Iron Ore Trimmers Wars on the Upper Great Lakes
Schedule
Tue Jun 23 2026 at 06:00 pm to 09:00 pm
UTC-04:00Location
260 Dyckman Ave, South Haven, MI, United States, Michigan 49090 | South Haven, MI
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Iron ore trimmers of the late 1800s worked by hand in gangs to level the cargo dumped into a vessel’s hold. It was dirty, exhausting work that depended on speed and reliability. Trimmers occupied a unique position on the docks, often fighting rival gangs and employers to keep the work in their control. The trimmers of Escanaba and Marquette fought in a series of conflicts local papers dubbed the “trimmer wars," battling with fists, shovels, clubs, and sometimes bullets.Tickets are free for Museum members and $10 for non-members. A virtual lecture pass is also available. Doors open at 6 PM. You can purchase tickets for this event online, over the phone, or in-person.
This lecture series is made possible thanks to the Nielsen-Wells Grant Fund and Mike & Susan Smith.
About Our Presenters:
John P. Beck is an Associate Professor Emeritum in the School of Human Resources & Labor Relations at Michigan State University. He previously served as Associate Director of the School, primarily in charge of two of the School's outreach units, the Labor Education Program and Union Management Initiatives. John holds degrees from Michigan State University and the University of Michigan. He worked for five years on the staff of the University of Michigan Labor Studies Center. He has taught labor studies on the community college level in both Oklahoma and Michigan and has taught history and education courses at the university level. John Beck’s grandfather was once a top dockman in Escanaba.
Tickets and Virtual Lecture Pass available:
https://michiganmaritimemuseum.org/event/mmm-lecture-series-iron-ore-trimmers-wars-on-the-upper-great-lakes/
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Where is it happening?
260 Dyckman Ave, South Haven, MI, United States, Michigan 49090Event Location & Nearby Stays:
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