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INVESTIGATION OF COMMUNIST ACTIVITIES IN THE
STATE OF MICHIGAN— Part 5
(DETROIT— Labor)
HEARING
BEFORE THE
COMMITTEE ON UN-AMERICAN ACTIVITIES
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
EIGHTY-THIRD CONGRESS
SECOND SESSION
MAY 7, 1954
Printed for the use of the Committee on Un-American Activities
INCLUDING INDEX
UNITED STATES
GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE
48861 WASHINGTON : 1954
Boston Public Library
Cuperintondent of Documents
SEP 28 1954
COMMITTEE ON UN-AMERICAN ACTIVITIES
United States Htjusr: of Rei^resentatives
HAROLD H. VELDE, Illinois, Chairman
BERNARD W. KEARNEY, New York FRANCIS E. WALTER, Pennsylvania
DONALD L. JACKSON, California MORGAN M. MOULDER, Missouri
KIT CLARDY, Michigan CLYDE DOYLE, California
GORDON H. SCHERER, Ohio JAMES B. FRAZIER, JE., Tennessee
Robert L. Kunzig, Counsel
Frank S. Tavennee, Jr., Counsel
Thomas W. Beale, Sr., Chief Clerk
Raphael I. Nixon, Director of Research
Courtney E. Owens, Acting Chief Investigator
II
CONTENTS
May 7. H)ri4, testimony of — Page
William Estes Fletcher 5296
Bereniece Baldwin 5297
Index i
Public Law 601, 79th Congress
The legislation under which the House Committee on Un-Ameri-
can Activities operates is Public Law 601, T9th Congress [1946],
chapter 753, 2d session, which provides :
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States
of Afnerica, in Congress assembled, * * *
PART 2— RULES OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
(Rule X
SEC. 121. STANDING COMMITTEES
* « * « 4: * 4c
17. Coiniuittee on Un-American Activities, to consist of nine members.
Rule XI
POWERS AND DUTIES OF COMMITTEES
{q) (1) Committee on Un-American Activities.
(A) Un-American activities.
(2) Ttie Committee on Un-American Activities, as a whole or by subcommittee,
is authorized to make from time to time investigations of (i) the extent,
character, and objects of un-American propaganda activities in the tlnited States,
(ii) the diffusion within the United States of subversive and un-American propa-
ganda that is instigated from foreign countries or of a domestic origin and at-
taclis the principle of the form of government as guaranteed by our Constitu-
tion, and (iii) all other questions in relation thereto that would aid Congress in
any necessary remedial legislation.
The Committee on Un-American Activities shall report to the House (or to the
Clerk of the House if the House is not in session) the results of any such in-
vestigation, together with such recommendations as it deems advisable.
For the purpose of any such investigation, the Committee on Un-American
Activities, or any subcommittee thereof, is authorized to sit and act at such
times and places within the United States, whether or not the House is sitting,
has recessed, or has adjourned, to hold such hearings, to require the attendance
of such witnesses and the production of such books, papers, and documents, and
to take such testimony, as it deems necessary. Subpenas may be issued under
the signature of the chairman of the committee or any subcommittee, or by any
member designated by any such chairman, and may be served by any person
designated by any such chairman or member.
RULES ADOPTED BY THE 83D CONGRESS
House Resolution 5, January 3, 19r>3
* m * m * * *
Rule X
STANDING COMMITTEES
1. There shall be elected hy the House, at the comuiencement of each Congress,
the following standing committees :
*******
(q) Committee on Un-American Activities, to consist of nine members.
*******
Rule XI
POWER AXD DUTIES OF COMMITTEES
*******
17. Committee on Un-American Activities.
(a) Un-American activities.
(b) The Committee on Un-American Activities, as a whole or by subcommittee,
is authorized to make, from time to time, investigations of (1) the extent, char-
acter, and objects of un-American propaganda activities in tlie United States,
(2) the diffusion within the United States of subversive and un-American propa-
ganda that is instigated from foreign countries or of a domestic origin and
attacks the principle of the form of government as guaranteed by our Constitu-
tion, and (3) all other questions in relation thereto that would aid Congress
in any necessary remedial legislation.
The Committee on Un-American Activities shall report to the House (or to the
Clerk of the House if the Hou.se is not in .session) the results of any such investi-
gation, together with such recommendations as it deems advisable.
For the purpose of any such investigation, the Committee on Un-American
Activities, or any subcommittee thereof, is authorized to sit and act at such
times and places within rlie Cuited States, whetlier or not the House is sitting,
Jhas recessed, or has adjourned, to hold such hearings, to require the attendance
of STK'h witnesses and the i)roductiou of such books, papers, and documents, and
to take such testimony, as it deems necessary. Subpenas may be issued under
the signature of the chairman of the committee or any subconunittee, or by any
member designated by such chairman, and may be served by any person desig-
nated by any such chairman or member.
INVESTIGATION OF COMMUNIST ACTIVITIES IN THE
STATE OF MICHIGAN— PAKT 5
(Detroit— Labor)
FRIDAY, MAY 7, 1954
United States House of Kepresentatives,
Subcommittee of the
, Committee on Un-American Activities,
Detroit, Mich.
public hearing
The subcommittee of the Committee on Un-American Activities
met, pursuant to notice, at 11 : 34 a. m., in room 859, Federal Building,
Hon. Kit Clardy (acting chairman) presiding.
Committee member present: Representative Kit Clardy (acting
chairman).
Staff members present : Frank S. Tavenner, Jr., counsel ; Donald T.
Appell and W. Jackson Jones, investigators; and Mrs. Juliette P.
Joray, acting clerk.
Mr. Clardy. The committee will be in session. Due to the fact that
the subcommittee found it necessary to fly to Washington to vote on
the seaway bill yesterday — I am thankful for the outcome on that —
our plans had to be changed somewhat for that and other reasons.
Congressman Scherer has another committee assignment that we
decided could not be postponed. Congressman ISIoulder is en route
somewhere between here and AYashington. Xeither his office nor any-
one else has been able to determine precisely the moment of his arrival.
We know he is on his way, but beyond that we know nothing, so we
have been waiting in hopes that he would show up.
Due to the fact that he isn't here and because of the rule that the
committee scrupulously observes of having at least a quorum of the
committee or the subcommittee present at the time of the hearing,
when and if a witness who is not cooperative is on the stand, I have
chosen not to go forward.
As to this afternoon, whether Mr. Moulder shows up or not,
Bereniece Baldwin will be the first witness, and the hearing will go
forward at that time at 1 o'clock.
As to how many others of you will be reached will depend entirely
upon the length of time that her testimony may take. During the
afternoon session a time for the appearance of witnesses that have
been subpenaed for Detroit to appear will be announced. In other
words, we will get as many witnesses on the stand and off this after-
noon as we can. As to those not reached, I will then make a definite
announcement as to the day on which you are to return. In all ]:)rob-
5295
5296 COMMUNIST ACTIVITIES IN THE STATE OF MICHIGAN
ability it will be a week from this coming Monday, that date being
May 17, subject, of course, to additional information I hope to get
between now and the time of the announcement this afternoon. Of
course even if that announcement as to a firm date is made this after-
noon, it is always possible that committee or congressional business
may make a further postponement necessary, in which event everyone
who is subpenaed will be notified in ample time through telegraphic
notice as to what they should do.
So at this time we adjourn the hearing now until 1 p. m. this
afternoon.
(Thereupon, at 11 :37 a. m., the hearing was recessed, to reconvene
at 1 p. m. of the same day. )
AFTERNOON" SESSION
(At the hour of 1 : 27 p. m. of the same day, the proceedings were
resumed, Representative Kit Clardy being present.)
Mr. Clardy. The committee will be in session.
Since the noon recess we have learned that Congressman Moulder
was taken ill at the airport in Washington and will be unable to be
present. A little later on the Chair will make an announcement as
promised this morning with regard to the disposition of those wit-
nesses who were subpenaed to be here today.
Are you ready, Counsel?
You may proceed.
Mr. Tavenner. Mr. William Estes Fletcher, will you come for-
ward, please?
Mr. Clardy. Hold up your right hand. Do you solemnly swear that
the testimony you are about to give will be the truth, the whole truth,
and nothing but the truth, so help you God?
TESTIMONY OF WILLIAM ESTES FLETCHER, ACCOMPANIED BY
HIS COUNSEL, BERNARD PROBE
Mr. Fletcher. I do. Mr. Chairman, I would like to be represented
by an attorney, if you please — I don't have an attorney here — Attorney
Probe.
Mr. Clardy. I didn't quite catch what you said.
Mr. Fletcher. I said I would like to be represented by an attorney.
Mr. Clardy. Very well, if you wish to.
Mr. Fletcher. Attorney Probe.
(Whereupon Bernard Probe came forward.)
Mr. Clardy. This gentleman has been with us during the week.
Will you identify yourself, however, for the record at this point.
Mr. Probe. My name is Bernard Probe. 1 have offices in the National
Bank Building. However, I would like to say this. Congressman
Mr. Clardy. Pardon, Ave will have to go oA' the record if you want
to say anything.
Mr. Probe. That is all right. ,
Mr. Clardy. Oif the record.
(Discussion off the record.)
]VIr. CLiVRDY. Mr. Tavenner, I think I shall excuse this witness. It
was your understanding — at least you conveyed it to me — that the
witness would cooperate with the committee.
COMMUNIST ACTIVITIES IX THE STATE OF MICHIGAN 5297
Mr. Tavenxer. I had that information, that there was a possi-
bility of it. I wasn't certain.
Mr. Clardy. At any rate, I will excuse yon at this time, and when
we finish with Mrs. Baldwin, you will undoubtedly have finished talk-
ing with counsel, and it may be possible that we call you again,
depending upon your attitude.
At the moment you are temporarily excused.
I want to make it clear at this point that this committee will not
under any circumstances go forward with only one member sitting
unless there is a witness before it desirous of cooperating with the
committee. In the event that a witness takes any other attitude, we
refuse to hear the testimony.
Now will you call Mrs. Baldwin. Mrs. Baldwin, will you stand
and hold up your right hand. You do solemnly swear the testimony
you are about to give will be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing
but the truth, so help you God ?
Mrs. Baldwin. I do.
Mr. Clardy. You may be seated. You have been a witness before
this committee before and have been sworn before, but I think it good
form to go through it again.
You may proceed, Mr. Counsel.
TESTIMONY OF BERENIECE BALDWIN
Mr. Ta\t]:nner. What is your name, please ?
Mrs. Baldwin. Bereniece Baldwin.
IMr. Ta^-enner. Mrs. Baldwin, You testified before the Committee
on Un-American Activities in 1952, did you not ?
Mrs. Baldwin. I did.
Mr. Tavenner. At that time you told the committee that you had
been a member of the Communist Party, I believe, since 1943?
Mrs. Baldwin. That is correct.
Mr. Tavenner. And that during that period of time you had been
working within the Communist Party for the Federal Bureau of
Investigation ?
Mrs. Baldwin. Yes.
Mr. Tavenner. My recollection is that you were called as a witness
before this committee immediately after your return from Washing-
ton where you had been engaged in testifying before the Subversive
Activities Control Board. Now, because of this the staff had just
a little over 24 hours to confer with you before you testified. During
those conferences you made available to the staff of this committee
information which came into your possession while you worked on
the membership records of district 7 of the Communist Party. Be-
cause of the lack of time to prepare, only a portion of the information
which you made available to the committee was used in the course
of your testimony when you appeared before the committee in 1952.
Since that appearance it is true, is it not, that you have had a number
of conferences with members of the staff of this committee and that
you have rppeared before the committee in executive session in Wash-
ington, D. C., and also in a public session in Ohio ?
Mrs. Baldwin. That is true.
Mr. Tavenner. In calling you today, the committee desires to have
such further information as you may be able to give it regarding
48861— 54— pt. 5 -2
5298 COMMUNIST ACTIVITIES IN THE STATE OF MICHIGAN
some of the more active members of the Communist Party. How-
ever, before going into those matters, I want to refer you to Johnson
Exhibits Nos. 1 and 2,^ copies of which I handed you a few minutes
ago. These are documents which the committee introduced in evidence
several days ago. Exhibit No. 1 is entitled "Resolution on Concen-
tration for Discussion at All Clubs, Sections, Commissions, and De-
partments," and the second one is "Plan of Work for Dearborn Auto
Section of the Communist Party." Can you throw any light on the
things that occurred leading up to the issuance of this document by
the Michigan State organization of the Communist Party?
Mrs. Baldwin. Yes. The beginning of this resolution was brought
out in a 1948 State convention, at which time they stressed what they
called concentration in industry, specifically auto industries. From
that 1948 conference, a 3-day conference, this was born out of it. In
other words, I believe this document — in fact I know this document
carries the fact that they had had 9 months' work testing it.
Mr. Clardy. Say that last again. They had 9 months' work doing
what?
Mrs. Baldwin. They had 9 months trying to work on this plan.
Mr. Clardy. In other words, this is the product of a lot of intensive
thought and study and discussion.
Mrs. Baldwin. And criticism, yes ; everything is involved of what
has happened through the approximate 9-month period.
Mr. Clardy. Then it is possible to say that it certainly represented
the studied decision on the part of the Communist leaders as to strat-
egy, method, and the other things that the document discusses ?
Mrs. Baldwin. That is right, exactly what they were going to
carry out. Also, in a functionaries' meeting held in March of 1949,
many of the facts were brought out in that functionaries' meeting by
our educational director, wlio was educational director at that time,
James E. Jackson, and many excerpts are in here of his report at
that functionary meeting.
Mr. Clardy. Repeat that name again.
Mrs. Baldwin. James E. Jackson, who was then educational direc-
tor for district 7.
Mr. Clardy. Was he named in your prior testimony?
Mrs. Baldwin. Yes.
Mr. Clardy. That is my recollection.
Mr. Tavenner. He is now a fugitive, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. Clardy. That is what I know.
Mrs. Baldwin. This paper here, document, entitled "Resolution on
Concentration for Discussion at All Clubs, Sections, Commissions,
and Departments," was put out on a State level. Coming from that
was a plan of work for each section, primarily the concentration
sections such as auto miscellaneous section. Dearborn section, and so
forth.
Mr. Tavenner. The one tliat the committee has been able to secure
relates to the Dearborn section of the Communist Party, does it
not?
Mrs. Baldwin. Yes.
^ See Investigation of Communist Activities in the State of Michigan, pt. 2, pp. 5116 and
5122. These Iiad previously been introduced as evidence into the record as Schemanske
Exhibits Nos. 1 and 2.
COMMUNIST ACTIVITIES IN THE STATE OF MICHIGAN 5299
]VIr. Tavenner. The Dearborn auto section ?
Mrs. Baldwin. Dearborn auto section.
Mr. Tavenner. Were there similar plans or somewhat similar plans
prepared for the other sections ?
Mrs. BALD\^^N. Oh, yes. We each had a section, but the concen-
tration at that time was on the auto industry. That was the con-
centration.
