November, 1937, 1937

Blytheville and Forrest City continued to dominate STFU concern during November. The union attempted to convince the U.S. Department of Justice to initiate a peonage case at Forrest City, but had little luck with District Attorney Fred A. Isgrig (16), or his superiors in Washington (Dec. 6). The STFU National Executive Committee met on Nov. 20; the minutes may be found in the Howard A. Kester Papers, Reel 59. There is a detailed letter from Butler to Kester, enumerating the issues to be discussed at the meeting (17) and a report to the NEC from Evelyn Smith on the change-over to UCAPAWA administrative routine (20). Also of interest: an affidavit by Mitchell, describing threats made against him by Memphis police chief Will D. Lee (2); a report from George Lambert on his organizing work in Houston and on interference from the Communist Party (11); and a mimeographed letter from Mitchell to all STFU locals informing them of a union survey to determine how many members need WPA relief (19)