Larry Long in Concert for the Opening of the Massacre at Flour City Exhibit on Saturday, July 12th, 6:00 PM, Free & Open to the Public
Ivy Arts Building, 2nd Floor
2637 27th Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55406
This graphic historical exhibit uses a timeline of photos, newspaper clippings, maps, and first-hand accounts to retell the story of the violent labor struggles that convulsed the City of Minneapolis and the Seward neighborhood in the Summer of 1935 —a story of a time when All Hell did indeed break loose in the Hub of Hell at 26th Avenue and 26th Street!
It will be shown at the Vine Arts Gallery on the second floor of the Ivy Arts Building at 2637 27th Avenue South—the former home of Flour City Ornamental Iron—the very building where these dramatic events took place.
In July 1935, amid a record heat wave, the local machinist union’s negotiations with iron-working company Flour City Ornamental Iron failed, and a strike was called. For months, pickets and protestors filled the streets around the Flour City Ornamental Iron building. Their shop was closed, lawsuits filed, and scabs were hired. Tempers rose, and on September 9th and 10th, two thousand people gathered at the site. They rioted and the police used tear gas. But on September 11th, there were 5,000 people! Police responded with armored cars and more tear gas, and shots were fired. The crowd poured into the alleys and porches around Flour City, pursued by the police. Two were killed and dozens injured. A grand jury investigated, and the mayor was found guilty of mismanagement.
Historical information, maps, talks, discussions, and activities will complement the exhibit.
Produced by Kevin Brown of Smart Set Community Printing, Marilyn Matheny of the Seward History Committee, and Tom Beer of the Farmer-Labor Education Committee, and other members of the Seward Neighborhood Group History Committee.
This exhibit will be a permanent asset for the Seward History Committee, who will make it available to travel to other venues as opportunities arise. If you know of any organizations that would like to host this display, please let us know. If you have any questions about the exhibition, contact Marilyn Matheny at: Marilyn.Matheny@gmail.com.