Mr. Clardy. Is it fair to say that the substance of the documents
you now hold and that have been placed in evidence was contained in
the directives given to all other branches and sections of the party ?
Mrs. Baldwin. Yes — well, an instance of that, most of the com-
munity clubs were required to help in the concentration program,
which would be the auto industry, and their plan of work would
carry such things.
Mr. Clardy. All the rest of them not in the auto industry were
advised of the contents of this in order to impress of them the impor-
tance of helping in the auto industry itself ?
Mrs. Baldwin. Yes.
Mr. Tavenner. It is not my intention to go into detail in this docu-
ment. We have read a great deal of it in evidence, but there are just
one or two things that I want to call to your attention and ask you
if you have any special knowledge regarding them. For instance, on
page 4 of the document there is a paragraph, the first sentence of
whicli is as follows — it is the last paragraph before you come to the
heading "For a Struggle Against Tendencies of Economics" — the first
sentence of which is as follows :
Many comrades would be encouraged to volunteer to change their jobs to
seek employment in large auto plants.
Now, can you tell the committee what was done about that in the
(Communist Part}', how that was translated into action in the Com-
munist Party ?
Mrs. Baldwin. Yes. That was activized on the plan of what were
called colonizers.
Mr. Tavenner. Colonizers?
Mrs. Baldwin. Yes. They would be people who had had thorough
studying and schooling in mobilizing and organizing the Communist
Party in general, and they would be put in — in other words, they
would be the leading cadres that would be put into these various sec-
tions. Some of them were brought from out of town; some of them
were within the State itself.
Mr. Tavenner. Do you recall whether persons were brought into
the Detroit area from outside of the State of Michigaii for colonizing
purposes ?
Mrs. Baldwin. Yes, they were.
Mr. Tavenner. I asked you about this for the first time just a few
minutes ago, and I don't know whether you have had an opportunity
to study the matter or to reflect upon the names of those who were
brought in as colonizers.
Mrs. Baldwin. No, I don't believe I would.
Mr. Tavenner. If you do recall any at this time, I would like to
ask you about them ; I would like you to tell us about them.
Mrs. Baldwin. Well, there was one individual who was called
Murray Borod.
Mr. Clardy. In an advertisement that was published in a news-
5300 COMMUNIST ACTIVITIES IN THE STATE OF MICHIGAN
paper here in town attacking the committee there is a Murray Borod
listed among the 18 that are supposed to have authorized the publica-
tion of this ad.
Mrs. Baldwin. Yes, that would be it.
Mr. Ta\tenner. Do you know whether any persons living in Detroit
were sent out into other areas for the purpose of colonization of
industry ?
Mrs. Baldwin. Yes, many of our organizers. In this particular
case, Jack "\^^lite, who had been an organizer for the party, was sent
to Flint.
Mr. Clardt. Again, may I interrupt you. I want to make it very
clear on this record that the Jack White sitting here in the left-hand
corner is not the Jack Wliite you had in mind.
Mrs. Baldwin. No, that is true.
Mr. Clardy. This is Jack White of WJl? fame, pleasantly giving
out the news every day.
Mrs. Baldwin. I believe I made that clear at the other hearing.
Mr. Clardy. I know you did, but seeing him sitting here, I thought
it a good opportunity to give him a little plug.
Go ahead.
Mr. Tavenner. "Wliat was the nature of the colonization work that
was done at Flint?
Mrs. Baldwin. First they established cells within the various auto
plants, Buick and so forth, and they broke them down into small cells
to recruit and re-recruit Communist Party members or progressives,
whomever they could sell their program to.
Mr. Tavenner. You were describing the colonization work that was
done in Buick, in Flint. By that do you mean persons were sent fi'om
Detroit to Flint to become employed in the Buick plant ?
Mrs. Baldwin. In the Buick plant to help organize a Communist
cell or cells within that particular plant ; yes.
Mr. Tavenner. During the course of our hearing at Flint we will
hear evidence regarding persons who came there from Detroit and
other places under this colonization plan which you have just spoken
of.
That was one device, as I understand, by which the Communist
Party implemented this directive, by getting people to go to various
industries to be employed; that is, persons who were members of the
Communist Party ?
Mrs. Baldwin. That is correct. I want to stress the point that they
just wouldn't go into the ranks of the Communist Party and pick out
any person. They would select what they would call their most mili-
tant cadres, such 'as was in the case of Geneva Olmsted, who had also
very extensive party training, ])ersons of that caliber.
Mr. Ta\t:nner. Going back to your testimony before this committee
in 1952, I believe you told us tliat you succeeded a person by the name
of Mildred Perlstein as membership director of district No. 7 of the
Communist Party, is that correct ?
Mrs. Baldwin. Yes, that is correct.
Mr. Ta\^nner. Prior to the time that you succeeded her — which
I believe was in 1947, was it not ?
Mrs. Baldwin. It was in the fall, I believe around October 1947, yes.
Mr. Ta\t:nner. Prior to that time had you been associated in any-
way with Mildred Perlstein in her work as membership director ?
COMIMUNIST ACTIVITIES IN THE STATE OF MICHIGAN 5301
Mrs. Baldwin. Oh, yes.
Mr. Tavenner. For how long a period of time ?
Mrs. Baldwin. From approximately the summer or early spring
of 1947 I worked with her constantly, and as I learned the technique
and devices that were used, I was put into a step higher. For instance,
I began baing assistant dues and membership director to her by hav-
ing charge and responsibility of the lower east side section ; from there
I eventually took on all outstate clubs and did mj^ work and con-
tinued my work through my home. From there I went into drop
box arrangement where I was stationed for the dues, and eventually
in the fall of 1947 is wlien I became the membership and dues secretary
for the registration of the party in 1948.
JSIr. Tavexner. Well, during that period when you were perform-
ing those services did you liave access to the membership records of
the Communist Part}^ in district 7 ?
Mrs. Baldwin. Yes, I did.
Mr. Taa'enner. Did you have access to the records which identified
the officers of the various units of the Communist Party ?
Mrs. Baldwin. Yes, I had a mailing list, and some of the individuals
w^ere officers of the various clubs which changed from year to year; I
mean, there would be elections, and as they changed I would come into
possession of the officers of those clubs.
Mr. Tavenner. Now, your connection with that work having been as
early as the early part of 194G, you therefore were aware of the names
of the officei's of these clubs virtually from the time of the transforma-
tion of tlie party from the Connnunist Political Association to the
Communist Party, were you not?
Mrs. Baldwin. "Well, as far as having possession of the club leaders,
that happened prior to even 1947. That began in 1945 when I began a
period of working directly out of the district office, and that was my
responsibility even at that time through the mailings and the other
technical help.
Mr. Tavenner. I would like to ask you at this time to inform the
committee of tlie names of the officers and the persons whose activities
stood out in the various groups of the Communist Party, and I will
begin with the Flint section of the Communist Party. Will you tell
us, please, wlio were the officers of the Flint section of the Communist
Party?
Mrs. Baldwin. Yes. In 1947, Jack White was responsible for the-
dues and all other activities of the Flint-Pontiac section. Elinor Wid-
mark was responsible for literature in the Biiick section, Lucile Angus
was responsible for literature in the Chevrolet section, and Mary
Walker was responsible for literature in the third ward. There were
approximately 110 members in this club.
Mr. Clardy. Now we are talking about the club at Flint?
]Mrs. Baldwin. That is right, the Flint section. That was classified
as a section.
Mr. Tavenner. Mr. Chairman, I may be able to be of some assistance
to the committee from work that we have done on these records by
telling you as names are given wliether or not they have been identified
by this witness before or whether they have been identified by other
witnesses before.
Mr. Cr.ARDT. I think that would be helpful if your notes will permit
you to do it without any great delay.
5302 COMMUNIST ACTIVITIES IN THE STATE OF MICHIGAN
Mr. Tavenner. Yes, sir. Jack White was identified by tliis witness
in 1952. The other persons just named have not been identified. After
this I will just mention the names of those who have been identified.
In order to get started with this right again, what was the name of
the first person you mentioned after Jack White ?
Mrs. Baldwin. Elinor Widmark.
Mr. Tavenner. She has not been named before. The second is?
Mrs. Baldwin. Lucile Angus.
Mr. Tavenner. The same is true of her ?
Mr. Clardy. This is the first public identity ?
Mr. Tavenner. Yes, sir.
Mr. Clardy. Proceed.
Mr. Tavenner. I believe the third was Mary Walker.
Mrs. Baldwin. That is right.
I have other chairmen, what we called the chairmen of the Flint
club. They became sections. Before the colonizing and transforma-
tion program was carried into effect, they had just a club there, of
which Charles Shinn was chairman in 1945.
Mr. Clardy. Pardon. Let us go back to the name of Walker. A^Hiat
about her, or do you know at the moment ?
Mr. Tavenner. She has not been identified.
Mr. Clardy. Let us leave it this way to expedite it : Unless they have
been identified previously, let the record show that this is the first
public identity that has been made.
Mr. Tavenner. Yes, sir. [
Mr. Clardy. How about this last one ?
Mr. Tavenner. Charles Shinn has not been identified prior to this
time. How do you spell his last name ?
Mrs. Baldwin. S-h-i-n-n. He was succeeded in 1946 by Russell
Coppock.
Mr. Tavenner. C-o-p-p-o-c-k?
Mrs. Baldwin. That is correct.
Mr. Tavenner. He was identified in 1952 by the witness Salisbury.
Did Russell Coppock hold any other position ?
Mrs. Baldwin. Yes ; he was press chairman.
In June of 1946 Bolza Baxter was succeeded by Geneva Olmsted.
Mr. Tavenner. What position did Bolza Baxter have at that time?
Mrs. Baldwin. As chairman.
Mr. Tavenner. He was a witness before the committee at this ses-
sion. Is there any other person connected with that group of the
Communist Party?
Mrs. Baldwin. Yes; Charles Mitchell handled different phases of
club work. Joe Brant was the organizer.
Mr. Tavenner. Joe Brant was identified by this witness in 1952.
Mrs. Baldwin. Sylvia Brant, Joe Brant's wife, was the financial
secretary. Shirley Foster was the educational chairman. Warren H.
Carter was then literature director.
Mr. Tavenner. Does that complete the list of the principal mem-
bers of that group ?
Mrs. Baldwin. At that particular period, yes.
Mr. Tavenner. Will you give us the names of the officers, please,
of the Bohn Club of the Comnumist Party. Before doing so in what
general area was the Bohn Club located ?
COMMUNIST ACTIVITIES IN THE STATE OF MJCHIGAN 5303
Mrs. Baldwin. That club was the Communist members of the Bohn
Ahiminum, also known as local No. 305. In 1946 John Reynolds was
chairman. He was later succeeded by Fred Williams.
Mr. Tavenner. Fred Williams was identified in 1952 by this witness.
Mrs. Baldwin. Hilliard Chamblis became press chairman in 1946,
and this work was taken over by a Frank McDonald.
Mr.CLARDY. You had better spell that name.
Mr. Tavenner. Would you spell Chamblis first?
Mrs. Baldwin. C-h-a-m-b-1-i-s.
Mr. Tavenner. Plilliard Chamblis was identified by this witness in
1952, but Frank McDonald — will you spell McDonald ?
Mrs. Baldwin. M-c-D-o-n-a-l-cl.
Mr. Tavenner. He has not heretofore been identified.
Mrs. Baldwin. Donnie Barron at that time — I am still speaking
of the Bohn Club of the Communist Party — was the financial
secretary.
Mr. Tavenner. He was also identified by this witness in 1952.
Mrs. Baldwin. John Reynolds became labor secretary of the Bohn
Club. However, in 1947 for the 1948 party registration I<'red Wil-
liams was issued registration cards.
Mr. Tavenner. For that particular club ?
Mrs. Baldwin. For that particular club.
Mr. Tavenner. Does that indicate that at that time the member-
ship of the club was in the neighborhood of 51 persons ?
Mrs. Baldwin. Approximately, yes.
Mr. Tavenner. Will you tell the committee, please, where the David
White Club was located ?
Mrs. Baldwin. The Dave White Club was in the west part of the
city.
Mr. Tavenner. Of Detroit?
Mrs. Baldwin. Of Detroit, yes.
Mr. Tavenner. Will you tell the committee, please, who the officers
were of that group ?
Mrs. Baldwin. Yes. In 1945 and 1946 Ruth Belmont was then
chairman.
Mr. Tavenner. How do you spell that ?
Mi's. Baldwin. B-e-1-m-o-n-t. Dolores Storich was educational
chairman.
Mr. Tavt3nner. Spell that, please.
Mrs. Baldwin. S-t-o-r-i-c-h. George Mogill, was literature chair-
man.
Mr. Tavenner. George Mogill was identified by this witness in
1952.
Mrs. Baldwin. Sandra Goldstick, who later became Mrs. Max
Cliait was recording secretary.
Mr. Tavenner. How do you spell that?
Mrs. Baldwin. C-h-a-i-t.
Mr. Tavenner. Do you recall who was press chairman of that
club?
Mrs. Baldwin. As I recall, I believe it was Max Chait.
Mr. Tavenner. Do you know how many registration cards were
issued for that club ?
Mrs. Baldwin. Yes. There were approximately 47 registration
cards issued to that club for the 1948 registration.
5304 COIMMUNIST ACTIVITIES IN THE STATE OF MICHIGAN
Mr. Tavenner. Was there a club known as the General Motors
Club?
Mrs. Baldwin. Yes, there was.
Mr. Tavenner. In what general area of Detroit was that club
located ?
Mrs. Baldwin. The cluli would hold its meetings at various places,
various clubrooms which the party was able to get, but it took in all
General Motors workers at that time, within Wayne County and
adjacent locales.
Jack White was chairman, and Joe Brant became organizer in
Flint. Now, there is the Flint part of the G. M. Club. We also had
one in Detroit called G. M. East whicli was the Chevrolet transmis-
sion.
Mr. Tavenner. Both of those individuals. Jack White, and Joe
Brant, you have already mentioned in your testimony today ?
Mrs. Baldwin. Yes. that is right. Fred Fisch was chairman and
responsible for general club activities of the G. M. East Club, located
here in Wayne County and is the one I just mentioned being the
Chevrolet transmission.
Mr. Tavenner. Yes. He was identified by you in 1952.
Mrs. Balda\t[N. Walter Dunn was financial secretary.
Mr. Tavenner. Walter Dunn appeared as a friendly witness in
the hearings in 1952, admitted his prior Communist Party member-
ship and that he had withdrawn from the Communist Party.
Mrs. Baldwin. I liad the name of an M. Moxham, M-o-x-h-a-m.
I did not become acquainted with that person, but I did direct mail
to them.
Mr. Tavenner. To them ?
Mrs. Baldwin. To he or she, who was educational director.
Mr. Tavenner. Was there an organization in the Communist
Party known as the Southfield Club ?
Mrs. Baldwin. Yes, there was.
Mr. Tavenner. Where was it located ?
Mrs. Baldwin. That was more or less on the north-south section
or in around Southfield Eoad, in throngh that territory.
