USA > Wisconsin > The Wisconsin blue book 1919 > Part 41
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54
The striking thing about regulating and policing of manufacturers and distributors of food in the state of Wisconsin, was, that the bakers, especially, and to some extent confectioners and wholesalers, patriot- ically and efficiently policed themselves through their own committees. The Food Administration in many instances was thus relieved of a tremendous volume of work which otherwise would have devolved upon it. Through the courtesy of the state departments, especially the Dairy and Food Commission, and the State Board of Health, the time of inspectors to assist in the inspection of hotels and restaurants, retail stores and manufacturers of food, was contributed. This service was invaluable and saved the Food Administration the expenditure of large sums of money.
To the thousands of patriotic women in the state of Wisconsin who bore the brunt of conservation and saving, the State Food Administra- tion owes an everlasting debt of gratitude and appreciation. The women were in the front line trenches of food conservation and to them more than any other group was the state indebted for the saving which they made possible and the surplus of food which went to our armies and the armies of our allies in Europe.
Wisconsin established "Wheatless" and "Meatless" days on Sept. 14, 1917, six weeks before the plan was put into effect by Herbert Hoover as a National program. In this connection, the hotels of Milwaukee were the first in the United States and the first organized group of hotels in the state of Wisconsin to immediately recognize the saving of food by conscientiously and faithfully observing wheatless and meat- less days. The bakers of the state, as perhaps no other organization,
391
WISCONSIN'S WAR ACTIVITIES
rendered tremendous service by conserving flour and fats in every conceivable manner. At a meeting held in Milwaukee 500 of them pledged their undivided support to the Food Administration and saved thousands of barrels of flour which was sent to "our boys" in the trenches. Sixty per cent of the bread baked in the state during the period of the war was rye bread.
Over 755,000 tons of sugar were saved in the United States during the period from July 1 to Dec. 1, 1918. Less essential manufacturers com- prising bottlers and candy manufacturers were cut to 50 per cent of their normal use of sugar and the civilian population to 50 per cent of its .normal use. The normal consumption of sugar in Wisconsin amounting to 14,000,000 pounds a month in June, 1918, was cut to 8,250,000 pounds in November, 1918. Retail merchants were required to keep sugar books and sell only to their regular customers, indicating on these books the name and address of the head of the family, number in the family and the amount of sugar each family received during the month, which, during the sugar scarcity, amounted to only 2 pounds per person.
Wisconsin was allotted 13,122,000 pounds of sugar for July, 1918; 10,185,000 pounds for August, of which 1,000,000 pounds was used for canning; 10,760,000 for September, of which 1,000,000 pounds was for canning; 15,895,633 for October, of which 7,125,663 was for canning pur- poses; and 13,080,000 pounds for November, of which 4,500,000 was used for canning.
Through the activities of the threshing division of the Food Admin- istration, a conservative estimate placed 2,000,000 bushels of grain of all kinds as the amount saved in Wisconsin, through the intensive cam- paign for saving grain during the threshing season. The increased production of wheat was about 40 per cent in 1918 over 1917, and the increased production of sugar beets in the state, to the four factories located at Chippewa Falls, Madison, Menomonee Falls and Janesville, even though help was exceedingly short both in the field and at the fac- tory, due to the large number of men being called to the colors, was approximately 20 per cent over 1917.
A careful survey of the campaign by the Food Administration for the increase of cattle and hogs in the state showed that the number of hogs in the state of Wisconsin in November, 1918, as compared with the same month in 1917, was increased 26 2/3 per cent. The increase in the num- ber of cattle for 1918 of all ages was slightly less.
During the period from Dec. 1, to Dec. 20, 1918, the Food Administra- tion of Wisconsin purchased slightly over $300,000 worth of Victory flour, barley flour, rye flour, corn meal and corn flour for export to Europe in connection with Mr. Hoover's work in that country.
