The Ivory Davis Civil Rights Case Papers revolve around his attempt in 1959 to secure an apprenticeship at Hughes Tool Company in Houston, Texas. The collection includes documents related to Davis and IMWU Local 2’s case against the Local 1 and Hughes Tool Company. This includes correspondence between the involved parties, personal notes, legal documents, newspaper clippings, records, a cassette recorded oral history interview of Davis and Columbus Henry, conducted by labor historian Michael Botson of the University of Houston in 1994, and a photo taken during the interview. This is an interesting collection that focuses on a specific incident of racial discrimination in the workforce. At the height of the civil rights movement, this case shows the hardships of African American workers, and how they pushed back for equal rights. This collection will benefit researchers looking into the civil rights movement as well as the progression of labor unions and American labor in general.
Finding aid available here. Materials provided by Special Collections and Archives at the University of Texas at Arlington.
-
Documents for Employees of the Hughes Tool Company and the Labor Relations Manager From Martin Burns
Correspondence addressed to all employees of the Hughes Tool Company from Martin Burns. In the back is a second document addressed to the labor relations manager from Martin Burns.
-
Employee Discrimination Complaint Form
Employee discrimination complaint form. Stated are instructions for completing the form and requirements.
-
Constitution of the Independent Metal Workers Union
Constitution of the Independent Metal Workers Union.
-
"Tool Heat Treat Record" Document
"Tool Heat Treat Record" document. On the back of the document is a handwritten note directed to "All employees" from M. E. Montrose.
-
Hughes Tool Company Apprenticeship Standards
Document titled "Hughes Tool Company Apprenticeship Standards". The document lists conditions from the Hughes Tool Company for apprenticeships.
-
Apprentice Agreement of Ivory M. Davis
Apprenticeship agreement document. The employer is listed as Hughes Tool Company and the apprentice as Ivory M. Davis.
-
Document of Rate Schedule For Apprentices at Hughes Tool Company
Document titled "Hughes Tool Company Apprenticeship Standards". The document details rate schedule for apprentices.
-
Announcement of Independent Metal Workers Union Meeting
Document announcing that a joint meeting of the membership of the Independent Metal Workers Union will be held Saturday, January 12, 1963.
-
Document from Hughes Tool Company To Its Employees
Document from Hughes Tool Company notifying employees of new updates to facilities in order to comply with the President's Executive Order 10925.
-
Independent Metal Workers Union Receives The Arbitrators Award
Document stating that the Independent Metal Workers Union is in receipt of the arbitrators award date May 19, 1962.
-
Note Detailing Discrimination Experience of Black Garage Attendant At His Workplace
Handwritten note detailing racial discrimination experience of a black garage attendant at his workplace.
-
Handwritten Note
Handwritten note stating "Washington D. C. operated 74 executive 3_2420 ext. 3598 Mr. Mc Creedy".
-
Newspaper Clippings Regarding Article Announcing New Court Order For Steel Plants
Newspaper clipping titled "Steel Plant Ordered to let Blacks Shift Jobs Without Penalty". The article states details of the United States court order for Bethlehem Steel Company and the United Steelworkers of America to permit black employees to transfer to cleaner jobs with no loss in seniority or pay.
-
Document With Details of Hughes Tool Company and The Independent Metal Workers Union Legal Battle
Document titled "Amendment to contract of September 15, 1959, as amended and extended December 18, 1961, to eliminate discrimination because of race, creed, color of national origin".
-
Correspondence from Michael K. Crawford to The Independent Metal Workers Union
Correspondence from Michael K. Crawford from Baker, Botts, Shepherd, and Coates to the Independent Metal Workers Union. The letter is dated January 18, 1963.
-
Trial Document of Case Involving The Independent Metal Workers Union and The Hughes Tool Company
Document stating details of case involving the Hughes Tool Company and the Independent Metal Workers Union. The document is signed by Tom M. Davis and Michael K. Crawford. The document list the two case numbers as 23-CB-429 and 23-RC-1758.
-
Trial Document of Case Involving The Independent Metal Workers Union and The Hughes Tool Company
Document stating details of case involving the Hughes Tool Company and the Independent Metal Workers Union. The document is signed by Tom M. Davis and Michael K. Crawford.
-
Correspondence from Michael K. Crawford to The Independent Metal Workers Union
Correspondence from Michael K. Crawford from Baker, Botts, Shepherd, and Coates to the Independent Metal Workers Union. The letter states that enclosed with the letter is also the original and two copies of the "Brief to the Trial Examiner" involving case number 23-CB-429.
