History of the Union-Industries Show
With the U.S. economy still in the throes of the Great Depression, the 24 international unions and 58 exhibitors staffing 230 booths at 1938 Union-Industries Show in Cincinnati welcomed more than 178,000 visitors and gave away some $20,000 worth of prizes and premiums. The Show featured daily entertainment from actors, singers and musician, and a daily newspaper spotlighting Show events for the day
Cincinnati’s Building Trades erected a complete home illustrating modern craft products and state-of-the-art plumbing, heating, flooring and roofing—described as a "splendid advertising media for various Union Label products used in construction and for the skilled craftsmanship of Union workers."
Visitors also saw a complete Post Office which issued a special stamp commemorating the event, along with displays by various service organizations, including the Red Cross and the Boy Scouts and Camp Fire Girls. Union clothing manufacturers displayed their wares during fashion shows alongside displays of union made work clothes and high fashion items.
A random look at some of extraordinary pictures from Union-Industries Show down through the years provides an interesting look at how the Show has changed; and how some aspects have remained the same.
Show visitors were often entertained by many of the biggest stars from the entertainment world—including Bob Hope and Lana Turner, and the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra.
"The public does need to look for the Union Labels of the American Federation of Labor and its affiliated national and international unions, plainly imprinted upon thousands of products in various fields, proving that the particular articles were produced under ideal conditions by fairly paid workers who feel a just pride in their craftsmanship," declared AFL President William Green in announcing plans to hold the first Union Industries Show in Cincinnati on May 16th as a "momentous national educational campaign never before attempted."
Conceding that typically consumers "are only remotely conscious" of goods carrying a label, Green said "We propose to leave no stone unturned in delivering the union market to the worthy American manufacturers who employ members of unions affiliated with the American Federation of Labor."
Past Show Locations
