Central Upper Peninsula and Northern Michigan University Archives
Geraldine DeFant papers
MSS-027
Table of Contents
Summary Information
- Repository
- Central Upper Peninsula and Northern Michigan University Archives
- Creator
- DeFant, Geraldine
- Title
- Geraldine DeFant papers
- ID
- MSS-027
- Date [inclusive]
- 1946 - 1990
- Extent
- 5.0 folders
- Language
Preferred Citation Note
[Identification of item], in the Geraldine DeFant papers, MSS-027, Central Upper Peninsula and Northern Michigan University Archives, Northern Michigan University.
Biographical Note
Geraldine DeFant was a longtime Marquette County, Michigan labor leader and politician. In 1948, she came to the Upper Peninsula as an organizer for the International Ladies' Garment Workers union. DeFant organized and led the famous 1949 Gossard Workers strike. She married Marquette attorney Michael DeFant in 1950. DeFant was forced to leave union work once her husband was elected as county probate judge. However, she remained active in the Democratic Party, serving as the Democratic chairwoman of the 11th Congressional District. DeFant also served as an aide to Senators Hart and Riegle. In 1964, DeFant earned a bachelor's degree in political science at Northern Michigan University in Marquette, Michigan.
Through the 1980s, DeFant maintained an active political life. She served on the Marquette County Commission from 1982 to 1991; helped found the Marquette Women's Center and served on its board of directors; and served for six years on the Michigan Women's Commission. DeFant initiated Friend of the Court Legislation that resulted in the garishment of wages for child support. She died on October 25, 1996, at the age of 79.
Scope and Contents note
This collection consists of a taped oral interview with Geraldine Defant conducted by Jennifer Grondin on March 26, 1990, and includes an interview transcription. Of particular note is the interview's coverage of the 1949 H.W. Gossard Company Garment Workers Strike in Ishpeming, Michigan. The collection also includes copies of a scrapbook and photographs. The collection's materials cover the range between 1946-1990.
Administrative Information
Publication Information
Central Upper Peninsula and Northern Michigan University Archives
Harden Learning Resources Center 1261401 Presque Isle Ave
Marquette, Michigan, 49855
906-227-1225
archives@nmu.edu
Revision Description
4/27/2010
Conditions Governing Access note
No restrictions. Open for research.
Controlled Access Headings
Personal Name(s)
- DeFant, Geraldine
Subject(s)
- Gossard Company Strike, Ishpeming, Mich., 1949.
- Labor movement--Michigan--Marquette County.
- Labor unions--Michigan--Marquette County.
- Women labor leaders--Michigan--Upper Peninsula.
Collection Inventory
| Folder | ||||
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Articles and Resume |
35-04-03 LRC | |||
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Gossard Strike 1949 |
35-04-03 LRC | |||
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Oral History Interview |
35-04-03 LRC | |||
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Reproduction of Photographs |
35-04-03 LRC | |||
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Photographs |
35-04-03 LRC | |||
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