On Dec. 23, 1918, Mr. Swenson received a cable from Mr. Hoover, through Washington, asking him if he could come to Europe and help him in making a study of the food situation there. Mr. Swenson left Dec. 26 for New York and sailed on the George Washington on New Years day, 1919, for France. Upon the appointment of Mr. Swenson for this mission, Andrew H. Melville, who had been the executive secretary for the Food Administration since it was organized in 1917, was ap- pointed Acting Federal Food Administrator for Wisconsin and wound up the work of the Department on Feb. 15, 1919.
Shortly after his arrival in Europe, Mr. Swenson was placed in charge of the food situation in the Scandinavian countries and cabled to George M. Fuller, Madison, who had been in charge of the accounting division of the Wisconsin Food Administration, summoning him to Copenhagen as his assistant. He left immediately, expecting to remain in Europe with Mr. Swenson for at least one year.
392
WISCONSIN BLUE BOOK
WISCONSIN DIVISION, UNITED STATES FOOD ADMINISTRATION
Federal Food Administrator-Magnus Swenson, Madison.
Executive Secretary-A. H. Melville, later acting administrator, Madi- son.
Enforcement Division-Charles H. Tenney, Charles N. Brown, E. J. B. Schubring, Madison.
Cooperation with County Food Administrators Division-Ritchie D. Lewis, Frank Jenks, Madison.
Sugar Division-William J. Teckemeyer, F. E. Caughey, Julius Klueter, G. P. Nourse, G. P. Irwin, Madison.
For Milwaukee County-Francis J. Rickert, E. O. Hoffmann, W. H. Hoffmann, F. E. Dewey, Oscar Host, Milwaukee.
Flour and Feed Division-H. M. Hansen, S. L. Foote, Madison.
Licensing Division-Charles N. Brown, Madison.
Dairy and Poultry Division-W. W. Power, J. L. Sammis, C. E. Lee, Madison.
Home Economics Division-Abbie L. Marlatt, director, Madison.
Library and Graphic Exhibits Division-C. B. Lester, director, Madison. Mill Inspection-M. G. Udey, Columbus.
Inspector Retailers and Wholesalers-F. C. Kuebler, Oshkosh.
Educational Division-R. B. Pixley, A. H. Melville, Dorothy Hart, Madison.
Bakery Division-S. W. Tredway, Joseph Poehlmann, Milwaukee.
State Retail Representative-Carl Herzfeld, M. Slattery, Milwaukee.
Hotel Représentative-Harry S. Hadfield, Milwaukee.
Threshing Division-L. L. Lunenschloss, E. E. Parkinson, R. G. Nuss, Madison.
Medical Advisor-Dr. J. S. Evans, Madison.
Accounting Division-George M. Fuller, F. H. Elwell, Madison.
COUNTY FOOD ADMINISTRATORS
Adams-G. W. Bingham, Friendship.
Ashland-Walter S. Cate, Ashland.
Barron-John L. Dahl, Rice Lake.
Bayfield-John J. Fisher, Bayfield.
Brown-Frank H. Smith, Green Bay.
Buffalo-Val Thoeny, Fountain City.
Burnett-Robert C. Anderson, Siren; F. R. Huth, Grantsburg.
Calumet-Peter Iversen, New Holstein.
Chippewa-J. A. Brooks, Chippewa Falls.
Clark-J. E. Ketel, Neillsville.
Columbia-J. R. Wheeler, George Bunsa, Columbus.
Crawford-A. M. Laird, Prairie du Chien.
Dane-C. B. Chapman, Madison.
Dodge-A. A. Washburn, Horicon; H. A. Bird, J. W. Deniger, Beaver Dam.
Door-Robert B. Cornish, H. A. Wagener, Sturgeon Bay.
Douglas-F. B. Jerrard, Superior.
Dunn-S. W. Jackson, Alfred Thomas, Menomonie.
Eau Claire-John G. Owen, D. R. Moon, Eau Claire.
Florence-Oscar Soderburg, Florence.
Fond du Lac-J. C. Harcum, L. B. Cummings, W. P. Leek, Fond du Lac.
Forest-Martin Georgeson, H. P. Keith, Crandon.
Grant-Len Stauffacher, Fennimore.
