner Johannsen, Samuel Scarlett, J.A. McDonald, and Herbert Mahler.
10/13/1917	Story of Fresno Arrests (S)	Fresno	CA	Fourteen IWW members arrested on charges of sedition.
10/15/1917	A.W.I.U. Convention (S)	Unspecified	Unspecified	Agricultural Workers' Industrial Union No. 400 held a convention to vote for new officers and for support of "class war prisoners."
10/17/1917	Copper Miners Strike in Portola (IW)	Portola	CA	A strike was declared at Walker Mining Company when most of the workers walked out over poor working conditions.
10/22/1917	No Justice for IWW (IW)	Chicago	IL	166 indictments have been returned against members and officers of the IWW by the Federal Grand Jury.
10/26/1917	Phone Employees to Arbitrate (IW)	Seattle	WA	Every girl in the Seattle telephone exchanges walked out at Midnight on Friday, but returned a few hours later when promised that their demands would be sorted in a few days' time.
10/27/1917	Out After Three Months (S)	Moscow	ID	Eighteen IWW members released after being held for three months. Five still held on charges of criminal syndicalism.
11/3/1917	Trials Denied to Prisoners (IW)	Wenatchee	WA	Thirteen IWW men have been jailed in Wenatchee for over three months without promise of a trial. Ghastly living conditions and abuse by the jailer has caused several of the men to fall seriously ill.
11/3/1917	Cavalrymen Raid IWW Quarters (IW)	Miami	AZ	Federal agents have raided an IWW office in Arizona, seizing "correspondence, literature, and records".
11/3/1917	Girls Get Good Ideas (IW)	Cashmere	WA	Female fruit pickers in Washington have begun efforts to obtain an eight hour day and increased wages.
11/3/1917	Bondsmen Intimidated Men Languish in Jail (IW)			Bonds for the 266 IWW men arrested in late September have been refused. The men remain in jail.
11/10/1917	Timber! Timber! Hours Coming Down (IW)			At several lumber sites in the Pacific Northwest, demands of an eight hour day have been met.
11/10/1917	Men Indicted for Loyalty to Labor (IW)	Chicago	IL	As attorneys work the case, it has become clear that the arrests of the 266 men in late September were made on grounds of IWW involvement in the past few years.
11/17/1917	Arrest Scores IWW Delegates (IW)	Omaha	NE	Around 200 delegates at an IWW conference in Omaha have been arrested on charges of "sedition".
11/17/1917	Vigilantes Mob IWW in Oklahoma (IW)	Tulsa	OK	A masked group of fifty people mobbed and abused seventeen IWW members, whipping, then tar and feathering them.
11/17/1917	No Timber for Unfair Mines (IW)			Lumber workers in Montana have walked out on the job after discovering that the lumber they were working on was supplying unfair mines. This was a display of solidarity.
12/1/1917	Sioux City Forms Ku Klux Klan (IW)	Sioux City	IA	A group, calling themselves the "Knights of Liberty" after the original group in Tulsa, Oklahoma, have formed in Sioux City, Iowa. They openly oppose and wish violence upon IWW members.
12/1/1917	Tacoma Hall Raid Good Advertisement (IW)	Tacoma	WA	A raid of the IWW Tacoma office took place on November 23rd. Acting on fabricated information that the office was distributing liquor, police raided the room, seizing documents and arresting none.
12/1/1917	Butte Miners Holding the Fort (IW)	Butte	MT	Copper miners in Butte, Montana, continue to strike after 22 weeks. Around 20,000 miners are actively striking daily.
12/1/1917	Attorney Fred Moore Missing (IW)			Fred Moore, long time attorney for the IWW and chief counsel in the Everett trials has been missing for two months. IWW members suspect foul play or kidnapping.
12/8/1917	All IWW Prisoners Released at St. Maries, Idaho (IW)	Spokane	WA	All IWW members imprisoned in Idaho have been released. The IWW is hopeful that this signals the collapse of "criminal syndicalist" charges.
12/15/1917	Northwest Lumberjacks Win Eight-Hour Day (IW)			IWW members predict a universal eight-hour day for lumberworkers in the Pacific Northwest. After a year of hard striking, this would be a welcome reward
12/15/1917	Federal Authorities Don't Want Prisoner (IW)	Seattle	WA	In a form of protest over the recent wave of arrests, several IWW men have approached police requesting to be arrested due to their IWW membership. The officers turned them away.
12/15/1917	Situation Serious in Fresno (IW)	Fresno	CA	The federal indictments of late September seem to be shaping up quite seriously in Fresno. It is very likely that anti-IWW policies will be written into law, threatening the safety of IWW members across the country.
12/22/1917	General Headquarters is Scene of Raid (IW)	Chicago	IL	The national headquarters of the IWW was raided by local police. No men were arrested. 105 men indicted in the late September arrests have pleaded "not guilty" to charges. Some face hanging.
12/29/1917	Defense and Worker Office Raided (IW)	Seattle	WA	Several IWW offices and associated offices were raided by Seattle police under the guidance of new chief Joel Warren.

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Highlights 1917 by Alison Cheung