Mr. Tavenner. Wlio were the officers of that club of the Com-
munist Party?
Mrs. Baldwin. In 1045 and 1946 Thomas Bryant was chairman,
B-r-y-a-n-t.
Mr. Tavenner. Thomas Bryant, Mr. Chairman, Was a witness
before the committee a few days ago but refused to testify.
Mr. Clardy. I recall.
INIr. Tavenner. He refused to testify as to any material question
that was asked.
Mr. Clardy. That is still quite vivid in my memory.
Proceed.
Mrs. Baldwin. Helen Rosenfeld Rollins was press chairman. Rol-
lins is R-o-l-l-i-n-s. Esther Shapiro was the financial secretary.
Mr. Taat.nner. Just a moment. Esther Shapiro was identified by
this witness in 1952 here. Proceed please.
Mrs. Baldwin. Florence Sniderman, S-n-i-d-e-r-m-a-n, council
delegate.
Mr. Ta\t:nner. Will you spell it louder so all can hear ?
Mrs. Baldwin. S-n-i-d-e-r-m-a-n.
COMMUNIST ACTIVITIES IN THE STATE OF MICHIGAN 5305
Mr. Ta\t2ner. Was there a Professional Club of the Communist
Party organized within the Detroit area?
Mrs. Baldwin. Yes, there was.
Mr. Tavenner. What can you tell us about the Professional Club?
Mrs. Baldwin. Well, the Professional Club at that period — and I
am speaking of 1945 and 1946 — would have embraced any people of
the professional groups, such as doctors, musicians, lawyers, and it
even took in civil workers at that time.
Mr. Tavenner. Will you give us the names of the officers of that
club, that is, the Professional Club ?
Mrs. Baldwin. Yes. In 1945 and 1946, Paul Breitt was chairman,
B-r-e-i-t-t, Jules Yanover was the educational director.
Mr. Tavenner. Will you spell it, please?
Mrs. Baldwin. Y-a-n-o-v-e-r.
Mr, TA^'ENNER. Jules Yanover was identified by the Witness
O'Hair ^ in the 1952 hearings.
Mrs. Baldwin. Jean Johnson was the press chairman.
Mr. Tavenner. Jean Johnson was also identified by the same wit-
ness who testified before the committee?
Mr. Clardy. By the witness O'Hair?
Mr. Tavenner. Yes, sir.
Mr. Clardy. I am checking on you here on the annual report. I
wasn't sure that you meant that.
Mr. Tavenner. We have heard of the McGraw Club of the Com-
munist Party. Will you tell us where it was located in a general
way ?
Mrs. Baldwin. Yes. That was also on the west side of the city in
tlie McGraw Avenue area.
Mr. Tavenner. Will you give us the names of its officers ?
Mrs. Baldwin. Yes, In 1945 and 1946, Leo Cottrell was then chair-
man, C-o-t-t-r-e-1-1.
Mr. Tavenner. Leo Cottrell was identified by this witness in 1952.
Mrs. Baldwin. Edward Crawford was the press chairman, C-r-a-w-
f-o-r-d. Frank George was literature director, G-e-o-r-g-e. Rifka
Maisenberg was executive secretary. M-a-i-s-e-n-b-e-r-g.
Mr. Tavenner. Possibly you should spell the first name, too.
Mrs. Baldwin. R-i-f-k-a.
Mr. Tavenner. We have had evidence at this hearing as to the
membership of various individuals in the Hamtramck Club of the
Communist Party, Will you give us, please, the names of the officers
of that club ?
Mrs. Baldwin. Yes. In 1945 and 1946, Tom Dombrowski was chair-
man, D-o-m-b-r-o-w-s-k-i.
Mr. Tavenner. Tom Dombrowski was identified as a member of
the Communist Party during the course of the 1952 hearings by a
witness by the name of Salisbury. Mr. Tom Dombrowski was called
as a witness to Washinj;ton and refused to answer questions relating
to alleged Communist Party membership on the ground that to do so
might tend to incriminate him.
Will you proceed ?
Mrs. Baldwin. Mike Sprowso, S-p-r-o-w-s-o, was press chairman,
Verna McAllister, M-c-A-1-l-i-s-t-e-r, was executive secretary.
1 Richard Franklin O'Hair.
48861 — 54— pt. 5 3
5306 COMMUNIST ACTIVITIES IN THE STATE OF MICHIGAN
Mr. Tavenner. Mr. Chairman, Verna McAllister was identified by
this witness in 1952, and in the course of her testimony — that is, this
witness' testimony — it was brought out that the home that was oc-
cupied by Verna McAllister at the time she left Detroit was used as a
mail drop.
Mr. Clardy. Is that the witness that was sent to California? Just
2 or 3 weeks ago we had a hearing in San Diego. We located Verna
McAllister there, her married name now being Danger. She was
called as a witness. She admitted the address that she had used in
Detroit and her former name as Verna McAllister, but she refused to
answer all other questions on the ground of the fifth amendment.
However, testimony was introduced in the course of that hearing that
she was very active in the Communist Party and one of the leading
functionaries there now.
Will you proceed ?
Mrs. Baldwin. Harry Kutkowski, Iv-u-t-k-o-w-s-k-i, was educa-
tional director. Pete Gabriel, G-a-b-r-i-e-1, was literature chairman.
In 1947, Niemski of 5856 Chene was chairman and Anton Kosheway,
K-o-s-h-e-w-a-y, was responsible for the dues.
Mr. Tavenner. Neither of these persons^ Mr. Chairman, has been
identified before this committee prior to this time, l)ut I should say
out of all fairness, as to Anton Kosheway, that he has appeared as a
witness in several cases for the United States Government in immi-
gration and naturalization matters, so I assume from that that he
is no longer a member of the Communist Pai'ty and has broken, severed
all connection, witli the Communist Party.
Mrs. Baldwin. In 1917, Joe Chrin, C-h-r-i-n, became chairman of
the Hamtramck youth group. Al Krup
Mr. Tavenner. Just a moment, please. Joe Chrin was one of the
early witnesses we had during the course of our hearings in Detroit
on Monday. He refused to testify. I believe it was on Tuesday that
he appeared as a witness.
Mrs. Baldwin. Al Krup, K-r-u-p, and Steve Cerousky, C-e-r-o-u-
s-k-y, were also members of the Hamtramck youth group.
Mr. Tavenner. For purposes of further identity, can you give their
addresses at that time ?
Mrs. Baldwin. Yes. I have Al Krup's address. It was 8212 Win-
kelman, W-i-n-]i;-e-l-m-a-n, and Steve Cerousky's was 2450 Holbrook.
Mr. Tavenner. We have learned at various places in the country,
particularly in California, the names of the clubs corresponded with
the number of the Congressional District or the legislative assembly.
We have heard several times during the course of our investigation in
Detroit that in some instances that polic}^ was followed liere. We have
heard, for instance, of the 14th Congressional Chib, What did that
jnean ?
Mrs. Baldwin. That was in the 14th Congressional District.
Mr. Tavenner. That means the Communist Party club within the
14th Congressional District ?
Mrs. Baldwin. That is correct. We also had a First Congressional
District and a few others from time to time within the Congressional
District.
Mr. Tavenner. Let us take the 14th Congressional District, please,
and give us the names of the officers of the 14th Congressional Dis-
trict Cbib.
I
COMMUNIST ACTIVITIES IN THE STATE OF MICHIGAN 5307
Mrs. Baldwin. In 1945 and prior to that Stanley Adamski,
A-d-a-m-s-k-i, was chairman.
Mr. Tavenner. He has been identified by this witness before ; that
is, in the 1952 hearings.
Mrs. Baldwin. Milton Schleicher, S-c-h-1-e-i-c-h-e-r, was press
chairman. George Cook was educational director.
Mr. Tavenner. George Cook was previously identified by this wit-
ness also.
Mrs. Baldwin. Hope Smith was executive secretary.
Mr. TA^^NNER. The same is true of Hope Smith.
Mrs. Baldwin. However, in 1947, Leslie Roquemore of 684 Ten-
nessee became chairman. Roquemore is R-o-q-u-e-m-o-r-e.
Mr. Tavenner. You spoke of the First Congressional Club. Will
you give us the names of the members of that club, please; that is,
the officers?
Mrs. Baldwin. Yes. Gus Polites was chairman in 1945 and 1946,
P-o-l-i-t-e-s. He was later succeeded by Frank Sykes, S-y-k-e-s.
Mr. Tavenner. Frank Sykes was identified by this witness in 1952.
Mrs. Baldwin. Aldo Sandretto, S-a-n-d-r-e-t-t-o.
Mr. Tavenner. Is the spelling of the first name A-l-d-o ?
Mrs. Baldwin. Yes, it is.
Mr. Tavenner. This person was also identified by the witness in
1952.
Mrs. Baldw^in. In 1947 Steve Rodick, R-o-d-i-c-k, became chair-
man, and in 1948 Aldo Sandretto at 3551 Kanter became chairman.
Mr. Tavenner. Will you spell Sandretto ?
Mrs. Baldwin. It is the same one I spelled before.
Mr. Tavenner. Have you already identified that person?
Mrs. Baldwin. Yes; I have.
Mr. Tavenner. Very well. I don't recall that name.
Mrs. Baldwin. I just read it now.
Mr. Tavenner. I beg your pardon. I see.
Mrs. Baldwin. He was executive secretary in 1945 and 1946. Jolm
Domarian, D-o-m-a-r-i-a-n, was responsible for dues, and Frank
Sykes, wliom I liave just mentioned, at 13971 Fleming, became chair-
man at times during the club meetings.
Mr. Tavenxku. Was there a club known b}' the name of Fenkell
Club?
Mrs. Baldwin. Yes; there was, and that was also located or took
in members of the Fenkell district. It was on a community basis.
Mr. Tavenner. F-e-n-k-e-1-1.
Mrs. Baldwin. That is correct.
Mr. Tavenner. Will you give us the names of those persons, please,
who were officers of that club ?
Mrs. Baldwin. Yes. Phil Halper, H-a-1-p-e-r, was chairman in
1945 and 1946. Ed Wolf, W-o-l-f, was the press chairman and was
later succeeded by R. E. Mullins, M-u-1-l-i-n-s.
Mr. Tavenner. Was there a club known as the Ford Motor Build-
ing Club?
Mrs. Baldwin. Yes ; there was.
Mr. Ta\'enner. Describe that club a little more fully for us, please.
What was meant by the Ford Motor Building Club ?
Mrs. Baldwin. Well, as I
Mr. Tavenner. In what unit was that ?
5308 COMMUNIST ACTIVITIES IN THE STATE OF MICHIGAN
Mrs. Baldwin. That would include, take in, all of those in the
Ford — in the motor building. I understand that it was broken down
into various departments, and this happened to be the motor build-
ing, the Communist Party members, of coiirse.
Mr. Tavenner. Who were the officers of that club ?
Mrs. Baldwin. Edwin V. Martin, M-a-r-t-i-n, was the press direc-
tor, and Vernia L. Wilson assisted with presswork also.
Mr. Tavenner. There was a group known as the Ford Production
Foundry Club. Will you give us the names of the officers of that
club ?
Mrs. Baldwin. Yes. The foundry Ford unit, Leo Cottrell — and
this is still in 1945 and 1946, and perhaps a little time later — Leo
Cottrell, C-o-t-t-r-e-1-1, was chairman. Tessie Suttles was press chair-
man, T-e-s-s-i-e S-u-t-t-1-e-s.
Mr. Tavenner. I should state, Mr. Chairman, that Leo Cottrell was
identified by this witness in 1952.
Mrs. Baldwin. Harold Franklin, Fr-a-n-k-1-i-n, was educational
and literature director.
Mr. Tavenner. Was he the person known as ''Big Pipe" Franklin ?
Mrs. Baldwin. I don't know.
Mr. Tavenner. I may be mistaken, but at any rate Harold Franklin
apppeared as a witness before the committee in 1952 and refused to
testify and was indentified by you during that hearing. We have heard
of the Dearborn Club of the Communist Party ; in fact, this plan of
operations, known as Johnson Exhibit No. 2, was made out for the
Dearborn auto section. This is the Dearborn Club. What is the
difference between the Dearborn auto section and the Dearborn Club?
Mrs. Baldwin. They became sections when the concentration be-
came evident or was put into process or to be processed. Prior to that
time it was just the Dearborn Club or the Ford foundry, and so forth,
which was still classified as being in the Dearborn section. In 1948,
at the time of the concentration, they then became sections. There
was a Dearborn section and a Ford section.
Mr. Tavenner. Will you give us the names of the officers in the
Dearborn Club ?
Mrs. Baldwin. This is still in 1945 and 1946: George Nathan,
N-a-t-h-a-n, was educational director. Leo Krugh, K-r-u-g-h, was
chairman. Milo Marotich, M-a-r-o-t-i-c-h, was press chairman, and
James Nemetli, N-e-m-e-t-h, was the organizational secretarv. Charles
Regan. R-e-g-a-n, was financial secretary.
Mr. Tavenner. What was the spelling, please ?
Mrs. Baldwin. R-e-g-a-n. Florian Kapata, K-a-p-a-t-a, was press
chairman. Mike Zurovich, Z-u-r-o-v-i-c-h, was literature chairman,
and Alonzo Ansell, A-n-s-e-1-1, was just a member at large.
Mr. Tavenner. What do you mean by member at large of the Com-
munist Party ?
Mrs. Baldwin. We had two categories in the early part of 1947
and 1946, whereby we would have members at large who were not
able to attend meetings, or they may live out of territory or perhaps
they lived in a territory but did not belong to a certain shop group,
so they were clasified as members at large.
Mr. Tavenner. Was there an organization known as the Downtown
Club of the Communist Party ?
Mrs. Baldwin. Yes ; there was.
COMJMUNIST ACTIVITIES IN THE STATE OF MICHIGAN 5309
Mr. TA\^N]srER. Will you give us the names of the officers of that
club T)lease ?
Mrs. Baldwin. In 1945 and 1946, Art McPhaul, M-c-P-h-a-u-1, was
chairman.
Mr. Tavenner. He was identified by you in the 1952 hearings, was
he not ?
Mrs. Baldwin. Yes ; he was.
Mr. Tavenner. He also appeared as a witness and refused to answer
material questions regarding his alleged membiership in the Commu-
nist Party on the grounds of the fifth amendment.
Mrs. Baldwin. Keva Redstone, R-e-d-s-t-o-n-e, R-e-v-a, was dues
secretary.
Mr. Tavenner. That person was identified by you in 1952.
Mrs. Baldwin. Ray Blossom
Mr. Tavenner. I beg your pardon. That person was identified by
the witness Dunn ^ rather than by you at the 1952 hearing.
Mrs. Baldwin. Ray Blossom, B-1-o-s-s-o-m, was membership
director.
Mr. Tavenner. Ray Blossom was identified by this witness in 1952.
Mrs. Baldwin. Alice FeiTis. F-e-r-r-i-s. was literature rliairman.
