Friday, July 6th, 2012

THE HISTORY OF July 6th, I'm ___________________ .

AND Im __________________. TODAY IN 1892: Shortly after midnight, two tugs steam past Pittsburgh, towing barges filled with 300 Pinkerton "watchmen" bound for the steel mill in Homestead, six miles up the Monongahela River.

Seven days ago, Carnegie Steel locked out the mill's 3,500 workers, represented by the Amalgamated Association of Iron and Steel Workers, which has refused to accept wage cuts and a return to the 12-hour day. Carnegie's goal is eliminating the sole union bastion in the company's western Pennsylvania steel empire. Barges of Pinkertons arrive in Homestead at 4 a.m.

Thousands of steel workers, their families and supporters storm into the mill yard to guard the riverfront. Today's gun battle kills at least two scabs and six workers, and wounds many others. When the Pinkertons surrender, an angry mob forces them to run a gauntlet on their way from the mill. In a few days, however, 8,500 National Guard troops will arrive to pry open the mills.

The assault will be followed by four months of military rule and judicial repression. No charges will be filed against the Pinkertons, but 167 steel workers will be indicted for murder.

Friday, July 6th, 2012

It's This Weekend’s Action Calendar!

Tonite, Absolutely Art and Café Zoma will feature an opening reception for Laura Meddaugh and her art students Lea, Lulu, Phoebe, Olivia, & Zoey; along with works of Skinny Gaviar. The reception will include live music by Jacob Fischer & Jake Ripp-Dieter, with catering by Bunky’s Café. The show will run through the month of August, with tonight’s reception from 4 to 9pm at 2322 Atwood Avenue. For more info, call 608-249-9100.

Tomorrow, UW-Madison Lectures Committee presents Professor Lawrence Bennett, who will speak on "Early American Vocal Music."  This is Saturday at 2:30 p.m. in Morphy Recital Hall in the Humanities Building, and at 6:30 p.m. in Room 2650 Humanities Building. Sponsored by the Department of Liberal Studies and the Arts, with funding courtesy of the Anonymous fund, the event is free and open to the public. For more info, call 608-265-5629.

Tomorrow night, re-live the 1940s era at the 11^th annual Hangar Dance from 7:00 to10:30pm at Wisconsin Aviation, 3603 Corben Court – off Highway 51 North. 1940s big band tunes will be performed by Ladies Must Swing.  Vintage wear is encouraged and there will be prizes for the best dressed couple and best dancers. A portion of the door sales as well as the drink and snack sales will benefit The Badger Honor Flight, a local nonprofit that ensures World War Two and terminally ill veterans from any war have the opportunity to see the memorials that have been erected in their honor. There is a cost for this event. For more info, call June at 608-698-8944 or email ladiesmustswing@yahoo.com.