-
Trial Document of Case Involving The Independent Metal Workers Union and The Hughes Tool Company
Document of case involving the Hughes Tool Company and the Independent Metal Workers Union. The document is signed by Frederick U. Reel, trial examiner.
-
Document of Trial of Independent Metal Workers Union and the Hughes Tool Company
Document detailing trial of Independent Metal Workers Union and the Hughes Tool Company. The subject is stated as "The issues pertaining to the alleged violation of section 8 (b)(1)(A)".
-
Correspondence from Baker, Botts, Shepherd & Coates to the Independent Metal Workers Union
Correspondence from Baker, Botts, Shepherd & Coates addressed to the Independent Metal Workers Union. The letter states that attached is a copy of the motion to Amend the Name of a certified bargaining agent.
-
Document Regarding The Hughes Tool Company and The Independent Metal Workers Union
Document of case involving the Hughes Tool Company and the Independent Metal Workers Union. The document states the interest involving both parties as "the alleged unfair labor practice" from Hughes Tool Company. The document also state details such as dates surrounding the case.
-
Independent Metal Workers Union and Hughes Tool Company Case Documents
Document of case involving the Hughes Tool Company and the Independent Metal Workers Union. The document states the interest involving both parties as "the alleged unfair labor practice" from Hughes Tool Company.
-
Correspondence From Robert L. Carter to L. A. Ashley
Correspondence from Robert L. Carter to L. A. Ashley. The letter contains advise from Carter regarding the next steps for a lawsuit against .
-
Document Regarding The Hughes Tool Company and The Independent Metal Workers Union
Legal document regarding case numbers "23-CB-429" and "23-RC-1758" involving the Hughes Tool Company and the Independent Metal Workers Union.
-
Documents from Hughes Tool Company and Independent Metal Workers Union
Details of the legal outcome of the Hughes Tool Company and the Independent Metal Workers Union case for discrimination.
-
Documents from Hughes Tool Company and Independent Metal Workers Union
Case documents of the legal battle between Hughes Tool Company and the Independent Metal Workers Union over "unfair labor practices".
-
Documents of Case Involving the Independent Metal Workers Union and Hughes Tool Company
Trial document of case number 23-CB-429 regarding the Hughes Tool Company and the Independent Metal Workers Union.
-
Documents of Case Involving the Independent Metal Workers Union and Hughes Tool Company
Document stating details of the trial orders regarding the Hughes Tool Company and the Independent Metal Workers Union case. The document is titled "United States of America Before the National Labor Relations Board".
-
Document of Case Involving the Independent Metal Workers Union and Hughes Tool Company
Document stating details of the trial orders regarding the Hughes Tool Company and the Independent Metal Workers Union case.
-
Document of Trial Involving the Independent Metal Workers Union and Hughes Tool Company
Document stating details of the trial orders regarding the Hughes Tool Company and the Independent Metal Workers Union case.
-
Document title "United States of America Before The National Labor Relations Board"
Document title "United States of America Before The National Labor Relations Board". The document states details on the case involving the Hughes Tool Company and the Independent Metal Workers Union.
-
Letter from Baker, Botts, Shepherd & Coates to Ivory M. Davis.
Michael K. Crawford
Letter from Baker, Botts, Shepherd & Coates attorney for Independent Metal Workers Union, Local No.1 to Ivory M. Davis.
-
Correspondence From Baker, Botts, Shepherd & Coate To The Independent Metal Workers Union
Correspondence from Baker, Botts, Shepherd & Coates addressed to the Independent Metal Workers Union.
-
Documents of Hughes Tool Company and Independent Metal Workers Union Case
Documents detailing the case filed against Hughes Tool Company for racial discrimination.
-
Document For "Hughes Tool Retirees"
Document addressed to "Hughes Tool Retirees" stating that a University of Houston labor historian is writing the labor history of Hughes Tool Company.
-
Photograph of Ivory M. Davis and Christopher Columbus Henry
Michael Botson
Photograph of Ivory M. Davis, left, and Christopher Columbus Henry, right. The image was taken on May 3, 1994.
-
Correspondence from Christopher Columbus Henry to Robert Lee Carter
Christopher Columbus Henry
Letter from Christopher Columbus Henry to Robert Lee Carter from December 11, 1963.
-
Correspondence from Hobart Taylor to Ivory M. Davis
Hobart Taylor
Correspondence from Hobart Taylor to Ivory M. Davis. The letter gives updates on the investigation of the Hughes Tool Company discrimination case.