For the 1948 party registration, which began in the fall of 1947,
Helen Allison was given approximately 10 to 12 registration cards
for this group.
Mr. Tavenner. "\'\niat position does that indicate that Helen Allison
held at the time ?
Mrs. Baldwin. Well, in the fall of 1947 each member of the State
commission or the State board received the responsibility of seeing
that a given number of clubs were registered in record time.
Mr. Tavenner. Was there a Midtown Club of the Communist
Party?
Mrs. Baldwin. Yes ; there was.
Mr. Tavenner. Will you give us the names of the officers, please ?
Mrs. Baldwin. Matilda Maxwell, M-a-x-w-e-1-1, was chairman.
Mr. Tavenner. Matilda Maxwell was identified by Mr. O'Hair- in
the course of the 1952 hearings.
Mrs. Baldwin. And Maurice Cook, C-o-o-k, later became chairman.
Mr. Tavenner. Maurice Cook was identified by this witness in 1952.
Mrs. Bald\vin. Terry Clark, C-l-a-r-k, was press chairman and was
succeeded by James Woodley, W-o-o-d-l-e-y.
Mr. Tavenner. Terry Clark was identified also by Mr. O'Hair in
1952.
Mrs. Bald\vin. In 1947, Mary Bray, B-r-a-y, 5338 Beauhies, became
chairman, and Maurice Cook, of 242 Marston, became the educational
director.
Mr. Tavenner. Maurice Cook was identified in 1952, bu^ I am not
certain whether it was by vou, Mrs. Baldwin, or whether it was by
Mr. O'Hair.
Mrs. Baldwin. Midge or Mildred Reed, 5250 John R., and Matilda
Maxwell Parrish — it is the same Matilda I previously mentioned —
Parrish, P-a-r-r-i-s-h, of 252 East Palmer, were held responsible for
dues.
Mr. Clardt. We will take a five-minute recess.
(T\niereupon, at 2:33 p. m., the hearing was recessed, to reconvene
at 2 :38 p.m.)
^ Walter Scott Dunn.
2 Richard Franklin O'Hair
5310 COMMUNIST ACTIVITIES IN THE STATE OF MICHIGAN
(Whereupon, at 2 :52 p. m., the hearing was reconvened.)
Mr. Clardy. The hearing will come to order.
The Chair has an announcement to make at this time. Due to the
unfortunate circumstance that prevented Congressman Moulder from
returning after we had voted on the seaway bill yesterday, it is, of
course, under our rules impossible to go forward with any hearing of
witnesses who do not desire to and will not cooperate with the com-
mittee, and due to the fact that w^e have a rather full schedule at both
Lansing and Flint, under the direction of Chairman Velde I can only
transfer some four of those that are under subpena yet to appear
before us here in Detroit to the Lansing hearing. Those four will be
Jolin Houston, Harold Shapiro, Richard Davis, and Vera Raymond.
All the other witnesses under subpena to appear here at Detroit on
any of the days the hearing was scheduled are, by the order and direc-
tion of Chairman Velde of the committe, now instructed to report in
this room in the Federal Building here in Detroit at 9 :oO a. m. on
Tuesday, May 25. We have some hope that at that time it may be
possible to completely cover the list of witnesses who have not been
heard.
Now I will repeat that so there will be no possibility of misunder-
standing, and then what I say will be in shorter form, repeated in the
form of either a telegram or a written communication of some kind,
advising you of the postponement of your date of appearance here.
Four witnesses are now under instructions from the committee to
be in the hearing room which will be in the House of Representatives
of Michigan in the State Capitol, next Monday, the 10th day of May,
at 9 :30 a. m., those four being John Houston, Harold Shapiro, Richard
Davis, and Vera Raymond.
All the rest of the witnesses who are under subpena and who have
not yet been heard will report at 9 : 30 a. m., in this room at the 25th
day of May, that day being a Tuesday. It is hoped that we may be
able to hear everyone on that day. If not, we will continue the hear-
ings over on the morning of the 26th, but I think we can hnish them
all on that one day.
Now, if there are any among you at this time, after that annomice-
ment, who desire to leave, you may do so now so that the disturbance
created by people leaving may be over as soon as possible, and we
will get on with the hearing.
We will suspend for a few moments while that is done.
There is one further thing. The deputy clerk sitting in front of
me to the right will be in room 957 for the witnesses to sign the neces-
sary vouchers and to have the little matter of witness fees and things
of that sort taken care of, so if you will repair to that room now, Mrs.
Joray will go along with you and take care of it. The committee
will recess.
(Whereupon, at 2 : 57 p. m., the hearing was recessed.)
(Whereupon, at 3 : 01 p. m., the hearing was reconvened.)
Mr. Tavenner. Mrs. Baldwin, where was the Oakland Club of
Detroit located ?
Mrs. Baldwin. The Oakland Club was also located around Oak-
land Avenue.
Mr. Tavenner. Will you give us the names, please, of the officers
of that club?
COMMUNIST ACTIVITIES IN THE STATE OF MICHIGAN 5311
Mrs. Baldwin. Yes, Merrill Work, W-o-r-k, was chairman and
later succeeded by Charles Mason. Work is W-o-r-k, and Mason,
M-a-s-o-n. Dolly Mason was executive secretary. Deri Jenkins,
membership chairman, D-e-r-i J-e-n-k-i-n-s.
Mr. Tavennee. May I interrupt a moment. Merrill Work men-
tioned a few names back was identified by you in 1952.
Mrs. Baldwin. Saul Broat, B-r-o-a-t, was press chairman, but in
1946 he left for Calif ornia.
Mr. Tavenner. Do you know where he went in California?
Mrs. Baldwin. No, I do not.
Mr. Tavenner. Saul Broat appeared as a witness in the 1952 hear-
ings and was identified by this witness at that time.
Mrs. Baldwin. Jean Kapnick was literature chairman, K-a-p-
n-i-c-k. Curt Davis was labor chairman, D-a-v-i-s.
Mr. Tavenner, This witness identified Curt Davis in the 1952 hear-
ings. Curt Davis has been a witness during the course of this hearing.
We have heard of the 12th Street Club during the course of our
hearing at this time. Will you give us the names of the officers of
that club, please ?
Mrs. Baldwin. That was also located in the territory of 12th Street.
Eve Neidleman, was chairman, and she was succeeded by Ben Plot-
kins in 1946, P-1-o-t-kins. Bob Taylor, T-a-y-1-o-r, took care of
the press work. Lydia Mates, M-a-t-e-s, was organizer and executive
secretary.
Mr. Tavenner, Lydia Mates has previously been identified by this
witness.
Mrs. Baldwin. Marie Sampey, as she was then knt>wn, is now Mrs.
Raymond Bascom, B-a-s-c-o-m. She was executive chairlady. In
3 947, Kay Hall of 2670 East Congress, became chairman, and Gene
Cunningham, 205 Melbourne, became responsible for dues.
Mr. TA^^NNER. Was there a club known as the Plymouth Club ?
Mrs. Baldwin. Yes, there was, and that was the Communist Party
members within the Plymouth local.
Mr. Tavenner. Will you give us the names of the officers of that
club, please ?
Mrs. Baldwin. In 1945 and 1946 Ralph Fileccia was chairman,
F-i-1-e-c-c-i-a. Charles Lindouf , L-i-n-d-o-u-f , was press chairman.
Mr. Tavenner. Charles Lindouf was identified by this witness in
1952.
Mrs. Baldwin. Fred Gebelle, G-e-b-e-1-l-e, was financial and mem-
bership director.
Mr. Tavenner, Fred Gebelle was identified by this witness in
1952.
Mrs. Baldwin. Elmer Burnetti, B-u-r-n-e-t-t-i, was recording sec-
retary, and Wallace Batholomew was educational director, B-a-r-t-h-
o-1-o-m-e-w.
Mrs. Tavenner. Will you give us now the names of the officers of
the Packard Club of the Communist Party ?
Mrs. Baldwin. Yes. Andrew Beldean, B-e-1-d-e-a-n, was chair-
man and in 1946 was succeeded by Neal Weston, W-e-s-t-o-n, Felix
B. Maise was organizational secretary, M-a-i-s-e. Paul Brooks was
educational chairman.
Mr. Tavenner. Paul Brooks was identified by this witness in 1952.
5312 COMMUNIST ACTIVITIES IN THE STATE OF MICHIGAN
Mrs. Baldwin. James Hollis was press and literature cliairmaii,
H-o-l-l-i-s, and in 1946 Katherine Ripken became literature chair-
man, R-i-p-k-e-n.
Mr. Tavenner. Katherine Ripken was identified in 1952 by the
Witness Dnnn. Will you give us now the names of the officers of the
United States Rubber Club ?
Mrs. Baldwin. In 1945 and 1946 a B. ^Vliitlow, W-h-i-t-1-o-w, was
chairman. John Peteray, also known as Richards, P-e-t-e-r-a-y, was
financial secretary. Leslie Nalley was just a member, N-a-1-l-e-y.
Mr. Tavenner. We have heard of a club known as the Tom Paine
Club. Let us know where that club was located ?
Mrs. Baldwin. It had no particular address. It was just more or
less of a semiprof essional section.
Mr. Tavenner. ^Vlio were its officers ?
Mrs. Baldwin. Dave Silverberg, S-i-1-v-e-r-b-e-r-g, was chairman.
Mr. Tavenner. Dave Silverberg was identified in 1952 by the wit-
ness O'Hair. Proceed, please.
Mrs. Baldwin. Jessie Blakka, B-1-a-k-k-a, was executive and finan-
cial secretary. Sam Kelman, K-e-1-m-a-n, was educational chairman.
Corrine Furay was educational chairman. Corrine Furay was liter-
ature chairman of URA Y.
Mr. Tavenner. Corrine Furay was identified by this witness in
1952.
Mrs. Baldwin. In 194Y for the 1948 party registration about 11
cards were issued to the chairman of that club, which in that case
would have been Dave Silverberg.
Mr. Tavenner. We have heard of another club called the Nat
Turner Club. Will you give us, please, the names of the officers of
that club, but before doing so tell us more about the character of the
club and where it was located.
Mrs. Baldwin. The Nat Turner Club was located on the east side
of the city, more or less down river. It later became part of what was
known as the lower east side section.
The chairman was Heywood Maben. The organizational chair-
man was Carneller Foreman, C-a-r-n-e-1-l-e-r, Foreman. Eleanor
Perkins was financial secretary, P-e-r-k-i-n-s.
Mr. Tavenner. Let me interrupt, please. Carneller Foreman was
identified by this witness in 1952.
Mrs. Baldwin. Jerry or Gerald Boyd was educational chairman,
B-o-y-d.
Mr. Tavenner. This person was also identified by the witness in
1952.
Some clubs are described by numerals. Here is one called local 155.
Wliat is the significance of that designation?
Mrs. Baldwin. That would be the Communist Party members
within the given local, 155.
Mr. Tavenner. Do you know what branch of the industry local
155 was working in ?
Mrs. Baldwin. No : I do not.
Mr. Tavenner. Will you give us the names of its officers, please ?
Mrs. Baldwin. Tom Parry, P-a-r-r-y, was the chairman. Art
Peters, P-e-t-e-r-s, was secretary and treasurer. Sam Sweet, S-w-e-e-t,
was educational chairman. Mike Zackler took care of the press and
literature.
COMMUNIST ACTIVITIES IN THE STATE OF MICHIGAN 5313
Mr. Taa^nner. Z-a-c-k-1-e-r?
Mrs. Baldwin. Yes.
Mr. TA^rENNER. I understand there is a club by the name of Michigan
Club of the Communist Party. Will you give us any descriptive infor-
mation you have regarding that club ?
Mrs. Baldwin. Yes. When I went into the party in 1943 it was
then the headquarters of the Michigan Club which was centered on
Michigan Avenue, and that is where they would usually meet. Later
it became a Dearborn headquarters section and also the Ford head-
quarters section.
Mr. Tavenner. Will you give us the names of the officers of that
club, please ?
Mrs. Baldwin. In 1945 and 1946, John Hell was chairman. Nat
Wald
Mr. Ta\'enner. Just a moment. Nat Wald was identified in 1952
by the witness Salisbury.
' Mrs. Baldwin. Nat Wald, W-a-l-d, was the organizer. Clem Dalton,
D-a-1-t-o-n, was the membership chairman.
Mr. Tavenner. He has been identified by this witness in 1952.
Mrs. Baldwin. George Kantechey was dues chairman, K-a-n-t-e-c-h-
e-y. Ed Lock was the educational chairman.
Mr. Ta\t:nner. Ed Lock was identified by this witness in 1952, was
called at that hearing as a witness and refused to answer any mate-
rial questions, relying upon the fifth amendment as the reason for
his refusal.
Mrs. Baldwin. Walter Litivin, L-i-t-i-v-i-n, was literature chair-
man. Steve Simmons, or Stephen Schemanske, was the press chair-
man.
Mr. Tavenner. Stephen Schemanske was identified during the
course of this hearing and was one of the witness in the Smith Act
trials who testified in behalf of the government and had been employed
by the Federal Bureau of Investigation to work within the Com-
munist Party.
Mrs. Baldwin. In 1947 for the 1948 registration approximately 67
registration cards were given to Clem Dalton who was then club chair-
man for registration of the members.
Mr. Tavenner. What was the Joe York Club of the Communist
Party ?
Mrs. Baldwin. The Joe York Club was a youth group, and in most
cases it was comprised of university members, university students from
the various colleges.
Mr. Tavenner. They were not limited to any one particular college?
Mrs. Baldwin. Not' at first, no. Later on it became known as the
U. of M., which the Ralpli Neafus and et cetera, and Wayne Univer-
sity, and Lansing had their own group. It was just known as the
Lansing group.
Mr. Tavenner. Wliere was this Joe York Club centered, in Detroit
or Lansing or where ?
Mrs. Baldwin. This was in the Wayne County area at that time,
Mr. Tavenner. Will you give us the names of the other officers,
please, and that would be in 1945 and 1946.
Mrs. Baldwin. That is correct, yes. Peter Dopulos, Jr., D-o-p-u-
1-o-s, was chairman and was later succeeded by Jack Palmquist.
5314 COMMUNIST ACTIVITIES IN THE STATE OF MICHIGAN
Mr. Tavenner. Jack Palmquist was identified by this witness in
1952.
Mrs. Baldwin. Kenny Goodman, membership chairman and also
took care of the finances, G-o-o-d-m-a-n. June Keil was recording
secretary, K-e-i-L Annabel Purdy was educational chairman and
was later succeeded by Mary Maraniss, M-a-r-a-n-i-s-s.
Mr. Tavenner. Mary Maraniss was identified by this witness in
1952.
Mrs. Baldwin. Anna Vidakis was literature chairman, V-i-d-a-
k-i-s. Joan Ellis was press chairman and was later succeeded by
Georgianna Panaretos, P-a-n-a-r-e-t-o-s. Alex Seller, S-e-l-l-e-r, was
the social chairman and was later succeeded by Rolf Cahn, C-a-h-n,
and for the 1948 registration approximately 43 registration cards
were issued to the chairman of that club, which was Peter Dopulos,
Jr.
