The Dialogue - Revision history

Ccarlsson at 22:28, 17 November 2025

2025-11-17T22:28:39Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:28, 17 November 2025
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	A centralized sign-in and dispatch for work and the physical existence of a [[The Hiring Hall\|hiring hall]] meant that over a period of time the hall men became very well acquainted. Their acquaintance was also reinforced when they were dispatched to the same gang, ship or dock. Since hall men were dispatched to fill out the gangs with needed men, acquaintances between the hall and gang men also developed over time. The men of different gangs were likewise destined to become acquainted by being dispatched to the same ship and, not infrequently, by having been assigned to opposite ends of the same hatch. With the passage of time, then, most of the San Francisco longshoremen had developed at least some acquaintanceship with all of their union brothers. The average longshoreman was also destined to become very well acquainted with a considerable number of those men. For most men, such acquaintanceships frequently grew into a real and lasting friendship. Friendships were also spawned and strengthened over breakfast at the many waterfront cafes, at the coffee break, with a deck of cards at lunch, and when the men were sent to supper prior to finishing a vessel (this continued until 1966). Then, too, some of the brothers were not adverse to getting together for a drink or two following the end of their shift.		A centralized sign-in and dispatch for work and the physical existence of a [[The Hiring Hall\|hiring hall]] meant that over a period of time the hall men became very well acquainted. Their acquaintance was also reinforced when they were dispatched to the same gang, ship or dock. Since hall men were dispatched to fill out the gangs with needed men, acquaintances between the hall and gang men also developed over time. The men of different gangs were likewise destined to become acquainted by being dispatched to the same ship and, not infrequently, by having been assigned to opposite ends of the same hatch. With the passage of time, then, most of the San Francisco longshoremen had developed at least some acquaintanceship with all of their union brothers. The average longshoreman was also destined to become very well acquainted with a considerable number of those men. For most men, such acquaintanceships frequently grew into a real and lasting friendship. Friendships were also spawned and strengthened over breakfast at the many waterfront cafes, at the coffee break, with a deck of cards at lunch, and when the men were sent to supper prior to finishing a vessel (this continued until 1966). Then, too, some of the brothers were not adverse to getting together for a drink or two following the end of their shift.

	<iframe src="~~http~~://archive.org/embed/HerbMillsTheOldDays" width="640" height="480" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen="true" mozallowfullscreen="true" allowfullscreen></iframe>		<iframe src="https://archive.org/embed/HerbMillsTheOldDays" width="640" height="480" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen="true" mozallowfullscreen="true" allowfullscreen></iframe>

	'''Herb Mills shares his thoughts on the "old days" on the waterfront, both in terms of the work and the workers, and the scene along the old City Front.'''		'''Herb Mills shares his thoughts on the "old days" on the waterfront, both in terms of the work and the workers, and the scene along the old City Front.'''

Ccarlsson: added new photo

2022-10-20T19:46:47Z

added new photo

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:46, 20 October 2022
Line 8:		Line 8:

	''Photo: San Francisco History Center, SF Public Library''		''Photo: San Francisco History Center, SF Public Library''


			[[Image:Herb Mills and Peter Brown in hold of ship c 1960.jpg]]

			'''Herb Mills and Peter Brown in the hold of a ship doing longshore work, c. 1960.'''

			''Photo: provenance unknown''

	A centralized sign-in and dispatch for work and the physical existence of a [[The Hiring Hall\|hiring hall]] meant that over a period of time the hall men became very well acquainted. Their acquaintance was also reinforced when they were dispatched to the same gang, ship or dock. Since hall men were dispatched to fill out the gangs with needed men, acquaintances between the hall and gang men also developed over time. The men of different gangs were likewise destined to become acquainted by being dispatched to the same ship and, not infrequently, by having been assigned to opposite ends of the same hatch. With the passage of time, then, most of the San Francisco longshoremen had developed at least some acquaintanceship with all of their union brothers. The average longshoreman was also destined to become very well acquainted with a considerable number of those men. For most men, such acquaintanceships frequently grew into a real and lasting friendship. Friendships were also spawned and strengthened over breakfast at the many waterfront cafes, at the coffee break, with a deck of cards at lunch, and when the men were sent to supper prior to finishing a vessel (this continued until 1966). Then, too, some of the brothers were not adverse to getting together for a drink or two following the end of their shift.		A centralized sign-in and dispatch for work and the physical existence of a [[The Hiring Hall\|hiring hall]] meant that over a period of time the hall men became very well acquainted. Their acquaintance was also reinforced when they were dispatched to the same gang, ship or dock. Since hall men were dispatched to fill out the gangs with needed men, acquaintances between the hall and gang men also developed over time. The men of different gangs were likewise destined to become acquainted by being dispatched to the same ship and, not infrequently, by having been assigned to opposite ends of the same hatch. With the passage of time, then, most of the San Francisco longshoremen had developed at least some acquaintanceship with all of their union brothers. The average longshoreman was also destined to become very well acquainted with a considerable number of those men. For most men, such acquaintanceships frequently grew into a real and lasting friendship. Friendships were also spawned and strengthened over breakfast at the many waterfront cafes, at the coffee break, with a deck of cards at lunch, and when the men were sent to supper prior to finishing a vessel (this continued until 1966). Then, too, some of the brothers were not adverse to getting together for a drink or two following the end of their shift.