-
Letter from Ogden W. Fields and Robert L. Carter
Robert Lee Carter
Correspondence from Robert Lee Carter to Ogden W. Fields. The letter is dated April 2, 1963.
-
Correspondence From Ivory M. Davis to Hobart Taylor
Ivory M. Davis
Correspondence from Ivory M. Davis to Hobart Taylor. The letter is a reply to a letter sent by Taylor on April 29, 1963.
-
Letter from Andrews, Kurth, Campbell & Jones to J. M. Delmar
Andrews, Kurth, Campbell & Jones
Letter from Andrews, Kurth, Campbell, and Jones law firm to J. M. Delmar.
-
Letter from J. M. Delmar to T. B. Everitt
J. M. Delmar
Letter to T. B. Everitt from J. M. Delmar replying to the letter by Everitt from March 7, 1963.
-
Letter from T. B. Everitt to J. M. Delmar
T. B. Everitt
Letter from T. B. Everitt to J. M. Delmar, vice president and director of industrial relations at Hughes Tool Company.
-
Correspondence from Robert Lee Carter to Christopher Columbus Henry and Ivory M. Davis
Robert Lee Carter
Correspondence from Robert Lee Carter to Christopher Columbus Henry and Ivory M. Davis. In the letter, Carter states updates on the Hughes Tool discrimination case.
-
Correspondence from Robert Lee Carter to Christopher Columbus Henry and Ivory M. Davis
Robert Lee Carter
Letter from Robert Lee Carter to Christopher Columbus Henry and Ivory M. Davis. The letter is from March 6, 1963 and it states that a copy of the "Recommended Order of the Trial Examiner" will be enclosed with the letter.
-
Western Union telegram From December 7.
Clifford W. Potter
Western Union telegram from Clifford W. Potter to Ivory M. Davis from December 7.
-
Western Union Telegram From January 31, 1963
Western Union telegram from January 31, 1963. The document states details in regards to "Hughes Tool Company case numbers 23-CB-429 and 23-RC-1758".
-
Western Union Telegram from October 31, 1962
Robert Lee Carter
Western Union telegram from October 31, 1962 from New York. The message is addressed to Ivory M. Davis from Robert Lee Carter.
-
Letter from Maria Lenhoff Marcus to L. A. Ashley
Maria Lenhoff Carter
Letter from Maria Lenhoff Marcus to L. A. Ashley informing him of Robert Lee Carter's traveling plans and updates on the case.
-
Letter from Robert Lee Carter to L. A. Ashley
Robert Lee Carter
Letter from Robert Lee Carter to L. A. Ashley wishing Ashley a happy new year's and advising him to keep discussions with other people regarding the ongoing case to a minimum.
-
Letter from Robert Lee Carter to L. A. Ashley
Robert Lee Carter
Letter from Robert Lee Carter to L. A. Ashley stating that Carter has received his telegram.
-
Letter from Robert Lee Carter to L. A. Ashley
Robert Lee Carter
Correspondence from Robert L. Carter to L. A. Ashley. The letter states Carter's schedule for Mr. Mobley to be able to contact him.
-
Letter from Montague Lyon to Ivory M. Davis
Montague Lyon
Letter from Montague Lyon to Ivory M. Davis to announce his visit to investigate Davis's complaints.
-
Letter from T. B. Everitt to L. A. Ashley
T. B. Everitt
Letter from T. B. Everitt to L. A. Ashley advising him on starting negotiations with the Hughes Tool Company.
-
Letter from Percy H. Williams to Ivory M . Davis
Percy H. Williams
Letter from Percy H. Williams from the President's Committee on Equal Employment Opportunity (PCEEO) to Ivory M. Davis. The letter notifies Davis of his letter complaining of employment discrimination being received.
-
Letter from Robert Lee Carter to Tom Davis
Robert Lee Carter
Letter from Robert Lee Carter from the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) to Tom Davis. The letter states that Carter will bring a draft of the proposed stipulated facts and consent decree with him to the meeting with Davis.
-
Letter from Robert Lee Carter to L. A. Ashley
Robert Lee Carter
Correspondence from Robert Lee Carter from the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) to L. A. Ashley. The letter discusses Carter plans to travel and future plans for the union.
-
Letter from Robert Lee Carter to L. A. Ashley
Robert Lee Carter
Letter from Robert Lee Carter to L. A. Ashley advising him to consult with him before he makes any decisions.