Mr. Tavenner. Was there a club in the Del-Ra}^ area ?
Mrs. Baldwin. Yes ; there was.
Mr. Tavenner. Did it bear the name of Del-Ray Club ?
Mrs. Baldwin. Yes ; it did.
Mr. Tavenner. "Will you give us the names of its officers, please?
Mrs. Baldwin. Louis Lenny, L-e-n-n-y, and Paul Boatin,
B-o-a-t-i-n, acted as cochairmen.
Mr. Ta^^nner. Boatin was identified by this witness in 1952, and
he also appeared as a witness before the committee but refused to
testify as to material matters on the grounds that to do so might tend
to incriminate him.
Mrs. Baldwin. George Bufford, B-u-f-f-o-r-d, was dues chairman
and later succeeded by Joe Miller, M-i-1-l-e-r. Tersil Obriot,
0-b-r-i-o-t, was press and literature chairman.
Approximately 21 cards were issued to this club. They were issued
to Clem Dalton in 1947 for the 1948 registration.
Mr. Tavennkr. We have heard of the Ben Davis Club; where was
that located ?
Mrs. Baldwin. That was located more or less in the northwest
section.
Mr. Tavenner. Will you give us the names of its members, please ?
Mrs. Baldwin. Yes. In 1945 and 1946 William Fletcher was chair-
man.
Mr. Tavenner. Just a moment. Were you in the hearing room
just before you were called as a witness this afternoon ?
Mrs. Baldwin. Before I entered as a witness?
Mr. Tavenner. Before you were called to the witness stand?
Mrs. Baldwin. No, sir.
Mr. Clardy. No, Mr. Tavenner, she wasn't present when Mr.
Fletcher was called to the stand.
Mr. Tavenner. You didn't observe Mr. Fletcher at the witness table,
did you?
Mrs. Baldwin. No; I didn't. But I saw him in the hall during
the recess.
Mr. Tavenner. All right.
Mr. Clardy. In other words, you recognized him as the same Mr.
Fletcher you have identified?
Mrs. Baldwin. As the Bill Fletcher that we knew him as.
COMMUNIST ACTIVITIES IN THE STATE OF MICHIGAN 5315
Mr. Tavexner. He was the chairman of the Ben Davis Club of the
Communist Party?
Mi-s. Baldwin. He was.
Mr. Tav'enner. All right, if you will proceed, please.
Mrs. Baldwin. Jeanette Ross was organizational secretar3^ E-o-s-s.
Mr. Ta\^nner. Let me stop you there just a moment. William
Fletcher — can you tell the committee something of his activities in
the Communist Party; that is, anything that you can recall at this
moment ?
Mrs. Baldwin. Well, he was very active during my debut into the
Communist Party, which was in the spring of 1943. He participated
in the State convention in May of 1944 and was active, as I recall, until
the party was reconstituted, the latter part of 1945.
Mr. Tavenner. "When did you leave the Communist Party?
Mrs. Baldwin. In October of 1950 I went underground. I left it,
1 presume, in 1952.
Mr. Tavenner. Do you know whether William Fletcher was active
in the party when you went underground in 1950?
Mrs. Baldwin. That I wouldn't know.
Mr. Tavenner. All right. Did you have any information as to
whether or not he withdrew from the Communist Party prior to the
time you went underground?
Mrs. Baldwin. Yes, I had been told he had withdrawn from the
party.
Mr. Clardy. Repeat that, he was what?
Mrs. Baldwin. That he had withdrawn from the party.
Mr. Tavenner. Do you know about when it was he withdrew from
the party?
Mrs. Baldwin. As I recall, it was approximately 1946. 1 know it
was after the party was reconstituted.
Mr. Tavenner. All right.
Mr. Clardy. I tliink at this point, Mr. Tavenner, I should interject
the remark that it was on the basis of that knowledge that we had
assumed that the witness might cooperate and called him and had also
had some discussion, or the staff had, with him that led us to think
that he would cooperate and get into the record through his own words
the things that Mi's. Baldwin has just said.
We do not want in any way to have anything appear in our records
that will reflect upon any of those called before us, and in this case
it was our understanding that the witness had left the party, and we
wanted that clearly on the record because it has, to our knowledge,
become quite widespread that he was a member, but the fact that he
had withdrawn had not been given equal circulation.
We thought in justice and fairness it would be well to give him that
opportunity.
You may proceed.
Mr. Tavenner. Very well. You told us that William Fletcher was
chairman at one time.
Mrs. Baldwin. Yes.
Mr. Tavenner. Will you proceed, please ?
Mrs. Baldwin. Reva Bernstein, I3-e-r-n-s-t-e-i-n, was a member
who was active and handled various phases of the party club work
from time to time. Elsie
5316 COMMUNIST ACTIVITIES IN THE STATE OF MICHIGAN
Mr. Tavenner. Just a moment. Had you given us the name of the
organizational secretary ?
Mrs. Baldwin. I believe I have. Jeanette Ross. I believe I had
gone into that.
Mr. Tavenner. Excuse me. Go ahead.
Mrs. Baldwin. Elsie Nichamin, N-i-c-h-a-m-i-n, was the financial
secretary. Milton Santwire was the labor chairman and also a council
delegate.
Mr. Clardy. Pardon, Mr. Tavenner.
Mr. Tavenner. Yes, sir.
Mr. Clardy. I think we should have something to say about the
witness Santwire she has just identified.
Mr. Tavenner. Yes, sir. The witness, Milton Santwire, testified
during the course of the Smith Act cases in behalf of the Government.
He had been working within the Communist Party under the employ-
ment of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Mr. Clardy. Proceed.
Mrs. Baldwin. Leonard Smith, S-m-i-t-h, was the press chairman.
Evelyn Cochran was the literature chairman, and in 1947, for the 1948
registration, there were approximately 11 cards issued to this club.
Mr. Ta\tenner. Will you tell us now, please, the names of the officers
of the Muskegon Club ?
Mrs. Baldwin. Hoke Higdon was chairman.
Mr. Tavenner. Hoke Higdon was identified during the 1952 hear-
ings by Mr. Salisbury.
Mrs. Baldwin. Barbara Higdon, H-i-g-d-o-n, was press chairman.
Violet Meyers, M-e-y-e-r-s, secretary and treasurer and was later suc-
ceeded by Frank Melder, and J. R. Grant, G-r-a-n-t, was director of
union activities.
Mr. Tavenner. Will you give us now the names of the Grand
Rapids officers, the officers of the Grand Rapids Club of the Com-
munist Party ?
Mrs. Baldwin. Yes. Fred Darcy was recording secretary,
D-a-r-c-y. William Glenn was the educational chairman, G-1-e-n-n.
Mr. Tavenner. William Glenn was identified by this witness in
1952 and appeared as a witness before the committee. He refused to
answer material questions on the ground that to do so might tend to
incriminate him. Proceed.
Mrs. Baldwin. Ruth Gilbert Williams was the labor chairman,
W-i-1-l-i-a-m-s. Eighteen cards, 18 registration cards, were issued to
this club for the 1948 registration.
Mr. Tavenner. Will you now give us the names of the Ypsilanti
Club, please ?
Mrs. Baldwin. As chairman in 1945 and 1946 — Tom Dennis was
chairman.
Mr. Tavenner. Tom or Thomas Dennis was identified by this wit-
ness in 1952 and was later indicted as one of the Smith Act defendants
and has been tried and convicted.
Mrs. Baldwin. Mrs. Zacky Chevalier was dues chairman, Z-a-c-k-y
C-h-e-v-a-1-i-e-r. D. George Matnick was the press chairman, M-a-t-
n-i-c-k. In 1947 John Williams of 306 South Hamilton, Ypsilanti,
was listed as financial secretary of this club, and as I recall, he was
issued registration cards for that particular section.
Mr. Tavenner. Was there a club at Ann Arbor, Mich. ?
COMIVIUNIST ACTIVITIES IN THE STATE OF MICHIGAN 5317
Mrs. Baldwin. Yes, there was.
Mr. Tavenner. Was it called the Ann Arbor Club ?
Mrs. Baldwin. Yes, it was. I believe it was called at that time
the A. A. Town.
Mr. Tavenner. Would you give us the names of the officers of that
club, please ?
Mrs. Baldwin. Katherine Shorfman
Mr. Tavenner. That is over what period of time ?
Mrs. Baldwin. 1945 and 1946 — Mary Cummins, C-u-m-m-i-n-s,
Mary Loeser, L-o-e-s-e-r, Jean Langerman, L-a-n-g-e-r-m a n.
In 1947 Dorothy Gritfel, G-r-i-f-f-e-1, of 7305 South State Street,
was an official of this club and assisted by Millie Mclntire, 436 Fourth
Street, who was responsible for dues.
Mr. Tavenner. Millie Mclntire was identified by this witness in
1952.
You spoke a little earlier Avhen we were referring to Ann Arbor to
a club knoAvn as the Ealpli Neafus Club. Will you tell us what that
club was '.
Mr. Clakdy. You had better spell that.
Mr. Tavenner. N-e-a-f -u-s.
Mrs. Baldwin. Yes, the Ralph Neafus Club was confined primarily
to students, U. of M. students.
Mr. Tavenner. University of Michigan ?
Mrs. Baldwin. Yes, it was a campus club.
Mr. Tavenner. Will you tell the committee, please, what you know
of that club, as to its officers, and its operations ;'
Mrs. Baldwin. Well, its operations were just like all the other
Communist operations, anything of an agitational nature, anything
that u})set the students, anything that had to do with State or Federal
legislation, they were busy with their pamphets.
Mr. Tavenner. Will you give us the names of its officers, please, if
you recall, or any other persons connected with it that you can now
recall.
Mrs. Baldwin. Ed Shafi'er, S-h-a-e-f-f-e-r, who resided at 530 Hill
Street, was the individual I sent a letter to. He was the one that I
had advised on taking over the membership and dues secretary task
for 1947.
Mr. Clardv. Are we : lire of the spelling on that name? I thought
it was spelled S-li-a-f-f-e-r. Let me check back. Is his first name
Edward and his middk- name Harry '.
Mrs. Baldwin. I don't know his middle name.
Mr. Clardy. His first name is Edward ?
Mrs. Baldwin. Yes.
Mr. Clady. Counsel, do you know which of the spellings
Mr. Tavenner. The correct spelling according to our information
is S-h-a-f-f-e-r.
Mr. Clardy. That is the way I have noted that it was spelled in
the public press, following his release of the first information that
got to the public about his having been supenaed, so I think that last
spelling must be correct. Proceed.
Mr. Tavenner. You say that you have had official communications
as a functionary of tlie Communist Party with him ?
Mrs. Baldwin. That is correct ; yes.
5318 COMMUNIST ACTIVITIES IN THE STATE OF MICHIGAN
Mr. Tavenner. Very well. Can you recall the approximate date?
Do you know in what year you had that communication with him ?
Mrs. Baldwin. Yes ; in the early fall or summer of 1947.
Mr. Tavenner. Were there any other students that you had official
contact with who were members of that club ?
Mrs. Baldwin. Yes. In response to the letter I had written to Mr.
Shaffer I received a reply from a Bill Carter who informed me at that
time that he was assuming the responsibilities for dues and other club
work of the Ralph Neaf us Club.
Mr. Clardy. Would you repeat that name again ?
Mrs. Baldwin. Bill Carter, C-a-r-t-e-r. He gave his address at that
time as 508 Hill Street in Ann Arbor.
Mr. Tavenner. Does not that rather indicate that at the time you
wrote to Mr. Shaffer that he may not have been there or held some
other position within the Neafus Club due to the fact that you re-
ceived a reply from Mr. Carter ?
Mrs. Baldwin. Well, as I recall, my notes indicated that he was
the chairman of that club, and that is why I directed my correspond-
ence to him, to find out who I would contact to send me the member-
ship information.
Mr. Clardy. Let me see if I understand. You addressed your let-
ter to Mr. Shaffer ?
Mr. Baldwin. Yes.
Mr. Clardy. But you received a reply from Mr. Carter ?
Mrs. Baldwin. Well, I also received a reply from Mr. Shaffer stat-
ing that Bill Carter was assuming the responsibilities.
Mr. Clardy. I see. In other words, Mr. Carter confirmed what Mr.
Shaffer told you about Mr. Carter's having charge of. a certain part
of the activities ?
Mrs. Baldwin. That is true. Well, then, in the early part of 1948
they again changed officers, obviously, because I received a letter from
Betty Houston, who stated at that time she was living at 221 North
Fifth Avenue, Ann Arbor, and had assumed the duties as dues secre-
tary. From there on my correspondence was with her.
Mr. Tavenner. Do you know the name of the husband of Betty
Houston ?
Mrs. Baldwin. Yes, John Houston.
Mr. Clardy. Were you in the courtroom at the time I made the
announcement about continuing subpenas and certain persons were to
appear at the Lansing hearings ?
Mrs. Baldwin. Yes, I was.
Mr. Clardy. Did you recognize any of those four that I named, or
did you see them ?
Mrs. Baldwin. I recognized the name John Houston.
Mr. Clardy. Did you observe him in the audience, or did you observe
him at all ?
Mrs. Baldwin. No, I did not.
Mr. Clardy. I see. I am informed by the investigator that he was
not present in the room.
Mr. Tavenner. I might say, Mr. Chairman, that as a result of a
request by his counsel and by him as to inconvenience that he would
undergo to appear here at the time when it looked like we could reach
him that we agreed to transfer him to Lansing, and he has been notified
to appear at Lansing.
COMMUNIST ACTIVITIES IN THE STATE OF MICHIGAN 5319
Did you know John Houston, the husband of Betty Houston, to be
a member of the Communist Party ? ^ . -, ■, ^
Mrs. Baldwin. Well, my records indicate that m 1947 he held a
Communist Party membership card number 69464, and also in Decem-
ber it came to my attention, and I issued him a transfer card to New
York, which was later rescinded because they said that Betty and
John Houston had returned to Ann Arbor, and he was a member;
he was listed at that time as a member of the Ralph Neafus Club.
Mr. Tavenner. Were you aware of the existence of a campus club
at Wayne University ?
Mrs. Baldwin. Well, it was known or called the Wayne youth
group.
Mr. Tavenner. Wayne youth group ?
Mrs. Baldwin. Yes, Wayne Youth Club or Wayne youth group.
Mr. Tavenner. Of the Communist Party ?
Mrs. Baldwin. Of the Communist Party.
Mr. Tavenner. AVill you tell the committee, please, who were the
officers of that club ?
Mrs. Baldwin. George Shenkar was chairman, S-h-e-n-k-a-r.
Mr. Tavenner. Mr. Chairman, George Shenkar was also identified
during the course of this hearing by Witness Mikkelsen.^
Proceed, please.