Ccarlsson: upgraded photos

2016-03-16T05:01:10Z

upgraded photos

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:01, 15 March 2016
Line 3:		Line 3:
	''by Herb Mills,'' <br>from '''The San Francisco Waterfront: The Social Consequences of Industrial Modernization, Part One: The Good Old Days'''		''by Herb Mills,'' <br>from '''The San Francisco Waterfront: The Social Consequences of Industrial Modernization, Part One: The Good Old Days'''

	[[Image:~~ilwu2$ships~~-hold.jpg]]		[[Image:Longshore in-the-hold.jpg]]

	'''Longshoreman working in a ship's hold.'''		'''Longshoreman working in a ship's hold.'''
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	There were two sets of circumstances, however, in which a longshoreman would invariably terminate an on-the-job conversation. First, when he felt that a man with whom he was working was intentionally failing to do his share; and second, the silent treatment was administered when a man refused to work in a safe and sensible manner. To put the matter simply, one did not converse with a man who failed to reflect a sense of pride and community in accomplishing the work at hand. At this point, then, the discussion comes full circle -- the nature and structure of the work was such that it could give rise to a community and brotherhood of men who took pride in its performance.		There were two sets of circumstances, however, in which a longshoreman would invariably terminate an on-the-job conversation. First, when he felt that a man with whom he was working was intentionally failing to do his share; and second, the silent treatment was administered when a man refused to work in a safe and sensible manner. To put the matter simply, one did not converse with a man who failed to reflect a sense of pride and community in accomplishing the work at hand. At this point, then, the discussion comes full circle -- the nature and structure of the work was such that it could give rise to a community and brotherhood of men who took pride in its performance.

	[[Image:~~ilwu2$dock~~-~~workers~~.jpg]]		[[Image:Longshore-w-twin-peaks-in-distance.jpg]]

	'''Dock Workers'''		'''Dock Workers on San Francisco waterfront.'''

	''Photo: San Francisco History Center, SF Public Library''		''Photo: San Francisco History Center, SF Public Library''
Line 40:		Line 40:

	''Video: [http://www.archive.org Prelinger Archive]''		''Video: [http://www.archive.org Prelinger Archive]''

			[[Image:Longshore-pallet-w-load-of-paper.jpg]]

			'''Longshoremen working a pallet of paper.'''

			''Photo: San Francisco History Center, SF Public Library''

	[[The Hiring Hall \| Prev. Document]] [[50th Anniversary of 1934 General Strike \| Next Document]]		[[The Hiring Hall \| Prev. Document]] [[50th Anniversary of 1934 General Strike \| Next Document]]

	[[category:Labor]] [[category:ILWU]] [[category:1930s]] [[category:1940s]] [[category:1950s]] [[category:1960s]] [[category:1970s]]		[[category:Labor]] [[category:ILWU]] [[category:1930s]] [[category:1940s]] [[category:1950s]] [[category:1960s]] [[category:1970s]]

Ccarlsson: fixed video link

2015-07-17T04:12:05Z

fixed video link

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:12, 16 July 2015
Line 35:		Line 35:
	''Photo: San Francisco History Center, SF Public Library''		''Photo: San Francisco History Center, SF Public Library''

