Joseph A. Sposato Papers

Collection

Identifier: 1984-0032

Staff Only

Scope and Content

The Joseph Sposato Papers document the labor and union activities of the donor. The collection includes correspondence, minutes, printed materials, notes, reports, agendas, memorabilia, photographs, and photocopied newspaper clippings.

Dates

undated, 1934-1972

Access

The collection is open and available for research.

Restrictions on Use

Permission to publish from these Papers must be obtained in writing from the owner(s) of the copyright.

CHRONOLOGY

Joseph Sposato

1912
: Retsof, New York
1913
: Westerly, RI
1927
: American Velvet Company
1936
: Helped found the first organized union at the company
1937-1938
: Velvet and Plush Workers of America
1940-1948
: Textile Workers Union of America, Stonington, CT
1943
: Appointed to War Price and Rationing Board; War Manpower Commission, New London County, CT
1947
: Westerly, RI
1952
: Reelected president, Local #110
1959
: Panel speaker at the 12th Annual Conference of Profit Sharing Council of America, Chicago, IL
1960
: Northwestern University; San Francisco, CA; William Clarke, financial editor of the Chicago Tribune
1968
: Stepped down as president, Local #110
1969
: New York, NY
1975-1980
: President, Southern New England Joint Board
1980
: American Velvet Company

Extent

1.25 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Joseph Sposato was born 25 March 1912 in Retsof, NY. He began his employment at the American Velvet Company in 1927. He was a founding member of the first organized union at the company (1936) and was president of Local #110, Textile Workers Union of America (Stonington, CT) from 1940 until 1948 and elected again in 1952 until 1958. He retired from the American Velvet Company in 1980.

Arrangement

Series I: Administrative Files (1947-1972) is composed of documents regarding union committee work, union events and Sposato's work as public welfare director in Westerly, RI. Types of material include correspondence, minutes and printed materials. The series is arranged by subject.

Series II: Speeches and Seminars (1952-1969) contains typed and handwritten speeches given by Sposato to union groups and other organizations. Also included are reports, notes, and agendas from seminars Sposato participated in or attended.

Series III: Photographs and Memorabilia (undated, 1934-1972) contains positive print photographs of various convention activities (primarily Textile Workers Union of America) and photos of Sposato with other union officials. Memorabilia collected by Sposato includes the 1934 charter of union local #2 of the Velvet Workers Association.

Series IV: Printed Materials (1950-1971) is composed of union, professional and government publications. Also included are photocopied clippings from local Rhode Island newspapers regarding Sposato, company or union activities.