Mrs. Baldwin. Gene Kowalski, K-o-w-a-l-s-k-i, was dues and finan-
cial secretary. In the early part of 1946 he was replaced by Edward
Black, B-1-a-c-k. John Cherveny, C-h-e-r-v-e-n-y, was a member of
the executive board.
Mr. Tavenner. John Cherveny was identified by this witness in
1952. He appeared as a witness in those hearings. He refused to
testify as to any material matter on the basis that to do so might tend
to incriminate him.
Mrs. Baldwin. Sidney Graber, G-r-a-b-e-r, was the organizational
secretary, and he was the person to whom I directed my correspondence
in OctoJber 1947, informing him that I had become the membership
and dues secretary for district 7.
Mr, Tavenner. Sidney Graber was a witness before this committee
during the course of this hearing and refused to testify as to his
alleged Communist Party membership on tlie ground tliat to do so
might tend to incriminate him.
Did you know a person by the name of Al Milstein ?
Mrs. Baldwin. I did not know him personally. However, I did
handle a transfer card dealing with him.
Mr. Tavenner. A transfer card ?
Mrs. Baldwin. Yes.
Mr. Tavenner. Will you tell the committee what you know about
his transfer card. I assume you mean Communist Party transfer card.
Mrs. Baldwin. Yes, I do. He was transferred from New Orleans
into the Communist Party here in Wayne County, and he was put at
that time into the Ralph Neafus Club.
Mr. Ta\tenner. I would like to ask you a few questions regarding
Communist Party functions that you attended. Did you attend a
meeting of the auto miscellaneous section of the Communist Party
wliich we are informed was held on May 7, 1949 ?
Mrs. Baldwin. Well, I usually attended all of them, as I was the
membership director, financial secretary.
^ Harold M. Mikkelson.
5320 COMMUNIST ACTIVITIES IN THE STATE OF MICHIGAN
Mr. Tavenner. Can you tell us where that meeting was held ?
Mrs. Baldwin. At 2419 Grand River. That was the auto miscel-
laneous section headquarters at that time.
Mr. Tavenner. AVlio was the chairman of that meeting that was
held on May 7, 1949?
Mrs. Baldwin, As I recall, Edith Van Horn was given charge of
the meeting. She was employed at the Dodge Motor Co. at that time.
Mr. Tavennkr. You identified her at the 1952 hearings.
Mrs. Baldwin. Yes, I did.
Mr. Tavenner. As a member of the Communist Party, I believe.
Mrs. Baldwin. Yes.
Mr. Tavenner. Can you tell me in just a fev,- words what was the
general purpose of that meeting ?
Mrs. Baldwin. Yes. As I recall, that was to organize for a peace
petition, as I recall.
Mr. Tavenner. It is noted from the plan of operation of the Dear-
born auto section, Johnson Exhibit No. 2, that that was one of the
general plans of work for the Communist Party.
Wliat position were you in during the course of that meeting to
know who attended ?
Mrs. Baldwin. I was registrar ; I mean, I was
Mr. Tavenner. Wliat do you mean by "registrar" ?
Mrs. Baldwin. Well, I was assigned to see that the people who
entered there were known.
Mr. Tavenner. Were known members of the Communist Party ?
Mrs. Baldwin. Were known members of the Communist Party, yes.
Mr. Tavenner. So it was both registrar and security, was it not?
Mrs. Baldwin. That is true.
INIr. Tavenner. Did you, at the time, record for purposes of delivery
to the Federal Bureau of Investigation the names of those who
attended ?
Mrs. Baldwin. Yes, I did.
Mr. Taa^nner. Will you give us their names, please ?
Mrs. Baldwin. Oscar Rhodes.
Mr. Tavenner. Mr. Chairman, when it comes to these names, many
of them have been identified by this witness before, and I think it
will hasten matters for us to assume that the names she gives have
been identified by her before unless I state otherwise.
Mr. Clardt. Very well.
Mr. Tavenner. In other words, just reverse the |)roceedings.
Mr. Clardy. Very well.
Mr. Tavenner. Will you start again please ?
Mrs. Baldwin. Oscar Rhodes, Harold Wells, W-e-1-l-s, and Bob
Purdy of GM, Phil Horowitz, H-o-r-o-w-i-t-z.
Mr. Tavenner. That is the first time he has been identified before
this committee.
Mrs. Baldwin. Chai'les Lindouf, who is now living in Sweden.
Mr. Tavenner. Spell that name, please.
Mrs. Baldwin. Sweden?
Mr. Tavenner. No, Lindouf.
Mrs. Baldwin. L-i-n-d-o-u-f. Lee St. John, S-t. J-o-h-n, and he was
believed to have used the alias Miller, M-i-1-l-e-r, in the party.
Mr. Tavenner. This is the first time he has been identified.
Mrs. Baldwin. Herman Burt was of Midland Steel, B-u-r-t.
COMMUNIST ACTIVITIES IN THE STATE OF MICHIGAN 5321
Imogene Brantley, B-r-a-n-t-1-e-y, Sven Falk of Packard.
Mr. Tavenner. Will you spell the tirst name, please ?
Mrs. Baldwin. S-v-e-n. Jr*lnl Carroll, C-a-r-r-o-1-1.
Mr. Tavenner. This is the first identification of Mr. Carroll.
Mrs. Baldwin. Cliff Bollin, Jr. Ernie Syversen, S-y-v-e-r-s-e-n.
Mr. Tavenner. This is likewise his first identification.
Mrs. Baldwin. Merrill Work. W-o-r-k, Scotty — Sidney was his
name — Barclay, B-a-r-c-1-a-y, Walter Christie, C-h-r-i-s-t-i-e, and
Paul Endicott, E-n-d-i-c-o-t-t.
Mr. Tavenner. Mrs. Baldwin, there was another meeting reported
to us at the auto miscellaneous section of the Communist Party held
on June 25, 1949. Were you present at that meeting i
]\Irs. Baldwin. Yes, I was.
Mr. Tavenner. Did you act in the same capacity as the former
meeting ?
Mrs. Baldwin. I did.
Mr. Tavenner. What was the general nature of the meeting ?
Mrs. Baldwin. The general nature of that meeting, I believe, was
a press gathering; I mean, to see that the Michigan edition of the
Worker was circulated, and it also took care of literature, and we had
union reports from Nat Ganley.
Mr. Tavenner. Will 3'ou give us the names, please, of those who
were present ?
Mrs. Baldwin. Nat Ganley, John Nowak.
Mr. Tavenner. That is his first identification.
Mrs. Baldwin. Phil Hodak, H-o-d-a-k.
Mr. Tavenner. First identification.
Mrs. Baldwin. Wallace Christie.
Mr. Tavenner. First identification. You had better spell that
name, please.
Mrs. Baldwin. C-h-r-i-s-t-i-e. That is the same one that I men-
tioned in the previous meeting.
Mr. Tavenner. Yes, I see.
Mrs. Baldwin. And Oscar Rhodes. Bob Brown is now deceased.
Eobert Cummins, C-u-m-m-i-n-s, Cliff Bolin, and Edith Van Horn.
INIr. Tavenner. Did you attend a closed meeting of the auto mis-
cellaneous section of the Communist Party on July 23, 1949, in which
the meeting embraced the representatives from the Ford section and
the Dearborn section of the Communist Party ?
Mrs. Baldwin. Yes, I did, and that was attended by a national
officer of the Communist Party.
Mr. Tavenner. Who was that ?
]\[rs. Baldwin. Johnny Gates, or John Gates.
Mr. Tavenner. What was the purpose of the meeting ?
Mrs. Baldwin. The purpose of that was to usher Nat Ganley out
of the press work. He had been editor of the Michigan edition of
the Worker up to that point, and also to impress upon tlie Communist
Party members the need of getting petitions out in the unions, raising
the resolutions within the unions on the indictment of the 11 Com-
munist Party leaders.
Mr. Tavenner. That was one of the main plans set forth in this
plan of action known as Johnson Exhibit No. 2, to create sentiment in
5322 COMMUNIST ACTIVITIES IN THE STATE OF MICHIGAN
favor of the 12, as it was stated, so that is another instance of the
work that was done pursuant to those directives.
Will you tell the committee, please, who were present from tli3
various sections represented at that meeting ?
Mrs, Baldwin. Yes. Ann Vartainian, who is now Mrs. Paul
Boatin, was there from the Dearborn section. From the Ford section
we have Paul Boatin, B-o-a-t-i-n, Tersil Obriot, 0-b-r-i-o-t, Nelson
Davis, Harold Robertson, R-o-b-e-r-t-s-o-n, Ed Lock, John Gallo,
G-a-1-l-o, and Max Chait, C-h-a-i-t.
From the auto miscellaneous section were Ernie Sorenson, S-o-r-e-n-
s-o-n, Cliff Bollin, Jr., Merrill Work, Paul Brooks, Scotty Barclay,
Phil Horowitz, Ed Pietrowski, P-i-e-t-r-o-w-s-k-i, Bob Cummins, and
Bob Brown, who is deceased.
From the packing unit, Olga Zenchuck was present, Z-e-n-c-h-u-c-k.
Mr. Tavenner. Did you attend an executive meeting of the auto
miscellaneous section of the Communist Party on August 6, 1949 ?
Mrs. Baldwin. Yes, I did.
Mr. Tavenner. Can you tell the committee at this time the general
nature or the general purpose of that meeting ?
Mrs. Baldwin. Yes. This was in connection with the peace ]^eti-
tions, a mobilization, an organizing meeting, to circulate and glean
names for the peace petitions.
Mr. Tavenner. Who were present at these ?
Mrs. Baldwin. Nat Ganley, Bob Cummins, Lee Marsh, jNI-a-r-s-h,
and James Plater. He was from local 922. He replaced Walter
Warner, the regular club chairman.
Mr. Tavenner. Lee Marsh and James Plater have not been pre'
viously identified. Did you attend a mobilization of the Communist
Party at Yeamens Hall on January 26, 1950 ?
Mrs. Baldwin. Yes, I did.
Mr. Tavenner. Were representatives present from various labor
unions
Mrs. Baldwin. Yes, they were. There was Curt and Sally Davis,
D-a-v-i-s.
Mr. Tavenner. What plant were they from?
Mrs. Baldwin. They were from the Dodge cell,
Mr. Tavenner, Very well. Will you give us others from the Dodge
plant?
Mrs. Baldwin. Paul Henley, PI-e-n-1-e-y, Charles Walters,
W-a-1-t-e-r-s, and Leroy Ellery, E-1-l-e-r-y, and a Sid. He was known
to me only as Sid, from the youth section. Harry Boskey, B-o-s-k-e-y,
who is now residing in Canada, and Nat Ganley, He was from local
155.
Mr. Ta\"enner. Wlio were present from Briggs?
Mrs. Baldwin. Don DeBlois, Milton Schleicher. From Plymouth,
Charles Lindouf, whom I said is now living in Sweden, and an Amiel
of whom I did not get his last name.
Mr. Tavenner. Will you spell the name, please?
Mrs. I^aldwin. A-m-i-e-1. From Chrysler was represented Cliff
Bollin, Jr., Van Brooks, B-r-o-o-k-s, and James Cooper, C-o-o-p-e-r.
Mr. Tavenner. Did you attend an organization conference of the
Communist Party at Jericho Temple, 2705 Joy Road, on April 21
and 22, 1950?
Mrs. Baldwin. Yes, I did.
COMMUNIST ACTIVITIES IN THE STATE OF MICHIGAN 5323
Mr. Tavenner. Will you tell us about that meeting, please ?
Mrs. Baldwin. Yes. That meeting was more or less a report from
the various clubs on the activities, each chairman of the club giving
a report on what they had done and expected to do.
Mr. Tavenner. Do you recall who was chairman of the meeting ?
Mrs. Baldwin. Yes. Phil Schatz was chairman of that meeting.
Mr. Tavenner. He was one of the Smith Act defendants, was he
not, in Detroit 'i
Mrs. Baldwin. Pie was, yes.
Mr. Tavenner. Will you give us the names of those who were
present, please?
Mrs. Baldwin. Saul Wellman.
Mr. Tavenner. He was one of the Smith Act defendants, I believe.
Mrs. Baldwin. He was also. He gave the main report. Tom
Dennis.
Mr. Tavenner. Another Smith Act defendant.
Mrs. Baldwin. Bill McKie, M-c-K-i-e. Nat Ganley.
Mr. Tavenner. Also a Smith Act defendant.
Mrs. Baldwin. A Mr. Spiegel, S-p-i-e-g-e-1, from upper peninsula,
Max Chait, Billy Allan.
Mr. Tavenner. He was a Smith Act defendant also, was he not?
Mrs. Baldwin. He was. Marvin Gladstone, who was then organ-
izer of Washtenaw County.
Mr. Tavenner. Just a moment Marvin Gladstone. Do you know
his wife's name?
Mrs. Baldwin, No, I do not.
Mr. Tavenner. Marvin Gladstone has been previously identified in
the testimony as a member of the Communist Party by this witness.
Mrs. Baldwin. From the district office, Helen Allison Winter,
Mrs. Carl Winter.
Mr. Tavenner. Also a Smith Act defendant.
Mrs. Baldwin. Yes, she is. Tom Dennis, Ann Beiswenger,
B-e-i-s-w-e-n-g-e-r, Faye Gingold, G-i-n-g-o-l-d, Saul Wellman,
W-e-1-l-m-a-n. From the Ford and Dearborn, Phil Schatz. Nelson
Davis, Steve Simmons, Max Chait, Dave Moore, M-o-o-r-e, and Bill
McKie. The auto miscellaneous representatives were Herman
Mr. Tavenner. Just a moment before we go into that.
Mr. Chairman, may we have a few minutes recess ?
Mr. Clardy. Very well. Take a 5-minute recess.
(Whereupon, at o : 58 p. m., the hearing was recessed, to reconvene
at 4 :03 p.m.)
(Wliereupon, at 4: 10 p. m., the hearing was reconvened.)
Mr. Clardy. The hearing will resume.
Mr. Tavenner. Mrs. Baldwin, I will ask you, because of the lateness
of the hour, not to spell the names. We will check the spelling with
you after you have testified.
You were about to name those present at this meeting in the auto
miscellaneous group which was held on April 21 and 22, 1950. Will
you give us those who were in attendance from the auto miscellaneous
club?
Mrs. Baldwin. From the auto miscellaneous club, Herman Burt,
Nat Ganley, Edith Van Horn, Bob Cummins, Oscar Rhodes, Van
Brooks, and that Van is his first name; Brooks is the second. Fred
AVilliams, Russ Kitto, Jerry Boyd, James Walker, Paul Brooks, Eddie
5324 COMMUNIST ACTIVITIES IN THE STATE OF MICHIGAN
Pietrowski, Eobert Purely, Gladys Purely, Sven Falk, Nick Swetniek^
Cliff Bollin, Jr., Scotty Barclay, Imogene Brantley, and a Mr. Jack-
son from local 205.
From the Daily Worker office, Billy Allan, Izzy Berensen, Louis
Klitzner, Betty Thomas Mayen, Phil Halper.
