Herman B. Adkins papers

Collection

Identifier: L1987-25

Staff Only

Scope and Content of the Papers

The Herman Adkins Papers, 1941-1982, contain contracts, collective bargaining files, correspondence, arbitration and grievances, photographs, newspaper articles, pamphlets, and personal documents from Adkins' career as a union worker and representative. Correspondence and company files are a relatively small portion of the papers; the majority consists of contracts spanning Adkins' 36 years belonging to and representing unions.

The collection is organized into 4 series: United Mine Workers of America, 1941-1970; Allied and Technical Workers, 1970-1973; United Steel Workers of America, 1950, 1962, 1971-1983; and Personal, 1941, 1962, 1969-1982.

Dates

1941-1982

Creator

Adkins, Herman B. (Person)

Restrictions on Access

Some items in this collection are restricted as indicated in the box inventory. Please contact Special Collections for more information.

Terms Governing Use and Reproduction

To quote in print, or otherwise reproduce in whole or in part in any publication, including on the Worldwide Web, any material from this collection, the researcher must obtain permission from (1) the owner of the physical property and (2) the holder of the copyright. Persons wishing to quote from this collection should consult the reference archivist to determine copyright holders for information in this collection. Reproduction of any item must contain the complete citation to the original.

Biography of Herman B. Adkins

Herman B. Adkins was born in Belcher, Kentucky, on July 16, 1918. He joined the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) in 1932 at the age of 14. Adkins served on the Mine Committees of Local 6112 and was Local Union Vice President when he was elected president of the local in 1939. He served as the local's president until 1950, interrupted by World War II service in 1942-1944.

From 1950-1952, Adkins was an organizer for UMWA District 50, a "national department" within the UMWA that represented workers in several industries. In 1952 he became director of District 50's Region 32 in Kingsport, Tennessee. He was elected to District 50's Executive Board in 1961, when it became an independent unit within UMWA with its own officers and constitution. Shortly after that, Region 32 was closed, and Adkins transferred to Atlanta, to direct District 50's Region 26.

In 1968, District 50 broke with the UMWA to become an separate entity called the International Union of District 50, Allied and Technical Workers of America and Canada, which would merge with the United Steelworkers of America in 1972. Adkins was director of the Allied and Technical Workers' Region 26, 1968-1972, and ended his career as District Sub-District Director, United Steelworkers of America, 1975-1980.

Adkins passed away on July 24, 1999, in Morrow, Georgia.

Extent

6.63 Linear Feet (in 15 boxes)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract:

Herman Adkins (1918-1999) was an organizer and regional director in Tennessee and Georgia for United Mine Workers of America District 50, the UMWA's "national department" for industrial workers. Adkins was a board member during the period when District 50 was an independent unit within the UMWA (1961-1968). When District 50 became a separate entity, International Union of District 50, Allied and Technical Workers of America and Canada, Adkins continued to serve as its Atlanta regional director. After District 50's 1972 merger with the United Steelworkers of America, he served as a USWA sub-district director. His papers include contracts, collective bargaining files, correspondence, arbitration and grievances, photographs, newspaper articles, pamphlets, and personal documents.

Acquisition Information

Donated by Herman Adkins in two accessions, 1987 (L1987-25 and L1987-47).

Related Archival Materials

Related Materials in This Repository

United Mine Workers of America Contract collection, 1950-1978 (L-Contracts_UMWA)
Herman A. Adkins Oral History Interview, July 6, 1995. Voices of Labor Oral History Project (L1995-12.2)
United Steelworkers of America contracts collection, 1943-1974 (L-contracts_USWA)
United Steelworkers of America, District 35 records, 1940-1973 (L1974-34)
United Steelworkers of America, District 35 records, 1940-1974 (L1975-21)
United Steelworkers of America, District 35 records, 1945-1987 (L1982-15)