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- Description:
- Lee talks about standing in a line that ran four blocks to the elementary school to apply and being hired in September 1977. He describes his impression of the size of the plant, his first jobs and discovering they were not as easy as they looked. Lee tells about finishing college, being a per diem supervisor, and watching Sexton High School football games from the factory roof.
- Date Issued:
- 2005-10-17T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Michigan State University. Libraries
- Collection:
- G. Robert Vincent Voice Library Collection
- Description:
- Allen Van De Vusse discusses his career as a payroll auditor and paint department production manager at the Fisher Body plant in Lansing, MI. He is joined by Louise Dean who discusses her career as a GM salaried clerk/secretary and her husband John Dean, who discusses his varied career as a production worker, plant security officer, supervisor, Safety Director, and maintenance manager. With careers spanning five decades the speakers describe changes in the plant culture, sexism, disparate treatment, plant security, relations with upper management and the UAW, and comment on manufacturing processes and life in the factory.
- Date Issued:
- 2006-06-14T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Michigan State University. Libraries
- Collection:
- G. Robert Vincent Voice Library Collection
- Description:
- James Cataline talks about working for the REO Motor Car Company, in Lansing, MI, as a timekeeper during World War Two and later becoming Parts Department General Manager in 1967 when REO became Diamond-Reo Trucks, Inc. Cataline reminisces fondly about the social life at REO and the terrible emotional damage its closing had on workers and the Greater Lansing community. He also describes the demolition of the REO Clubhouse and the later fire that destroyed the plant, events which, to him, drove home the end of an era. Cataline is interviewed by Shirley Bradley. Recorded as part of the commemoration of REO Motor Car Company’s 100th Anniversary.
- Date Issued:
- 2004-05-06T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Michigan State University. Libraries
- Collection:
- G. Robert Vincent Voice Library Collection
- Description:
- Wayne Nunheimer recalls his career at REO Motor Car Company/Diamond-Reo Trucks, Inc., in Lansing, MI, from 1945 to 1975. He talks about his father working for REO, the REO Clubhouse, the 1937 strike, the company in the post-war period, his job as a spot welder, lawnmower production, piecework and the beautiful REO Flying Cloud automobile. Nunheimer also recalls the mergers which led to the end of the company, ongoing legal battles in bankruptcy, and says how fortunate workers were to have union representation and what a positive influence the union was in the plant. The interviewers are Shirley Bradley and Lisa Fine. Recorded as part of the REO Memories oral history project.
- Date Issued:
- 1992-06-18T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Michigan State University. Libraries
- Collection:
- G. Robert Vincent Voice Library Collection
- Description:
- Mark describes being hired in November 1984 after working at Lindel Drop Forge and Jet Die & Engineering. He describes the differences between Fisher and his other workplaces and his motive for coming to Fisher. Mark talks about the duties of a toolmaker, life in the plant, overtime, and relations with management and production.
- Date Issued:
- 2005-10-14T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Michigan State University. Libraries
- Collection:
- G. Robert Vincent Voice Library Collection
- Description:
- Laura DeLind, Michigan State University Professor of Anthropology, talks about the Urbandale Farm Project in Lansing, MI. Speaking at the MSU Main Library, DeLind describes the project and its mission to establish farms in urban areas, provide fresh food to urban residents, and teach agriculture while building community. She also describes how the land was selected, acquired, plotted, and plans for the future. DeLind is introduced by MSU Librarian Kriss Ostrom. Part of the MSU Library Environmental Series hosted by the Library Environmental Committee.
- Date Issued:
- 2011-02-24T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Michigan State University. Libraries
- Collection:
- G. Robert Vincent Voice Library Collection
- Description:
- Michigan State University Professor John Beck emcees a program dedicating a State of Michigan historical marker commemorating the "Lansing Labor Holiday" of June 7, 1937. Guitarist Chris Buhalis opens the event with labor songs, Beck describes the events of June 1937, the actions of Lansing labor leader Lester Washburn, and the successful resolution of the general strike with the help of Michigan Governor Frank Murphy. Speakers include, Lansing City Council President Patricia Spitzley representing Mayor Virgil Bernero, Michigan State Representatives Andy Schor and Tom Cochran, Michigan State Senator Curtis Hertel Jr., Ingham County Sheriff Scott Wrigglesworth, UAW Director Gerald Kariem, USW Director Michael Bolton, and Tom Truscott, a member of the Michigan Historical Commission. Buhalis closes the event by leading those gathered in singing of "Solidarity forever".
- Date Issued:
- 2017-06-03T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Michigan State University. Libraries
- Collection:
- G. Robert Vincent Voice Library Collection
- Description:
- Dave talks about his life prior to joining Fisher, of being hired in March 1977 and going to work in the Paint Shop. Dave describes learning to paint cars and having nightmares of painting cars. He tells about his union activity including his duties as committeeman, a typical committee call, dealing with supervisors, and his appointment first to UAW Training Representative then UAW Joint Activities Rep.
- Date Issued:
- 2006-05-03T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Michigan State University. Libraries
- Collection:
- G. Robert Vincent Voice Library Collection
- Description:
- Gus Caliacatsos, owner of Gus's Bar on Michigan Avenue, discusses his life and career as a Greek immigrant, his life in Greece, the Greek army, coming to America in 1962, and hiring into Fisher Body in 1963. Gus describes his first day on job, learning English, receiving a suggestion award, and union threats. He left Fisher and went to work at Harry's Bar owned by another Greek immigrant. Gus quit after 8.5 years and pursued other business interests. He returned to Lansing and opened Gus's Bar in 1982. Gus describes relations with patrons who were primarily the UAW Fisher workers from across Michigan Ave.