Green-H. W. Johonnott, F. W. Wettengel, Monroe.
Green Lake-D. C. Williams, Green Lake.
393
WISCONSIN'S WAR ACTIVITIES
Iowa-John M. Reese, Dodgeville.
Iron-P. J. Lanzer, Hurley.
Jackson-H. H. Ormsby, Freeman B. Dell, Black River Falls.
Jefferson-Fred Prentiss, Watertown.
Juneau-Clinton Price, R. D. Chamberlain, Mauston.
Kenosha-H. L. Bullamore, Kenosha.
Kewaunee-James H. McGowan, Algoma.
La Crosse-G. Van Steenwyk, La Crosse.
La Fayette-John P. Sheldon, Darlington.
Langlade-Charles Metcalf, M. T. Canfield, David Stewart, Mose A. Jansen, Antigo.
Lincoln-Fred Rossman, Fred Heinemann, Merrill.
Manitowoc-Henry Mulholland, Manitowoc.
Marathon-O. P. Babbitt, Dr. G. G. Anderson, W. R. Chellis, Wausau. Marinette-C. R. Johnston, Dan Madagin, Marinette.
Marquette-C. H. Butler, F. L. French, Montello; John Conant, West- field.
-
Milwaukee-A. T. Van Scoy, Milwaukee.
Monroe-Myron Bracket, Sparta.
Oconto-Harry Serier, Suring. Oneida-D. F. Recker, Rhinelander.
Outagamie-C. A. Pardee, Theodore Sanders, Appleton.
Ozaukee-W. H. Ramsey, Port Washington.
Pepin-George Kees, Durand.
Pierce-W. G. Haddow, Ellsworth.
Polk-E. A. Palmer, St. Croix Falls.
Portage-J. M. Pfiffner, Stevens Point.
Price-F. H. Sargent, Phillips.
Racine-W. T. Harvey, Racine.
Richland-W. E. Gillingham, Richland Center. Rock-Fred L. Clemons, Janesville; W. M. Van Lone, Beloit (only). Rusk-Glenn H. Williams, Ladysmith.
St. Croix-Swenum Swenumson, Baldwin.
Sauk-H. H. Thomas, H. L. Halsted, Baraboo.
Sawyer-Lee Swift, C. D. Benack, H. Sabin, Hayward.
Shawano-D. W. Van Dorn, Birnamwood; H. B. Richmond, Shawano. Sheboygan-Emil Clarenbach, Sheboygan.
Taylor-P. Landon, A. E. Whitney, Medford. Trempealeau-Frank George, Whitehall.
Vernon-C. J. Smith, Viroqua; Gus Morterud, Westby.
Vilas-Amos Radcliffe, Eagle River. Walworth-L. L. Oldham, Elkhorn. Washburn-S. H. Williams, Earl; A. J. Donnelly, Shell Lake. Washington-Henry Rolfs, Sr., West Bend. Waupaca-Llewellyn Cole, Clintonville.
Waukesha-Hawley Wilbur, Roy T. Benjamin, Waukesha. Waushara-John W. Brann, J. M. Timble, Wautoma. ' Winnebago-George A. Buckstaff, Oshkosh.
Wood-E. C. Pors, Marshfield.
394
WISCONSIN BLUE BOOK
WISCONSIN FUEL ADMINISTRATION
One of the most important of the war activities was the work of the Fuel Administration, affecting as it did every industry, every business establishment and every home, and it was only through the foresight of Governor E. L. Philipp and the splendid co-operation given the depart- ment by everyone that there was no suffering for lack of fuel in Wis- consin during the extremely severe winter of 1917-18.
Under the Lever act, approved Aug. 10, 1917, the president was given the power to deal with the fuel situation for the period of the war. The necessity for the step was evidenced by the need for increased produc- tion, for supervision of the transportation and distribution, and for price regulation.