-
Letter from Herbert Hill to Ivory M. Davis
Herbert Hill
Letter from Herbert Hill from the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) to Ivory M. Davis. The letter advices Davis to file a new complaint rather than sending a copy of the old complaint.
-
Letter from Ivory M. Davis to Mr. McCreedy
Robert Lee Carter
Letter from Ivory M. Davis to Ward McCreedy thanking him for giving his compliant some consideration.
-
Letter from Robert Lee Carter
Robert Lee Carter
Letter from Robert Lee Carter from the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) to Ivory M. Davis. The letter thanks Davis for his letter of November 1 in respect to the proposed plan of Local No. 1.
-
Letter from Robert Lee Carter to L. A. Ashley
Robert Lee Carter
Letter from Robert Lee Carter to L. A. Ashley. The letter is a reply to the letter by L. A. Ashley from November 8th.
-
Letter from Robert Lee Carter
Robert Lee Carter
Letter from Robert Lee Carter from the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) to Christopher Columbus Henry, L. A. Ashley, and Ivory M. Davis. The letter states that Carter has not received a reply from Henry regarding his proposed trip to Houston.
-
Letter from Robert Lee Carter to Tom Davis
Robert Lee Carter
Correspondence from Robert Lee Carter to Tom Davis. The letter states that the motion for a continuance for case No. 23-CB-429 will not be opposed.
-
Letter from Robert Lee Carter to Ivory M. Davis
Robert Lee Carter
Letter from Robert Lee Carter from the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) to Ivory M. Davis. The letter mentions a copy of a letter to the attorney for Local No. 1 and meeting dates.
-
Letter from Ward McCreedy to Ivory M. Davis
Ward McCreedy
Letter from Ward McCreedy from the President's Committee on Equal Employment Opportunity (PCEEO) to Ivory M. Davis. The letter replies to the request for forwarding two copies of the compliant form.
-
Letter addressed to Hebert Hill
Letter addressed to Hebert Hill, labor secretary for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). The letter requests a copy of the compliant to be sent to Mr. Carter.
-
Letter from Marian Lenhoff Marcus to L. A. Ashley
Maria Lenhoff Carter
Correspondence from Maria Lenhoff Marcus, assistant counsel of the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) to L. A. Ashley. In the letter, Marcus advises Ashley on what to reply to Mr. Everitt.
-
Letter from Robert Lee Carter to L. A. Ashley
Robert Lee Carter
Correspondence from Robert Lee Carter from the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) to L. A. Ashley. The letter is a receipt to the letter Ashley had sent on September 23 stating that his Union wishes for Carter's services.
-
Letter from Robert Lee Carter to L. A. Ashley
Robert Lee Carter
Correspondence from Robert Lee Carter from the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) to L. A. Ashley. The letter states that the NAACP plans on revoking the certification of the Independent Metal Workers Union, Local 1. The argument they stated was that "the local cannot act as an appropriate collective for employees because it discriminates black employees".
-
Letter from the Independent Metal Workers Union to Robert Simar Breaux
Letter from the independent Metal Workers Union, Local No.2 to Robert Simar Breaux. In the letter Breaux is requested to send all correspondence supplied to him and a copy of the Independent Metal Workers Union's affidavits.
-
Letter from the Independent Metal Workers Union to Robert Lee Carter
Christopher Columbus Henry and L. A. Ashley
Correspondence from the Independent Metal Workers Union, local no.2. The senders of the letter are L. A. Ashley and Christopher Columbus Henry. The receiver is Robert Lee Carter, general counsel of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).
-
Letter for the Presidents Committee on Racial Discrimination
Christopher Columbus Henry and Ivory M. Davis
Letter for the Presidents Committee on Racial Discrimination from Christopher Columbus Henry and Ivory M. Davis.
-
Correspondence from Robert Lee Carter to L. A. Ashley
Robert Lee Carter
Letter from Robert Lee Quarter, General Counsel for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).The letter is addressed to "Mr. L. A. Ashley" and it states plans in respect to the petition filed by steelworkers.
-
Correspondence from Ivory Davis to T. B. Everett
Correspondence from Ivory M. Davis to Mr. T. B. Everett expressing interest in the apprentice-ship offered by the Hughes Tool Company.
-
Receipt for Certified Mail for T. B. Everett
Receipt for certified mail for T. B. Everett in Houston, Texas in April 18, 1962.
-
Interview with Ivory Davis and Columbus Henry
An interview conducted by Michael Botson with Ivory Davis and Columbus Henry that took place May 3, 1994 in Houston, Texas.