Today in 1912: in the “Bread and Roses Strike” in Lawrence, Massachusetts, 200 police draw their clubs and go after 100 women, knocking them to the ground and beating them.
As the police clubbings become more frequent and violent, strike leader Bill Haywood will urge the women not to picket. Instead of agreeing, an Italian woman will suggest (quote): “Tomorrow morning, man no go on picket line. All man, boy stay home, sleep. Only woman, girl on picket line tomorrow morning. Soldier and policeman no beat woman, girl. You see, I got big belly, she too got big belly. Policeman no beat us.”
The next morning, however, the women are out in full force, only to be beaten so badly that the Italian woman who spoke at the meeting and Bertha Crouse, another pregnant striker, lose their babies and almost die.
It’s today’s Action Calendar!
The Radicals and Progressives “Meet and Eat” is tonight at 5pm at the Orient House Restaurant, 626 South Park Street. More info at 249-0879.
The History of Political Economy Group meets tonight from 6:30 to 8:30pm at 404 South Park Street, Apartment 2 – above the University Audio store, apartment entrance in rear of the building. Newcomers are welcome. Bring snacks and beverages of your choice. More info at 256-1261.