Shortly after the appointment of Dr. Harry A. Garfield as United States Fuel Administrator, Governor Philipp named W. N. Fitzgerald, Milwaukee, as fuel administrator for Wisconsin, in September, 1917, having previously sent him east in August, to secure increased ship- ments of anthracite coal for domestic consumers and industrial coal for the manufacturers of war essentials. It was this act of the governor and the activity of the Wisconsin Fuel Administration which not only made it possible for Wisconsin to go through the winter with no serious handicap, but to permit coal brought to the Wisconsin docks for use in this state to be shipped to points in Minnesota, North and South Dakota at a time when thousands of residents of the sister states would have suffered but for Wisconsin's generosity.
Immediately after his appointment Mr. Fitzgerald built up an organ- ization of county administrators and committees to undertake the dis- tribution and regulation of the rules of the federal administration. Dealers were registered and it was arranged that each dealer should receive 50 per cent of his share of coal before any other dealer re- ceived more than 50 per cent.
Private consumers with heating plants requiring anthracite coal were limited to one ton at a time, and finally to half a ton, that all might be provided from the limited supply. The rules more than doubled the work and the expense of the dealers through the delivery in such small lots and it was often necessary to deliver on Sunday and even late at night to care for their customers.
The administration early began a campaign of education in the elim- ination of waste, by cutting off useless or needless lights to conserve fuel. Through a statewide volunteer organization the lightless night, the heatless Mondays, and finally the gasolineless Sundays were in- troduced in the state and very generally observed.
Through the efforts of the conservation division, under the direction of Administrative Engineer Charles A. Cahill, it was estimated that 800,000 tons of industrial coal, of the 6,500,000 tons consumed annually, were saved through better methods of power plant operation due to increased attention paid to proper combustion of fuel and utilization of exhaust steam for heating and process purposes.
The first step taken by the president in the fuel administration was that of price fixing of bituminous coal. This was followed by the or- ders of Fuel Administrator Garfield to state and local fuel administrators authorizing them to determine local gross margins and fix a retail sell- ing price, allowing reasonable charges to cover the expense of unload- ing, yard expense, general overhead, delivery and net profit. It was thus possible to investigate the costs of conducting the coal business and to absolutely control the price.
395
WISCONSIN'S WAR ACTIVITIES
The absolute necessity of the control of the fuel situation was shown by the fact that the average price for bituminous coal in 1916 was from $1.25 to $1.50 f. o. b. mines, but as a result of the unlimited demand and the definitely limited supply the price had jumped to $7 and $8 per ton at the mines by the middle of the summer of 1917 with every prospect of continuing to increase when the government took control and through the federal, state and county fuel administrators not only held the prices down to a fairly reasonable profit for the dealers but equalized the dis- tribution according to the needs and not according to ability to pay.
WISCONSIN DIVISION, UNITED STATES FUEL ADMINISTRATION
State Fuel Administrator-W. N. Fitzgerald, Milwaukee.
State Advisory Committee-George A. Buckstaff, Oshkosh; Stephen W. Gilman, Madison; Fred W. Rogers, Milwaukee.
COUNTY FUEL ADMINISTRATORS AND COMMITTEEMEN
.
Adams-C. B. Meteyard, Friendship; E. Layer, J. R. Eakle, Adams.
Ashland-A. J. Kull, H. B. Warner, George H. McCloud, Ashland.
Barron-T. T. Hazelberg, Barron; Frank Goettsche, Rice Lake; R. B. Hart, Cumberland.
Bayfield-D. M. Maxey, F. T. Bears, Washburn; H. C. Wachsmuth, Bayfield.
Brown-John A. Kittell, F. B. Desnoyers, Henry Fuller, Max Schotz, Green Bay; Sheldon Wilcox, De Pere.
Buffalo-A. L. O'Mera, Fred Reiter, Mondovi; Charles Kirschner, Foun- tain City; J. A. Ganz, Alma.
Burnett-James Jensen, S. F. Glover, C. J. Strang, Grantsburg.
Calumet-Leo P. Fox, A. N. Schewe, A. P. Bauman, Chilton.
Chippewa-L. M. Newman, Charles Ainsworth, Earl S. Barker, W. M. Bowe, C. A. Mandelert, Chippewa Falls.