	<~~embed~~ src="~~http~~://~~www.~~archive.org/~~flow~~/~~flowplayer.commercial-3.2.1.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash~~" width="640" height="~~506" allowfullscreen="true~~" ~~allowscriptaccess~~="~~always~~" ~~cachebusting~~="true" ~~bgcolor~~="#000000" quality="high" flashvars="config={'key':'#$aa4baff94a9bdcafce8','playlist':['format=Thumbnail?.jpg',{'autoPlay':false,'url':'SanFranciscoPacificTradeAndLongshoringWorkC1920s_512kb.mp4'}],'clip':{'autoPlay':true,'baseUrl':'http://www.archive.org/download/PacificTradeAndLongshoringWorkC1920s/','scaling':'fit','provider':'h264streaming'},'canvas':{'backgroundColor':'#000000','backgroundGradient':'none'},'plugins':{'controls':{'playlist':false,'fullscreen':true,'height':26,'backgroundColor':'#000000','autoHide':{'fullscreenOnly':true}},'h264streaming':{'url':'http://www.archive.org/flow/flowplayer.pseudostreaming-3.2.1.swf'}},'contextMenu':[{},'-','Flowplayer v3.2.1']}"> </~~embed~~>		<iframe src="https://archive.org/embed/PacificTradeAndLongshoringWorkC1920s" width="640" height="480" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen="true" mozallowfullscreen="true" allowfullscreen></iframe>

	'''Footage showing the historic role of the San Francisco port in early 20th century trade, and then film of workers along the waterfront loading and unloading ships, moving goods into warehouses, etc., probably in the 1920s.'''		'''Footage showing the historic role of the San Francisco port in early 20th century trade, and then film of workers along the waterfront loading and unloading ships, moving goods into warehouses, etc., probably in the 1920s.'''

Ccarlsson: added the Old Days video

2013-03-20T06:40:43Z

added the Old Days video

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:40, 19 March 2013
Line 9:		Line 9:
	''Photo: San Francisco History Center, SF Public Library''		''Photo: San Francisco History Center, SF Public Library''

	A centralized sign-in and dispatch for work and the physical existence of a hiring hall meant that over a period of time the hall men became very well acquainted. Their acquaintance was also reinforced when they were dispatched to the same gang, ship or dock. Since hall men were dispatched to fill out the gangs with needed men, acquaintances between the hall and gang men also developed over time. The men of different gangs were likewise destined to become acquainted by being dispatched to the same ship and, not infrequently, by having been assigned to opposite ends of the same hatch. With the passage of time, then, most of the San Francisco longshoremen had developed at least some acquaintanceship with all of their union brothers. The average longshoreman was also destined to become very well acquainted with a considerable number of those men. For most men, such acquaintanceships frequently grew into a real and lasting friendship. Friendships were also spawned and strengthened over breakfast at the many waterfront cafes, at the coffee break, with a deck of cards at lunch, and when the men were sent to supper prior to finishing a vessel (this continued until 1966). Then, too, some of the brothers were not adverse to getting together for a drink or two following the end of their shift.		A centralized sign-in and dispatch for work and the physical existence of a [[The Hiring Hall\|hiring hall]] meant that over a period of time the hall men became very well acquainted. Their acquaintance was also reinforced when they were dispatched to the same gang, ship or dock. Since hall men were dispatched to fill out the gangs with needed men, acquaintances between the hall and gang men also developed over time. The men of different gangs were likewise destined to become acquainted by being dispatched to the same ship and, not infrequently, by having been assigned to opposite ends of the same hatch. With the passage of time, then, most of the San Francisco longshoremen had developed at least some acquaintanceship with all of their union brothers. The average longshoreman was also destined to become very well acquainted with a considerable number of those men. For most men, such acquaintanceships frequently grew into a real and lasting friendship. Friendships were also spawned and strengthened over breakfast at the many waterfront cafes, at the coffee break, with a deck of cards at lunch, and when the men were sent to supper prior to finishing a vessel (this continued until 1966). Then, too, some of the brothers were not adverse to getting together for a drink or two following the end of their shift.

	<~~embed~~ src="http://~~www.~~archive.org/~~flow~~/~~flowplayer.commercial-3.2.1.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash~~" width="640" height="~~506~~" ~~allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess~~="~~always~~" ~~cachebusting~~="true" ~~bgcolor~~="#000000" quality="high" flashvars="config={'key':'#$aa4baff94a9bdcafce8','playlist':['format=Thumbnail?.jpg',{'autoPlay':false,'url':'SanFranciscoPacificTradeAndLongshoringWorkC1920s_512kb.mp4'}],'clip':{'autoPlay':true,'baseUrl':'http://www.archive.org/download/PacificTradeAndLongshoringWorkC1920s/','scaling':'fit','provider':'h264streaming'},'canvas':{'backgroundColor':'#000000','backgroundGradient':'none'},'plugins':{'controls':{'playlist':false,'fullscreen':true,'height':26,'backgroundColor':'#000000','autoHide':{'fullscreenOnly':true}},'h264streaming':{'url':'http://www.archive.org/flow/flowplayer.pseudostreaming-3.2.1.swf'}},'contextMenu':[{},'-','Flowplayer v3.2.1']}"> </~~embed~~>		<iframe src="http://archive.org/embed/HerbMillsTheOldDays" width="640" height="480" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen="true" mozallowfullscreen="true" allowfullscreen></iframe>

