Ford Service Department Men Attack UAW Organizer Richard Frankensteen during the Battle of the Overpass, May 26, 1937

Summary

Ford Motor Company refused to recognize the United Auto Workers labor union and hired guards to resist unionization among Ford employees. In May 1937, men from Ford's Service Department attacked labor organizers on a pedestrian overpass at Ford's Rouge Plant, beating several men and women. This bloody "Battle of the Overpass" became a lasting symbol of the American labor struggle.

Ford Motor Company refused to recognize the United Auto Workers labor union and hired guards to resist unionization among Ford employees. In May 1937, men from Ford's Service Department attacked labor organizers on a pedestrian overpass at Ford's Rouge Plant, beating several men and women. This bloody "Battle of the Overpass" became a lasting symbol of the American labor struggle.

Artifact

Photographic print

Subject Date

26 May 1937

Creators

Kilpatrick, James E. (Scotty) 

Creator Notes

Originally photographed by James E. (Scotty) Kilpatrick.

 On Exhibit

By Request in the Benson Ford Research Center

Object ID

P.O.4951

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of Ford Motor Company.

Material

Paper (Fiber product)

Technique

Gelatin silver process

Color

Black-and-white (Colors)

Dimensions

Height: 8.25 in

Width: 10 in

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