Cloak and suit industry, New York

Published in 1924, "The Women's Garment Workers" is a comprehensive history of the first twenty four years of the International Ladies' Garment Workers' Union. The book also provides background information on the women's garment industry, its beginnings, early conditions, struggles, and the initial attempts at unionization which laid the foundation for the birth of the ILGWU. The collection encompasses author Louis Levine's research and notes for "The Women's Garment Workers," offering a glimpse into his writing process. Included are handwritten notes by Levine reviewing AFL convention proceedings to find references to the ILGWU, and notes and research on benefits, such as death, disability, sick and strike. There are clippings and collected articles on various topics along with Levine's notes on subjects ranging from Chicago cloak makers, the cloak and suit industry, and financial information. Levine took notes after reviewing the General Executive Board meeting minutes. Also available is material from various locals. Part of the collection is arranged by specific topics, including organizing, hours and wages, socialism, strike reports, as well as miscellaneous material at the end of the collection arranged by date. The other half of the collection is arranged by chapters for the book and contains notes, research, facts and dates. Of particular interest to the researcher is the large amount of research and primary sources that Levine has collected for the purpose of writing his book that provides historical information on the ILGWU.