	'''~~Footage showing~~ the ~~historic role of~~ the ~~San Francisco port~~ in ~~early 20th century trade, and then film~~ of ~~workers along~~ the ~~waterfront loading~~ and ~~unloading ships~~, ~~moving goods into warehouses, etc., probably in~~ the ~~1920s~~.'''		'''Herb Mills shares his thoughts on the "old days" on the waterfront, both in terms of the work and the workers, and the scene along the old City Front.'''

	''Video: ~~[http://www.archive.org Prelinger Archive]~~''		''Video: Chris Carlsson''

	Endless conversation thus ensued. As might be supposed, such conversation frequently drifted to the work and to union matters. But the men were also known to discuss such diverse topics as women, baseball, gambling and horse racing, capitalistic exploitation and the profit motive, fascism, and, of course, the great depression -- that unforgettable fountain of experience from which they had all been obliged to drink. There emerged a quite extraordinary world of discussion, reflection and debate.		Endless conversation thus ensued. As might be supposed, such conversation frequently drifted to the work and to union matters. But the men were also known to discuss such diverse topics as women, baseball, gambling and horse racing, capitalistic exploitation and the profit motive, fascism, and, of course, the great depression -- that unforgettable fountain of experience from which they had all been obliged to drink. There emerged a quite extraordinary world of discussion, reflection and debate.
Line 34:		Line 34:

	''Photo: San Francisco History Center, SF Public Library''		''Photo: San Francisco History Center, SF Public Library''

			<embed src="http://www.archive.org/flow/flowplayer.commercial-3.2.1.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="640" height="506" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" cachebusting="true" bgcolor="#000000" quality="high" flashvars="config={'key':'#$aa4baff94a9bdcafce8','playlist':['format=Thumbnail?.jpg',{'autoPlay':false,'url':'SanFranciscoPacificTradeAndLongshoringWorkC1920s_512kb.mp4'}],'clip':{'autoPlay':true,'baseUrl':'http://www.archive.org/download/PacificTradeAndLongshoringWorkC1920s/','scaling':'fit','provider':'h264streaming'},'canvas':{'backgroundColor':'#000000','backgroundGradient':'none'},'plugins':{'controls':{'playlist':false,'fullscreen':true,'height':26,'backgroundColor':'#000000','autoHide':{'fullscreenOnly':true}},'h264streaming':{'url':'http://www.archive.org/flow/flowplayer.pseudostreaming-3.2.1.swf'}},'contextMenu':[{},'-','Flowplayer v3.2.1']}"> </embed>

			'''Footage showing the historic role of the San Francisco port in early 20th century trade, and then film of workers along the waterfront loading and unloading ships, moving goods into warehouses, etc., probably in the 1920s.'''

			''Video: [http://www.archive.org Prelinger Archive]''

	[[The Hiring Hall \| Prev. Document]] [[50th Anniversary of 1934 General Strike \| Next Document]]		[[The Hiring Hall \| Prev. Document]] [[50th Anniversary of 1934 General Strike \| Next Document]]

	[[category:Labor]] [[category:ILWU]] [[category:1930s]] [[category:1940s]] [[category:1950s]] [[category:1960s]] [[category:1970s]]		[[category:Labor]] [[category:ILWU]] [[category:1930s]] [[category:1940s]] [[category:1950s]] [[category:1960s]] [[category:1970s]]

Ccarlsson: added silent footage of working the waterfront and global trade c. 1920s

2011-01-11T02:58:02Z

added silent footage of working the waterfront and global trade c. 1920s

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:58, 10 January 2011
Line 1:		Line 1:
	'''<font face = Papyrus> <font color = maroon> <font size = 4>Historical Essay</font></font> </font>'''		'''<font face = Papyrus> <font color = maroon> <font size = 4>Historical Essay</font></font> </font>'''

	''by Herb Mills,'' from '''The San Francisco Waterfront: The Social Consequences of Industrial Modernization, Part One: The Good Old Days'''		''by Herb Mills,'' <br>from '''The San Francisco Waterfront: The Social Consequences of Industrial Modernization, Part One: The Good Old Days'''