In the youth section, Bernie Bellinson, Jack Gore, Nate Mitchnick,
Ernie Ellis, and Freddie Patterson.
Polish section, Ben Kocel.
Outstate, Jack White from Flint, Jack Palmquist, Jr., Matt Savola
from upper peninsula, Marvin Gladstone from WashtenaAv County,
Larry Davis, and Ellen Dennis.
Larry Davis was from the Port Huron section, New Baltimore.
Ellen Davis represented Washtenaw County.
East side community, Mary Bray, James Harris. Fred Jones.
From the west side section, Phil Raymond, George Mogill, and
Mrs. George or known as Billie Mogill, Zina Brandi Haskell, Raj^
Haskell, Reva Bernstein, Lydia Mates, Kathy Lee Bizziochi, Mary
Maraniss, John Edmonds.
From the professional section was Mrs. Coleman or Marian Young,
and Harold Shapiro.
Mr. Ta VENDER. Did you attend a meeting in June 1950 of the func-
tionaries of the Communist Party at the Civic Center, 114 Erskine
Detroit?
Mrs. Baldwin. Yes, I did.
Mr. Tavenner. Will you give the names of those who attended ?
Mrs. Baldwin. The following were in attendance
Mr. Tavenner. Let me ask you, were you in the same position to
accurately ascertain those present at this meeting as the former
meetings?
Mrs. Baldwin. Yes, I had been chosen as one of the security groups.
There were 3 of us, and I was 1 of those. It was my duty to reo-ister
the names as the}^ entered the meeting hall after they had been iden-
tified.
Mr. Tavenner. Who were the other two working with you in con-
nection with that matter?
Mrs. Baldwin. Paul Brooks and Oscar Rhodes and a few of the
otlier organizers were on the securitv list.
Helen Allison Winter; Carl Winter, who was then chairman of
district 7 of the Communist Party, Michigan; Saul Welhnan ; Bill
Allan ; Mabel Mitchell, who was circulation manager for the Michigan
Worker ; Mary Bray, who was organizer for the East Side Council and
a Midtown Club member; Mrs. Bill Morrey, member of the Nat
Turner; Carneller Foreman, member of the JS'at Turner Club; Bob
Rowlson, was not as yet assigned to a club; Milly Rowlson, his wife,
was a member of Twelfth Street Club ; Russ Kitto, a member of the
Eddie Elberts Club, which was of the auto miscellaneous section; Mrs.
Russ Kitto was a member of Oakland Club ; Don De Blois, educational
division of the Briggs Club; Faye Grossman, educational division of
the Oakland Club; and just Albert, a memb:^r of the Joe Hill Club;
Ed Buczak, member of the Polish section; Nat Wnld, member of the
Michigan Club; Steve Simmons, member of the Michigan Club; Ray
Haskell, member of the Freiheit Club; Zina Brandi, member of Mid-
town; Ida Olshansky, member of the Twelfth Street; Orville Allen,
Steel and Foster section; Harold Robertson, member of local 600;
COMMUNIST ACTIVITIES IN THE STATE OF MICHIGAN 5325
Alice Kocel, member of tlie Polish young group; John Isaac, mem-
ber of Freiheit; Mrs. Lila Isaacs, member of the Bloor Club; May
Allen, 14th Club; Ed Crawford, McGraw Club; Oscar Rhodes, auto
section organizational secretary and a member of Briggs Club ; Scotty
Barclay was chairman of the Hudson cell of the auto miscellaneous
section; Ike Greenberg, Ben Davis Club; Goldie Greenberg, Ben
Davis Club; Mrs. Beverly Rhodes, Ben Davis; Alonzo Ansell, mem-
ber of the Dearborn section; Saul Grossman, member of Twelfth
Street Club ; James Tsinis, member pf the Greek section ; Mr. Douglas,
member of McGraw ; Elliott Maraniss, Southfield Club : Mary Mara-
niss, Southfield Club ; Bob Cummins, De Soto ; Nelson Davis, local 600 ;
Jack Wliite, Flint; Murray Borod, organizer of the Flint section;
Geneva Olmsted, Negro commission in Flint; Chuck, executive board,
Flint.
Mr. Tavenner. Let me interrupt you a moment, please. What do
you mean by "Negro commission, Flint" ?
jNIrs. Baldwin. Well, there w^as a Negro commission organized, and
she was the chairman or the officer in charge of that Negro commission.
Mr. Tavenjnter. All right.
Mrs. Baldwin. JNIilton Schleicher, financial secretary, Briggs Club ;
]\Irs. Joe Schleinher was a nonmember ; Val Clough, member, GOO ; Mrs.
Ed Lock, just a member; Marvin Gladstone, organizer AVashtenaw
County; Curt Davis, chairman of Dodge Club; Sally Davis, financial
secretary of the Dodge Club ; Malcolm Wright, member of the Dodge
Club ; Paul Brooks, chairman of Murray Club ; Merrill Work, chair-
man of local 835, Communist Party club ; Louie Klitzner, member of
LaBelle ; Dolores Storich, membership director of the Twelfth Street
Club; Gladys Purdy, chairman of Soutlifield; Ann Beiswenger, mem-
ber of Ford plastic; Sylvia Alston, member of the State literature
committee; Rifka ]\Iaisenberg, chairman of the State literature com-
mission ; Gus Polites, member of the Greek group ; Lee Marsh, chair-
man of the youth group ; Nat Ganley, chairman of auto miscellaneous,
and also a member of 155 Communist Party club; Lenny Cohen, mem-
ber of the youth section; Bob Purdy, chairman, GM East; Harry
Boskey, financial secretary, Packard ; Bob Brown, executive board of
Packard; Al Storich, member of the Dave "^Aliite section; Art Mc-
Phaul, member Ford pressed steel, local 600; Mrs. Art McPhaul, mem-
ber of the Ford pressed steel ; Gert Schatz, literature director. Twelfth
Street Club; Jack Gore, member of tlie youtli section; Bill, no last
name, member of Budd Wlieel; Chris Alston, member of Packard
Club ; Van Brooks, chairman of the Joe Hill ; James Harris, president
of the Tenants Council Club, Downtown Club also; Sid Linn, organ-
izer of the Dave "Wliite section.
Mr. Tavennek. In the year 1950 did you attend a course of instruc-
tion in Communist Party matters ?
Mrs. Baldwin. I certainly did.
Mr. Tavenner. Tell us briefly about that, please.
Mrs. Baldwin. I attended a course on the History of the Communist
Party of the Soviet Union and that was taught by Ann Beiswenger.
Mr. Tavenner. Will you tell the committee, please, who attended
that course with you ?
Mrs. Baldwin. Those who were students in that course were Ellen
Dennis, Bereniece Baldwin, Ernest something, Ann Crowe, Harold
5326 COMMUNIST ACTIVITIES IN THE STATE OF MICHIGAN
Smith, Tillie Sigadelli, and a diet, Annie Cash, an Arnold, and
Marian Coleman Young.
Mr. Tavenner. How long did the school last ?
Mrs. Baldwin. We began that on the History of the Communist
Party of the Soviet Union and had three different sections. We had
to go over into 1951 in order to complete the book which was founded
on the complete revolution of the Soviet Union.
Mr. Tavenner. You had to do what ?
Mrs. Baldwin. We had to extend over past the term period of the
Michigan School of Social Science under which this was taught.
Mr, Tavenner. Do you know about how long you were in that
particular course?
Mrs. Baldwin. Yes.
Mr. Tavenner. At that time ?
Mrs. Baldwin. From the summer of 1949, into tlie spring of 1950,
Mr. Tavenner. Was there a second school on that subject, or was
it a continuation of the same school ?
Mrs. Baldwin. Well, the brochure on that particular classed two
terms. We had a fall term, and tlien a spring term, which went into
Januaiy of 1950, but we also had an extension course on that, to com-
plete the book, which would carry past actually the period it had been
specified.
Mr. Tavenner. Were there any other persons who became mem-
bers of this study group besides those that you have already men-
tioned.
Mrs. Baldwin. Yes, there were. In the second part of it, Ernie
Persons joined us, Evelyn Loeser, Roberta Myers, Ellen Dennis, Joan
Ellis, and the members I have just mentioned ])reviously.
Mr. Tavenner. Mr. Chairman, this links up the testimony that we
had planned to present at this time.
Mr. Clardy. Does that conclude the list of identities that slie was
prepared to ma^ e at this hearing ?
Mr. Tavenner. Yes, sir.
Mr. Clardy. Do you have any fui'ther questions on any otlier suIj-
ject, or can those be deferred to some otlier time, if we think it im-
portant ?
Mr. Tavenner. Yes, I think it should be deferred.
Mr. Clardy. Then that concludes your examination of this witness ?
Mr. Tavenner. Yes, sir.
Mr. Clardy. Mrs. Baldwin, I don't think I need to repeat the thanks
that were extended to you at the prior hearing in 195i^. I merely
need say that the subcommittee feels exactly as the prior subcommittee
felt. You have made an important contribution in our work, in our
research, and in our efforts to discover as nmch as Ave can about the
conspiracy. I only wish that the message that I think your testimony
carries with it could be heard by everyone in the State of iSIichigan.
and for that matter, in the United States. 1 want to again thank you
and let you know that we do dee])ly appreciate your contribution.
Mrs. Baldwin. Thank you.
Mr. Clardy. Witness excused. Now, before the hearing is con-
cluded here and adjourned to Lansing, the Chair wants to make a
few observations and to say a few words about some of those who
have cooperated with us, but particularly I would like first to call
your attention to the fact that the hearings that have been carried
COMMUNIST ACTIVITIES IN THE STATE OF MICHIGAN 5327
on here thus far this week are precisely the kind of hearin^js the com-
mittee has been conductino; at other places and at other times. There
is nothing unusual about it. We are, I am afraid, not as sensational
in our presentation as, perhaps, the people who have not witnessed
them may think or believe, and I don't think that anyone who has
observed these hearings will be able to recognize them from the de-
scription that you sometimes read in the left wing press and from the
left wing columnists and the left wing commentators.
I am certainly thankful that here in Michigan we have a press that
is adequately and fairly and completely represented by men of good
will and people of considerable talent and ability, because I do want
to thank the press for the more than excellent reporting, the clear fac-
tual reporting, that has gone forth from this hearing room during
the time that we are here. I thank all of the men at the press table
for the press services, and three Detroit newspapers are to be con-
gratulated on doing an excellent job of fair reporting. I only wish
that we could have the same kind everywhere we go and on every
hearing that we carry on.
And, of course, because of the fact that the name Jack White has
enterecl into this proceeding on several occasions, I can't let the day
pass without pointing out that he has done an excellent job in con-
densing and reporting the proceedings that we have carried on, along
with his partner in crime, Joe Hainline, both of whom I listen to quite
regularly when I am able to be back in INIichigan.
Now, we have had great cooperation from Commissioner Joseph
Childs, of the State Police, and the men that are with him. We haA'e
had cooperation from the Detroit police and from Commissioner Leo-
nard; from the Detroit Loyalty Commission, of which Mr. May is
chairman; and, of course, I think you gentlemen of the press, along
with us, owe a little bit of thanks to the building superintendent for
the way they have taken care of us and to the marshal's office in really
helping me keep the proceedings well in hand ; and, by the way, I think
I should point out that, with a few exceptions that called for a little
attention, this audience in the main has been very, very good and quiet,
and I have no criticism, and in the main the attorneys who have ap-
peared are the same way,
I hope no one will draw the unpopular conclusion about these attor-
jieys who have to appear on behalf of unpopular clients. No onus
should be attached to any attorney who is called on to represent persons,
whether they be Communists or criminals or what have you. Being
an attorney myself, I realize that it is absolutely necessary that attor-
neys give their best to anyone who desires their services, and I think
that, with one or two exceptions, the attorneys here have been very
fair. I regret very much that on the first day of the hearing, in order
to secure the quiet and in order to be able to carry on the business of
the committee, it was necessary to take the drastic action that I did,
but I think that everyone must agree that on Wednesday the gentle-
man acted as he should, as a gentleman, and that, despite all of the
rather vicious attacks that have been made upon the committee and
upon me personally, alleging that I am anti-Negro and all that sort
of thing, despite all of those attacks, I have only the kindliest feelings
for all of them who have appeared before us.
Now, in concluding, I want to straighten out one misapprehension
that I find voiced by a number of people, and that is the belief that
5328 coMMUisriST activities in the state of Michigan
we came into Michigan and that we go other places for the purpose,
for example, of investigating communism in some certain school or to
investigate it in some other institution or in some group. That never
has been the purpose of the committee. It is not now the purpose.
TVe are not engaged in that kind of an investigation; we are inter-
ested in finding and exposing Communists whoever they may be and
whatever station in life they may occupy. We are not attempting to
investigate, for example, Wayne University or University of ]\Iichi-
gan or any of the other great schools in my State. We have attempted
no such investigation. We will not attempt any such. We do not want
the unfair inference to be drawn that because some few people may
come from those institutions that the committee believes that they
are or that they have a faculty or student body that is infested with
Communists and communism. We hold no such belief at all, and the
same applies to the labor group. We are not attacking any labor
union. We have not investigated any labor union. We do not intend
to do that. "Wliat we do intend to do is to continue in what we think
is a fair way to uncover these people that we regard as dangerous to
the safety of this Nation and to uncover them to expose their methods
to show the nature of the organization to which they belong and in
general to let the public, as well as the Congress, know and under-
stand the scope and extent of the Communist conspiracy.
At the adjourned hearing we hope to clean it up in one day and
dispose of the witnesses primarily because we do not want to keep
people under subpena for a great length of time. We think that is
unfair. We want to give them an o]jportunity to take the stand and
to answer fair questions as quickly as we can and dispose of the prob-
lems so far as they are concerned. I am certain no one desires that
more than I do; and, while it may be difficult for us to fit another
hearing into our schedule because of the busy days that are ahead of
us, we are going to endeavor to do that. Now we adjourn the hearing
to convene again at 9 :30 a. m. on Monday next, May 10, in the house
chamber of the capital at Lansing, Mich.
(Whereupon, at 4 : 35 p. m., the hearing was recessed until 9 : 30 a. m.
Monday, May 10, 1954.)