Clark-William L. Smith, John P. Kintzele, Neillsville; John Grimes, Colby; W. C. Tufts, Withee.
Columbia-F. L. Van Epps, R. E. York, R. C. Stotzer, Portage.
Crawford-O. P. Vaughan, Wauzeka; Fred Speck, Prairie du Chien; T. T. Sime, Gays Mills. 1
Dane-George E. Gary, G. J. Corscot, Madison; John Holtan, Stoughton.
Dodge-A. B. Chandler, C. H. Smith, Beaver Dam; Charles Hawks, Horicon; Fred Green, Watertown.
Door-Frank Graass, H. G. Garland, James Johnson, Sturgeon Bay.
Douglas-P. G. Stratton, W. R. Foley, R. I. Tipton, Superior.
Dunn-E. O. Wright, Oscar Wilson, H. W. Jimmerson, Menomonie.
Eau Claire-John G. Owen, O. W. Robertson, S. R. Davis, F. E. Nichols, Eau Claire.
Florence-Max Sells, William Judge, J. E. Perry, Florence.
Fond du Lac-E. H. Lyons, G. B. Horner, Edward Kopplin, Ripon; A. J. Kremer, H. B. Tubbs, T. L. Doyle, E. F. Ahern, Fond du Lac; Clyde Harris, Waupun.
Forest-John Swenehart, L. A. Rogers, J. L. Raile, Crandon; S. D. Switser, Wabeno.
Grant-H. E. Schreiner, Lancaster; C. H. Gribble, P. K. Kelly, W. N .. Smith. E. J. Sawbridge, Horace Fawcett, Platteville; Fred W. Lewis, Boscobel.
Green-R. D. Gorham, P. J. Weirich, F. J. Bolender, F. B. Luchsinger, Monroe.
Green Lake-W. J. Patton, Berlin; G. F. Rasek, Princeton; J. M. Hull, Markesan; W. A. Peterson, Green Lake.
396
WISCONSIN BLUE BOOK
Iowa-J. B. Eagan, Aurora; J. H. Ford, Dodgeville; O. C. Rewey, Rewey; Ole Christopherson, Barneveld.
Iron-J. A.' Slender, Charles N. Bonino, Henry Meade, Hurley.
Jackson-B. L. Van Gordon, Taylor; J.' L. Lewis, Black River Falls; T. L. Wheaton, Alma Center.
Jefferson-G. J. Kispert, Jefferson; F. W. Hoard, Fort Atkinson; E. C. Wolfram, Watertown.
Juneau-J. T. Hanson, Mauston; T. P. Morgan, Elroy; M. J. Walcott. Necedah.
Kenosha-Walter M. Burke, Dr. George L. Ross, Frank Iserman, W. W. Hammond, Kenosha.
Kewaunee-C. W. Andre, Kewaunee; H. Banchor, Luxemburg; Frank McDonald, Algoma.
La Crosse-D. W. MacWillie, F. P. Hixon, Will Ott, J. B. Kinsloo, La Crosse.
La Fayette-Thomas 'Kirwin, John Stephenson, Darlington; W. B. Vail, Benton.
Langlade-R. Koebke, James A. Cody, C. H. Avery, Antigo.
Lincoln-George A. Schroeder, Roy Barber, Merrill; F. E. Burbach, Tomahawk.
Manitowoc-Thomas Higgins, Henry Vits, John Miller, William Rahr, Jr., A. L. Hougen, Manitowoc. .
Marathon-E. A. Dunn, Herman Marquardt, Patrick Gorman, John Grimes, F. D. Timlin, Wausau.
Marinette-W. E. Morton, S. R. Brough, Howard I. Wood, R. S. Goodhue, A. M. Olson, Marinette.
Marquette-Charles Barry, Frank C. Walsh, Charles Burlingame, Mon- tello.
Milwaukee-John C. Post, James A. Hannan, T. L. Coleman, C. M. Burdick, Milwaukee; Philip Knoll, South Milwaukee.
- Monroe-T. P. Abel, Thomas E. Ward, Sparta; William R. McCaull, Tomah; George Friederick, Kendall.
