Merlin D. Bishop Papers

Collection

Identifier: 1997-0024

Staff Only

Scope and Content

The Bishop papers contain publications, correspondence, reports and notes relevant to labor and labor education, Young Women's Christian Association, United Auto Workers and multiple University and State commissions. Unusual items include information on teaching methods, labor songs, drama and literature; background on the planning and construction of the UConn Health Center, minutes of the University's Board of Trustees and, household employment, women workers and course notes.

Dates

undated, 1924-1975

Access

The collection is open and available for research.

Restrictions on Use

Permission to publish from these Papers must be obtained in writing from both the University of Connecticut Libraries and the owner(s) of the copyright.

Biography

Merlin D. Bishop was born 5 October 1907, in Alhambra, Illinois to William F. and Lena Bishop. He married Dorothy Hubbard in December 1936 and had one daughter, Martha W. Bishop.

Bishop worked at the Ford Motor Company between 1925 and 1931. He then attended Wayne University (Detroit, MI) and in 1935-1936, was a member of the Extension Staff of Brookwood Labor College. Following Brookwood, he joined the teaching staff of the Federal Emergency Relief Administration as assistant state supervisor of the worker education program. In 1936, he was appointed temporary education director of the United Automobile workers (UAW) and became full-time director in 1937-1938. He was the educational director of the Philadelphia joint board of the Amalgamated Clothing Workers of America (1939-1943). In 1943 he was the international representative, sub-regional director, of the International Union, UAW, and held that position in Hartford as of 1947. In 1970, Bishop became the sub-regional director of the UAW. In his career he also wrote several labor education leaflets, pamphlets and instruction guides.

Bishop was also active in higher education in Connecticut, serving on the Governor's Fact-Finding Commission on Education from 1948 to 1951. In 1950, he was appointed to the Board of Trustees of the University of Connecticut and served as secretary of the Board from 1963 until 1972. He was also on the Governor's Library Study Commission (1961-1962), the Governor's Higher Education Study Commission (1963-1964), and the Labor Education Center Study Committee (Bishop Committee) (1964-1967).

Extent

7.5 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Merlin D. Bishop was born 5 October 1907, in Alhambra, Illinois. Bishop worked at the Ford Motor Company between 1925 and 1931. He then attended Wayne University (Detroit, MI) and in 1935-1936, was a member of the Extension Staff of Brookwood Labor College. He was later involved with the United Auto Workers of America, the Amalgamated Clothing Workers of America and the Connecticut Governor's Fact-Finding Commission on Education.

Arrangement

Series I: Labor Union Materials (1936-1972) consists of papers and published materials relating to labor unions and labor education.

Series II: University of Connecticut (1950-1975) is divided further into three subseries A: Board of Trustees, B: Connecticut Commission on Higher Education and, C: Governor's Fact-Finding Commission on Education.

Series III: Dorothy H. Bishop (1924-1947) includes the papers of Dorothy Bishop and her activities in the labor movement.

Acquisition Information

The papers were transferred from the University of Connecticut Labor Education Center to the University Libraries Historical Manuscripts and Archives Division (now Archives & Special Collections) in 1979.

Related Material

Archives & Special Collections has a substantial collection of materials pertaining to Connecticut labor and the University, its history, administration, faculty, staff and students. For detailed information on these collections please contact the curator or ask at the Reading Room desk.