INDEX TO PART 5
INDHIDUALS
Page
Adamski, Stanley 5307
Allan, William 5323, 5324
Allen, May 5825
Allen, Oryille 5824
Allison, Helen 5309
Alston, Chris 5325
Alston, Sylyia (Mrs. Chris Alston) 5325
Ans-us, Lucile 5801, 5302
Ansell. Alonzo 5308, 5325
Baldwin, Bereniece 5295, 5297-5328 (testimony)
Barclay, Sidney (Scotty) 5321, 5322, 5324, 5325
Barron, Donnie 5303
Bartholomew, Wallace 5311
Bascom, Mrs. Raymond (Mrs. Marie Bascom ; see also Sampey, Marie) 5811
Baxter, Bolza 5802
Beiswenger, Ann 5823, 532-5
Beldean, Andrew 5311
Bellinson, Bernie 5324
Belmont, Ruth 5303
Berensen, Izzy 5324
Bernstein, Reva 5315, 5324
Bizziochi, Kathy Lee ^ 5324
Black, Edward 5319
Blakka. Jessie 5312
Blossom, Ray 5309
Boatin, Mrs. Paul (Ann Boatin; see also Vartainian, Ann) 5322
Boatin, Paul 5814, 5322
Bollin, Cliff. Jr 5.321, 5322, 5824
Borod, Murray 5299, 5300, .5325
Boskey, Harry 5322, 5325
Boyd, Gerald (Jerry) 5312, 5323
Brandi, Zina 5324
Brant, Joe 5302, 5304
Brant, Sylvia 5302
Brantley, Imogene 5321, 5324
Bray, Mary 5809, 5.824
Breitt, Paul 5803
Broat, Saul 5811
Brooks, Paul 5311, 5322-5325
Brooks, Van 5322, 5323, 5325
Brown, Bob 5321, 5322, 5325
Bryant, Thomas 5304
Buczak, Ed 5324
Bufford, George 5314
Burnetii, Elmer . 5811
Burt, Herman 5320, 5323
Cahn, Rolf 5314
Carroll, Phil 5321
Carter, Bill 5318
Carter, Warren H 5302
Cash, Annie 5326
Cerousky, Steve 5306
Chait, Max 5303, 5322, 5323
Chait, Sandra (Mrs. Max Chait; see also Goldstick, Sandra) 5303
li INDEX
fage
Chamblis, Hilliard 5303
Oherveny, John 5319
Chevalier, Mrs. Zacky 5316
Chllcls, Joseph 5327
Chrin. Joe 5308
Christie, Wallace 5321
Christie, Walter 5321
Clark, Terrv 5309
Clouffh, Val 5325
Cochran. Evelyn 5316
Cohen. Lenny 5325
Coleman, Mrs. Marian (see also Young, Marian) 5324
Cook, Georpe 5307
Cook, Maurice 5309
Cooper, James 5.322
Coppock, Rnssell 5302
Cottrell, Leo 5305. 5308
Crawford. Edward 5305, 5.325
Crowe. Ann 5.325
Cummins, Mary 5317
Cummins, Robert (Bob) 5321-5323,5325
Cunningham. Gene .5311
Dalton. Clem 5313, 5314
Darcv, Fred 5316
Davis, Curt 5311, 5322, 5325
Davis, Ellen .5324
Davis. Larry 5324
Davis, Nelson 5322, 5323, 5325
Davis, Richard 5310
Davis, Sally 5322, 5325
DeBlois. Don .5322. 5.324
Dennis, Ellen .5324-5.3L~6
Dennis, Thomas ,5.316, .5323
Doniarian, John 5307
Dcmibrowski, Tom 5305
Dopulos, Peter, .Tr 5.313, 5314
Douglas, Mr 5325
Dunn. Walter Scott 5304, 5309, .5.312
Edmonds, Jotm .5324
Ellery, Leroy ,5.322
Ellis, Ernie 5324
Ellis, .Joan 5314, 5326
Endicott, Paul 5.321
Falk. Sven 5321, 5324
Ferris, Alice 5309
FilPccia, Ralph 5311
Fiscli. Fred 5304
Fletcher. William Estes 5296-5297 (testimony), .5314, .5315
Foreman, Carneller 5312, 5324
Foster, Shirley 5302
Franklin, Harold 5308
Furay, Corrine .5312
Gabriel, Pete 5306
Gallo, .John 5322
Ganley, Xat 5321-5323, 5.325
<]!ates, .John 5321
Gebelle, Fred 5311
George, Frank , 5305
Gingold, Faye .5323
Gladstone, Iviarvin 5323-5325
(ilenn. William .5316
• Joldstick, Sandra (see also Chait, Sandra) 5303
Goodman, Kenny 5314
(Jore. Jack 5324, 5325
Graber, Sidney 5319
Grunt. J. R 5.316
INDEX iii
Page
<i!reenber.i;, Goldie oS'i")
Oreeuberg, Ike 5325
<Jriffel, Dorothy -^SIT
Orossmau, Faye 5324
Grossman, Saul 5325
Hainline, Joe 5327
Hall, Ray 5311
Halper, Phil 5307, 5324
Harris, James 5324, 5325
Haskell, Kay 5324
Haskell, Zina Braudi 5324
Hell, John 5313
Henley, Paul 5322
Higdon, Barbara 5316
Higdon, Hoke 5316
Hodak, Phil 5321
HoUis, James 5312
Horowitz, Phil 5320
Houston, Betty (Mrs. John Houston) 5318, 5319
Houston, John 5310, 5318, 5319
Isaacs, Lila 1 5325
Isaacs, John 5325
Jackson, Mr 5324
.lackson, James E 5298
Jenkins, Deri 5311
Johnson, Jean 5305
Jones, Fred 5324
Kantechey, George 5313
Kanter 5307
Kapata, Florian 5308
Kapnick, Jean 5311
Keil, June 5314
Kelman, Sam 5312
Kitto, Russ 5323, 5324
Kitto, Mrs. Russ 5324
Klitzner, Louis 5324, 5325
Kocel, Alice 5325
Kocel, Ben 5324
Kosheway, Anton 5306
Kowalski, Gene 5319
Krugh, I^o 5308
Krup, Al 530H
Kutkowski. Harry 5306
Langer, Verna (see also McAllister, Verna) 5306
Langerman, Jean 5317
Lenny, Louis 5314
Lindouf, Charles 5311, 5320, 5322
Linn. Sid 5325
Litivin, Walter 5313
Lock, Ed 5313, 5322
Lock, Mrs. Ed : 5325
Loeser, Evelyn 5326
Lioeser, Mary 5317
Maben, Hey wood 5312
Maise, Felix B 5311
Maisenberg. Rifka 5305, 5325
Maraniss, Elliott 5325
Maraniss, Mary (Mrs. Elliott Maraniss) 5314, 5324, 5325
Marotich, Milo 5308
Marsh, Lee 5322, 5325
Martin, Edwin V 5308
Mason, Charles 5311
Mason, Dolly 5311
Mates. Lydia 5311, 5324
Matnick, I). George 5316
Maxwell, Matilda {see also Parrish, Matilda Maxwell i 5309
iv INDEX
Page
Mayen, Betty Thomas 5324
McAllister, Verna {see also Langer, Verna) 5305, 5306
McDonald, Frank 5303
Mclntire, Millie 5317
McKie, Bill 5323
McPhaul, Art 5309, 5325
McPliaul, Mrs. Art 5325
Melder, Frank 5316
Meyers, Roberta 5326
Meyers, Violet 5316
Mikkelseu, Harold M 5319
Miller (alias for Lee St. John) 5320
Miller, Joe 5314
Milstein, Al 5319
Mitchell, Charles 5302
Mitchell, Mabel 5324
Mitchnick, Nate 5324
Mogill, Billie (Mrs. George Mogill) 5324
Mogill, George 5303, 5324
Moore, Dave 5323
Morrey, Mrs. Bill 5324
Moxham, M 5304
Mullins, R. E 5307
Nalley, Leslie 5312.
Nathan, George 5308
Neidleman, Eve 5311
Nemeth, James 530S
Nichamin, Elsie 5316
Niemski 5306
Nowak, John 5321
Obriot, Tersil 5314, 5322
O'Hair, Richard Franklin 5305, 5309, 5312
Olmsted, Geneva 5300, 5302, 5325.
Olshansky, Ida 5324
Palmquist, Jack 5313, 5314, 5324
Panaretos, Georgianna 5314
Parrish, Matilda Maxwell (see also Maxwell, Matilda) 530^
Parry, Tom 5312:
Patterson, Freddie 5324
Perkins, Eleanor 5312:
Perlstein, Mildred 5300
Persons, Ernie 5326-
Peteray, John - 5312
Peters, Art ^ 5312
Pietrowski, Ed 5322-5324
Plater, James 5322
Plotkins, Ben 5311
Pontes, Gus 5307, 5325
Probe, Bernard 5296, 5297
Purdy, Annabel 5314
Purdv, Gladys 5324, 5325
Purdy, Bob (Robert) 5320, 5324, 5325
Raymond, Phil 5324
Raymond, Vera 5310
Redstone, Reva 5309
Reed, Mildred (Midge) 5309
Regan, Charles 5308
Reynolds, John 5303
Rhodes, Beverly 5325
Rhodes, Oscar 5320, 5321, 5323-5325
Ripken, Katherine 5312
Hoborlson, Harold 5322, 5324
Rodlck, Steve 5307
Rollins, Helen Rosenfeld 5304
Ro(iwmoi-e, Leslie 5307
INDEX V
Pag«
Ross, Jeanette 5315, 5316
Rowlson, Bob 5324
Rowlson, Milly (Mrs. Bob Rowlson) 5324
St. John, Lee (alias Miller) 5320
Salisbury, Wayne B 5305, 5316
Sampey, Marie {see also Bascom, Marie) 5311
Sandretto, Aldo 5307
Santwire, Milton 5316
Savola, Matt 5324
Schatz, Gert 5325
Schatz. Phil 5323
Schemanske, Stephen (see also Simmons, Steve) 5313
Schleicher, Milton 5307, 5322,5325
Schleinher, Mrs. Joe 5325
Seller, Alex 5314
Shaffer, Edward 5317, 5318
Shapiro, Esther 5304
Shapiro, Harold 5310, 5324
Shenkar, George 5319
Shinn, Charles 5302
Shorfmau, Katherine _ 5317
Sigadelli, Tillie 5326
Silverberg, Dave 5312
Simmons, Steve (see also Schemanske, Steve) 5313, 5323, 5324
Smith, Harold 5326
Smith, Hope 5307
Smith, Leonard 5316
Sniderman, Florence 5304
Sorenson, Ernie 5322
Spiegel, Mr 5323
Sprowso, Mike 53' )5
Storich, Al 5325
Storich, Dolores 5303, 5325
Suttles, Tessie 5308
Sweet, Sam 5312
Swetnick, Nick 5324
Sykes, Frank 5307
Syversen, Ernie 5321
Taylor, Bob 5311
Tsinis, James 5325
Van Horn, Edith 5320, 5321, 5823
Vartainian, Ann (Mrs. Paul Boatin) 5322
Vidakis, Anna 5314
Wald, Nat 5313, 5324
Walker, James ^ .5823
Walker, Mary 5301, 5302
Walters, Charles 5322
Warner, Walter 5322
Wellman, Saul 5323, 5324
Wells, Harold 5320
Weston, Neal 5311
White, Jack 5300-5302, 5304, 5324, 5325
White, Jack (radio newscaster) 5300,5.327
Whitlow, B 5312
Widmark, Elinor 5301, 5302
Williams, Fred 5303, 5323
Williams, John 5316
Williams, Ruth Gilbert 5316
Wilson, Veruia L 5308
Winter, Carl 5324
Winter, Helen Allison (Mrs. Carl Winter) 5323, 5324
Wolf, Ed 5307
Woodley, James 5.301)
Work, Merrill 5311, 5321, 5322, 5325
Wright, Malcolm 5325
V'i INDEX
Pag«
Yktiover, Jules 5303
YoiuifT, Marian (see also Coleman, Mrs. Marian) 5324, 5326
Zackler, Mike 5312
Zenchuck, Olga 5322
Zurovich. Mike 5308
Organizations and Pubications
Communist Party. Michigan (District 7) 5298, 5300, 5324
Ann Arbor Club 53X7
Ann Arbor Town Clvib 5317
Auto miscellanwms section 5319, 5320, 5322, 5324, 5325
Auto miscellaneous section, Hudson cell 5325
P.en Davis Club 5314, 5315, 5325
Bloor Club 5325
Bohn Aluminum Club 5302, 5303
P.rigus Club 5322, 5324, 5325
Budfl Wheel Club 5325
Buick section 5301
Chevrolet secticm 5301
Chrysler section 5322
David White Club 530n, 5325
Dearborn auto section 5298, 5299, 5321
Dearl)orn Club 5308, 532.5.
Dearborn headquarters section 5313.
Del-Kay Club 5314
De Soto section 5325.
Dodce cell 5322, 5325
Downtown Club (Detroit) .5308, 5325
East Club General Motors 5304
East side Comnumity section (Detroit) 5324
East Side Council (Detroit) 5324
Eddie Elberts Club 5324
Fenkell Club (Detroit) 5307
First Congressional District Club 530t), 5307
Flint section 5301, 5324, 5.325
Flint General Motors Club 5304
Flint-Pontiac section 5301
Ford headquarters section .5313
Ford Production Foundry Club 530S
Ford section 5321
Ford section, Motor Building Club ^_-_ 5307
Ford section, plastic branch 5325
Ford section. Pressed Steel Club . 5325
Fourteenth Congressional District Club 5306, 53ir5-
Freiheit Club ^-, 5324, 5325
General Motors Club ^^- 5304, 5325
Grand Rapids Club 531(i
Greek section .--^^ — 5325
Hamtramck Club 5305
Hamtramck Youth Group 5301]
Joe Hill Club 5324,5325
.Toe York Club 5313
LaBelle Club 5325-
Lansing 5313
Literature Committee — .-. 5325-
Local 305 Club (see also Communist Party, Michigan, Bohn Aluminum
Club) 5303.
McGraw Club 5305, 5325
^Michigan Avenue Club 5313, 5324
Midtown Club 5309. 5324
Murray C^ub 5325
Muskeaon Club 5310.
Nat Turner Club 5312, 5321
Negro ('ommission (Flint) 5325
Oakland Club 5310, 532*4
p
INDEX Tii
Comuiuuist Party, Michigan — Continued Page
Packard Club 5311, 5321, 5325
Plymoutli Club 5311, 5322
Polish section 5324
Polish youth group 5325
Port Huron section 5324
Professional Club 5305, 5324
Ralph Neafus Club 5313, 5317-5310
Southfield Club 5304, 5325
Steel and Foster section 5324
Tenants Council Club (Detroit) 5325
Tom Paine Club 5312
Twelfth Street Club 5311, 5324, 5325
United Auto Workers Club, Local 205 5324
United Auto Workers Club, Local 155 5325
United Auto Workers Cluh, Local 835 5325
United States Rubber Club 5312
Washtenaw County 5325
Wayne University Club 5313, 5319
Wayne Youth Club 5319
West side section 5324
Ypsilanti Chib 5316
Communist Political Association 5301
Congress of Industrial Organizations, United Auto W^oi-kers 5324, 5325
Daily Worker 5324
Detroit Loyalty Commission 5327
Dodge Motor Co 5320
Federal Bureau of Investigation 5297,5313,5316,5320
General IMotors Corp 5320
General Motors Corp., Chevrolet Division 5304
Michigan School of Social Science 5326
Michigan Worker 5321, 5324
Midland Steel Co 5320
Suliversive Activities Control Board 5207
United Auto Workers, Ford Local 600 5325
United Auto Workers, Local 155 5322, 5325
University of Michigan 5328.
Wayne University 5319, 5328,
o
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