Oconto-William Comstock, Oconto; P. H. Sharp, Oconto Falls; Harry Serier, Suring.
Oneida-Albert J. O'Melia, F. C. Wood, R. F. Tompkins, E. O. Bar- stow, Rhinelander; F. E. Burbach, Tomahawk.
Outagamie-George F. Kull, Col. H. E. Pomeroy, George H. Beckley, John A. Engel, Appleton; John Coppes, Kaukauna.
Ozaukee-Harry W. Bolens, Charles A. Mueller, Port Washington; F. W. Walker, Cedarburg.
Pepin-W. H. Biles, Durand; W. H. Serine, Pepin; E. T. Josephson, Stockholm.
Pierce-Charles E. Hanson, River Falls; Ed Campbell, Ellsworth; J. F. Borner, Prescott.
Polk-C. B. Casperson, Luck; H. D. Backer, St. Croix Falls; W. W. Winchester, Amery.
Portage-W. E. Fisher, L. J. Seeger, James Mainland, Stevens Point.
Price-Michael Barry, Phillips; W. L. Maitland, Park Falls; John A. Morner, Prentice.
Racine-F. Lee Morton, J. V. Rohan, H. F. Johnson, Racine.
Richland-George Miller, Richland Center; Rollin Myers, Viola; Frank Core, Lone Rock.
Rock-Jesse Earle, Henry F. Hanson, Janesville; A. J. Raubenheimer, Beloit; George W. Blanchard, Edgerton.
Rusk-L. E. McGill, Harry Ballow, Thomas Baker, Ladysmith.
St. Croix-Spencer Haven, James H. Walker, W. J. Barter, Hudson.
Sauk-W. E. Beringer, J. Van Orden, A. W. Rohn, Baraboo.
Sawyer-C. P. West, Hayward; J. W. Ackley, Winter; C. M. Olson, Coudery.
Shawano-J. E. Scanlon, E. A. Scott, H. R. Stanley, Shawano.
397
WISCONSIN'S WAR ACTIVITIES
Sheboygan-A. L. Sommers, W. P. Roseman, Sheboygan; G. A. Rob- bins, Sheboygan Falls; M. H. Hand, Plymouth.
Taylor-H. M. Koehler, Dr. E. W. Watson, Medford; J. A. Taylor, Rib Lake; M. E. Adler, Gilman; W. A. Bingham, Hannibal; Ed Erick- son, Stetsonville; August Frels, Little Block; N. Frinkel, Chelsea; E. J. Kelly, Jump River; Frank Kulwic, Lublin; J. J. Lingle, Westboro; M. S. McKee, Polley; Milton McNamer, Whittlesey; Douglas Peterson, Donald.
Trempealeau-Richard Holtan, Whitehall; J. A. Markham, Independ- ence; M. P. Skogstad, Osseo.
Vernon-O. G. Munson, Joseph Amundson, Nels Nelson, Viroqua.
Vilas-O. H. Wiegand, Eagle River; C. A. Beckstrom, Winchester; C. M. Christianson, Phelps.
Walworth-Riley S. Young, Darien; O. R. Rice, Delavan; L. L. Old- ham, Walter Babcock, Elkhorn.
.
Washburn-Frank Hammill, Spooner; Almer, E. Adams, ,Minong; Andrew Ryan, Shell Lake.,
Washington-Henry Lieven, Hartford; H. V. Schwalback, South Ger- mantown; Carl Pick, West Bend.
Waukesha-Howard T. Greene, Arthur Richards, Genesee Depot; T. J. Hughes, Wales; Wyan Gilham, Waukesha; B. G. Edgerton, J. F. Ketten- hofen, W. F. Notbohm, E. W. Tuttle, Oconomowoc; Martin Daley, New Butler; C. H. Golden, Merton; E. A. Goodman, Mukwonago; F. T. Grogen, Templeton; C. R. Guthrie, Guthrie; William Jacobson, Dela- field; Rev. H. L. Lofy, Calhoun; Oscar Olson, Dousman; D. W. Pardee, Eagle; Julius Reis, Brookfield; Ben Schneider, Hartland; B. S. Simmons, Pewaukee; Burton Smith, North Lake; R. H. Wendt, Menomonee Falls.
