The Cigar Makers' International Union Collection (1896-1910) contains 0.5 linear feet of the organizations internal documents, correspondence, a ledger of membership dues, union application forms in German, and a variety of printed items relating to public promotion of the union. Among the correspondence are numerous appeals requesting support for ongoing strikes to various affiliates, including but not limited to: the Lithographers' Union, the Stove Mounters' and Steel Ranger Workers' Union, the United Garment Workers of America, the Pie Bakers' Union and more. A notable letter includes a union statement signed by P.J. McArdle, activist and president of the Amalgamated Association of Iron, Steel, and Tin Workers.
The membership and dues ledger from the Local 393 Cigar Makers' International Union (Cadillac, MI) has entries beginning in 1896 through early 1901. Additionally, among the publicity materials are two posters on linen fabric promoting union made cigars to the general public.
The Cigar Makers' International Union (CMIU) was a labor union established in 1864, which was started by the first local Cigar Makers' Union in Baltimore, Maryland in 1851. Their first meeting, initally called the National Union of Cigar Makers of America before being renamed the Journeymen Cigar Makers' International Union (CMIU), brought national delegates from New York, Cleveland, Boston, Detroit and more to form a national union. CMIU advocated for higher wages, shorter hours, better working conditions, and the right of collective bargaining.
The Cigar Makers' Local 393 was established in Cadillac, Michigan, in 1896.