- Date Issued:
- 2006-02-22T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Michigan State University. Libraries
- Collection:
- G. Robert Vincent Voice Library Collection
- Description:
- Marsha talks about being one of only a few women on security, the dress code, gate duty, seniority, responding to accidents, and pulling crossing guard duty for the Verlinden elementary School. She discusses the tension and balance of representing management and keeping the plant safe and secure while being friendly and considerate of the UAW workers. Marsha discusses the effect the 1993 outsourcing of security to Pinkerton had on the officers.
- Date Issued:
- 2005-12-12T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Michigan State University. Libraries
- Collection:
- G. Robert Vincent Voice Library Collection
- Description:
- Dona Jean describes working at other GM plants in Lansing before coming to Fisher in 1994. She discusses learning about unionism at Fisher and the start of her union and political activism. She talks about life on the second shift, family issues, lay-off, sexism, and meeting her husband at a union meeting. Dona Jean discusses being elected Recording Secretary and other accomplishments.
- Date Issued:
- 2005-12-06T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Michigan State University. Libraries
- Collection:
- G. Robert Vincent Voice Library Collection
- Description:
- Doreen describes being hired at Fisher in November 1984 after receiving a degree from MSU. She expresses surprise at the diversity and at the male dominated environment. Doreen talks about the stress on her marriage, the lack of control over ones job, and her naivety about factory life. She remarks about the number of college-educated people working in the plant. Doreen talks about the Suggestions Plan and her nontraditional job assignment.
- Date Issued:
- 2005-12-22T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Michigan State University. Libraries
- Collection:
- G. Robert Vincent Voice Library Collection
- Description:
- Betty talks about her Russian-Jewish ancestry, leaving home in Toronto at 16 to avoid cultural obligations, and coming to the U.S. She hired into Fisher in 1946 and again in May 1948. Betty talks about factory life for the few women including lower pay, harder work, community restrooms, and stereotypical perceptions of factory women. Betty shares her opinion of the union and management, describes her union activity, smoking, strikes, layoffs, and paying union dues.
- Date Issued:
- 2005-09-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Michigan State University. Libraries
- Collection:
- G. Robert Vincent Voice Library Collection
- Description:
- Joe talks about coming from Texas at age 14, his father working for Lindel Drop Forge, and being hired by Fisher in October 1964 at age 18. He describes being placed on jobs that would "only go to Mexicans," some racial tension, relations with coworkers and managers, pranks, playing cards, the check pool, and retiring after 38 years.
- Date Issued:
- 2006-01-24T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Michigan State University. Libraries
- Collection:
- G. Robert Vincent Voice Library Collection
- Description:
- Karel discusses his childhood in the neighborhood near Fisher, how he got his nickname, his time in the U.S. Army, and hiring into Fisher in July 1971. Frizz talks about being hired straight into the apprentice program, being paid to learn, women on trades and life in the factory. He discusses his move to supervision and the culture difference between Oldsmobile and Fisher Body during the corporate restructuring in the mid 1980s.
- Date Issued:
- 2006-05-13T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Michigan State University. Libraries
- Collection:
- G. Robert Vincent Voice Library Collection
- Description:
- Though never UAW members, they discuss their job responsibilities, promotions and work relations with male employees and managers. They describe disparate treatment including being forced to quit when they became noticeably pregnant, restrictions on women smoking and other double standards.
- Date Issued:
- 2006-01-12T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Michigan State University. Libraries
- Collection:
- G. Robert Vincent Voice Library Collection
- Description:
- George Grof talks about his boyhood home in the Old Town section of Lansing, about his German and Polish neighbors, how the neighborhood and Old Town have changed through the years and life in Lansing during World War II. He says that there was a more concise idea of what community was when he was growing up and that neighborhoods were self contained with their own groceries, theaters, clothiers, and other necessary services. Grof is interviewed by Michigan State University Professor David Stowe and another, unidentified interviewer.
- Date Issued:
- 2009-03-13T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Michigan State University. Libraries
- Collection:
- G. Robert Vincent Voice Library Collection
- Description:
- Don tells of being hired in 1962 at Flint Chevrolet, AC Spark Plug and describes his first years and Army service. He talks about his educational accomplishments and entering skilled trades in 1982. Don explains why he declined to go on management several times and why he has always respected the union. He comments on the Flint strikes, wildcats, the differences between Flint and Lansing, UAW-management relations differences, females in skilled trades, and the 1984 change to small cars in Lansing.
- Date Issued:
- 2005-12-19T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Michigan State University. Libraries
- Collection:
- G. Robert Vincent Voice Library Collection
- Description:
- Sal describes his childhood in Texas as a farm laborer, his Army and National Guard experience, and work in the plant cafeteria before being hired by Fisher in October 1968. He describes factory life, jobs he did, pranks, relations with coworkers and supervisors, and his role in the change to a team based system. Sal talks about his family connections to GM and his active social life in and outside the plant.
- Date Issued:
- 2005-12-07T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Michigan State University. Libraries
- Collection:
- G. Robert Vincent Voice Library Collection
- Description:
- Edward Rankin recalls his career as an inventory clerk, manager, and sales representative at REO Motor Car Company/Diamond-Reo Trucks, Inc, in Lansing, MI, between 1947 and 1973. Rankin talks about his youth and being hired at REO, and speaks nostalgically about REO social life, worker sports teams and the beautiful Olds family pipe organ featured at the REO Clubhouse. He also describes sales trips to Iraq and Lebanon on behalf of REO, the intricacies of foreign markets and general market pressures in the truck business. Interviewers are Shirley Bradley and Lisa Fine. Recorded as part of the REO Memories oral history project.
- Date Issued:
- 1992-01-28T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Michigan State University. Libraries
- Collection:
- G. Robert Vincent Voice Library Collection