Special Collections has recently uncovered an unusual item in the San Diego Vertical Files Collection: a minute book for a socialist organization in San Diego County from 1913-1916. These handwritten minutes records the organization's activities and accounts during these years. Though the full name of the organization is not recorded, the minutes show support for various national and local socialist and labor concerns (including the large 1913 Wheatland hop-picker strike in California). The group was apparently anti-Anarchist in their leanings, as they decided not to subscribe to the International Socialist Review because of its contributions by Anarchists; however, they did subscribe to periodicals like The American Socialist and Western Comrade. According to membership rolls in the book, local women were active in the chapter, and one, Anna Willoughby, was chair for some time. Debates, readings, speeches, and even musical entertainment were part of these rousing meetings.
The minute book makes an important contribution to our understanding of the labor movement in southern California during the Progressive era, especially after the San Diego "free speech fight" of 1912. These riots occurred when the city passed an ordinance prohibiting free speech at the soapbox corner of 5th and E Streets, where the local IWW chapter frequently recruited. Many local labor leaders disobeyed, and over 5,000 others arrived in San Diego from around the nation to demonstrate against the ordinance. As a vigilante crew attempted to subdue them, violence broke out, and many workers were jailed for some months. Well-known anarchist Emma Goldman even arrived in San Diego to show solidarity with the demonstrators, but left almost as soon as she arrived when vigilantes threatened her and her agent. The San Diego Historical Society has fascinating photographs of these demonstrations, and San Diego State has other very important sources (see under G., Business) that can be used to research labor history in the area.