Waupaca-L. B. Smith, Waupaca; S. B. Wright, C. B. Stanley, E. W. Wendtland, New London; D. J. Rohrer, Clintonville.
Waushara-F. M. Clark, J. W. Borens, Wild Rose; John Digman, Wautoma.
Winnebago-Edward Nielson, I. S. MacNichol, Ray Kutchin, Oshkosh; W. H. Miner, Menasha.
Wood-Robert Nash, Grand Rapids; R. C. Hastings, Mike Griffin, Marsh- field; J. F. Seidel, Pittsville.
·
WAR LABOR ACTIVITIES
As in the draft, food and fuel administration Wisconsin was first among the states also in carrying out the Government's war labor program and the Wisconsin Plan became the nationally approved plan.
Free employment agencies of the United States Employment Service, were established in the industrial centers and all cities over 10,000 population, the municipalities furnishing the building and equipment, and the government the personnel under the direction of George P. Hambrecht, chairman of the Industrial Commission, who was appointed State Director.
The State Council of Defense. had adopted a motto of "A job for every man and every man on the job," and this motto was patriotically carried out by the people of the state generally. As the calls for troops increased, making a big drain on the farms and industrial plants the condition in the state would have become critical but for the plans worked out.
A Boys Working Reserve was organized through the schools by J. B. Borden, then assistant state superintendent of public instruction, and
-
398
WISCONSIN BLUE BOOK
several thousand high school and college boys, too young 'for military service, were sent to the farms in April, 1918, to take the places of those called to the colors and to assist in sowing and reaping the big- gest harvest in the history of the state. An agent of the Boys Work- ing Reserve was named in each county to assist Director Borden and the result of their labors was greatly appreciated by the farmers.
An agent of the United States Public Service Reserve was appointed in every county, and frequently in each community to assist the Em- ployment Service in recruiting labor for the essential plants working on war supplies of various kinds.
A Community War Labor Board was named in each industrial center, to represent the employers, employees and the public in handling the labor questions, and through the efforts of these Community Boards the less essential manufacturing plants willingly gave up their em- ployees, when called upon, that they might enlist in some more Im- portant war work.
Finally more than 150 bureaus were established Dec. 18, 1918, for returning soldiers and sailors, to assist them in securing positions and get back into peace time industry.
The work of the United States Employment Service in Wisconsin, was described by Chairman Hambrecht, in a letter to the governor and legislature under date of March 25, 1919, when an emergency ap- propriation was asked for to maintain the 28 free employment offices until July 1, after congress, through a filibuster, had failed to make the necessary appropriation. The sum of $22,500 was appropriated for this purpose by the legislature early in April.
Chairman Hambrecht's letter in part was as follows:
"Prior to the war the state of Wisconsin conducted four employment offices, in Milwaukee, Superior, La Crosse and Oshkosh. In all of these cities, quarters and the necessary equipment, such as rent, furniture, heat, light, telephone, and janitor service, for the em- ployment offices was furnished by the community, while the state, through the Industrial Commission, supplied the employes. As soon as war was declared, however, the Bureau of Immigration sent agents to Wisconsin to cooperate with the state authorities in meeting the labor needs of the government and of government contractors.
"For every soldier at the front it was estimated that there were necessary at home from 5 to 8 workmen for the production of war essentials. At that time, no branch of the existing governmental organizations was in a position to insure the furnishing of these men to essential industries. In January, 1918, a separate division was created within the United States Department of Labor called the United States Employment Service, charged with the respon- sibility of supplying labor to essential war industries. This being an entirely new organization, and the pressure of supplying men an immediate necessity, this service appealed to all existing organiza- tions to lend their aid and cooperation in 'putting across' the gov- ernment's war program. The intensity and importance of the work charged to the state is evidenced from an extract of a letter written by N. A. Smyth, Assistant Director General for War Labor, which reads as follows:
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.