Ed M. House oral history interview, May 25, 2012

Item — othertype: Oral History

Identifier: HouseE_L2012-24

Staff Only

Ed M. House oral history interview

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Scope and Contents

Interviewed by Traci Drummond. Ed M. House begins by describing his childhood and early work experience and IAMAW involvement at the International Paper Company. He then discusses his career with the IAMAW as a Special Representative on the Grievance Committee and as a Grand Lodge Representative. House continues by describing during his tenure as GVP of the Southern Territory the difficulty of organizing in the South including internal issues in Wichita, Kansas and corruption with the tobacco industry. House later elaborates on the political dimensions of the union including the Machinists Non-Partisan League, support for Bill Clinton and other politicians, and PATCO’s affect on the union’s bipartisan views.

Dates

Creation: May 25, 2012

Creator

House, Ed M. (Interviewee, Person)

Restrictions on Access

Oral history available for research.

Biographical Note

Ed M. House was born June 14, 1932 in Dallas County, Arkansas. The youngest of nine children, he grew up working on the family farm until his father’s death. In 1951, he began working at the International Paper Company, where he joined the IAMAW, until being drafted into the Army during 1953. After his return, House served on the Grievance Committee and as Secretary Treasurer and President of Local Lodge 1365 beginning in the mid 1950s. In 1966, House began working state wide as a Special Representative for six months before becoming a Grand Lodge Representative. After working as Roe Spencer’s administrative assistant for a short tenure, House became Resident General Vice President at the Machinist headquarters in 1989. Then in 1991, House became the General Vice President for the Southern Territory.