	[[Image:ilwu2$ships-hold.jpg]]		[[Image:ilwu2$ships-hold.jpg]]
Line 10:		Line 10:

	A centralized sign-in and dispatch for work and the physical existence of a hiring hall meant that over a period of time the hall men became very well acquainted. Their acquaintance was also reinforced when they were dispatched to the same gang, ship or dock. Since hall men were dispatched to fill out the gangs with needed men, acquaintances between the hall and gang men also developed over time. The men of different gangs were likewise destined to become acquainted by being dispatched to the same ship and, not infrequently, by having been assigned to opposite ends of the same hatch. With the passage of time, then, most of the San Francisco longshoremen had developed at least some acquaintanceship with all of their union brothers. The average longshoreman was also destined to become very well acquainted with a considerable number of those men. For most men, such acquaintanceships frequently grew into a real and lasting friendship. Friendships were also spawned and strengthened over breakfast at the many waterfront cafes, at the coffee break, with a deck of cards at lunch, and when the men were sent to supper prior to finishing a vessel (this continued until 1966). Then, too, some of the brothers were not adverse to getting together for a drink or two following the end of their shift.		A centralized sign-in and dispatch for work and the physical existence of a hiring hall meant that over a period of time the hall men became very well acquainted. Their acquaintance was also reinforced when they were dispatched to the same gang, ship or dock. Since hall men were dispatched to fill out the gangs with needed men, acquaintances between the hall and gang men also developed over time. The men of different gangs were likewise destined to become acquainted by being dispatched to the same ship and, not infrequently, by having been assigned to opposite ends of the same hatch. With the passage of time, then, most of the San Francisco longshoremen had developed at least some acquaintanceship with all of their union brothers. The average longshoreman was also destined to become very well acquainted with a considerable number of those men. For most men, such acquaintanceships frequently grew into a real and lasting friendship. Friendships were also spawned and strengthened over breakfast at the many waterfront cafes, at the coffee break, with a deck of cards at lunch, and when the men were sent to supper prior to finishing a vessel (this continued until 1966). Then, too, some of the brothers were not adverse to getting together for a drink or two following the end of their shift.

			<embed src="http://www.archive.org/flow/flowplayer.commercial-3.2.1.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="640" height="506" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" cachebusting="true" bgcolor="#000000" quality="high" flashvars="config={'key':'#$aa4baff94a9bdcafce8','playlist':['format=Thumbnail?.jpg',{'autoPlay':false,'url':'SanFranciscoPacificTradeAndLongshoringWorkC1920s_512kb.mp4'}],'clip':{'autoPlay':true,'baseUrl':'http://www.archive.org/download/PacificTradeAndLongshoringWorkC1920s/','scaling':'fit','provider':'h264streaming'},'canvas':{'backgroundColor':'#000000','backgroundGradient':'none'},'plugins':{'controls':{'playlist':false,'fullscreen':true,'height':26,'backgroundColor':'#000000','autoHide':{'fullscreenOnly':true}},'h264streaming':{'url':'http://www.archive.org/flow/flowplayer.pseudostreaming-3.2.1.swf'}},'contextMenu':[{},'-','Flowplayer v3.2.1']}"> </embed>

			'''Footage showing the historic role of the San Francisco port in early 20th century trade, and then film of workers along the waterfront loading and unloading ships, moving goods into warehouses, etc., probably in the 1920s.'''

			''Video: [http://www.archive.org Prelinger Archive]''

	Endless conversation thus ensued. As might be supposed, such conversation frequently drifted to the work and to union matters. But the men were also known to discuss such diverse topics as women, baseball, gambling and horse racing, capitalistic exploitation and the profit motive, fascism, and, of course, the great depression -- that unforgettable fountain of experience from which they had all been obliged to drink. There emerged a quite extraordinary world of discussion, reflection and debate.		Endless conversation thus ensued. As might be supposed, such conversation frequently drifted to the work and to union matters. But the men were also known to discuss such diverse topics as women, baseball, gambling and horse racing, capitalistic exploitation and the profit motive, fascism, and, of course, the great depression -- that unforgettable fountain of experience from which they had all been obliged to drink. There emerged a quite extraordinary world of discussion, reflection and debate.

Ccarlsson: Protected "The Dialogue": excerpted essay [edit=sysop:move=sysop]

2009-01-06T06:55:05Z

Protected "The Dialogue": excerpted essay [edit=sysop:move=sysop]

← Older revision	Revision as of 23:55, 5 January 2009
(No difference)

Ccarlsson: PC

2008-12-10T06:42:08Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:42, 9 December 2008
Line 1:		Line 1:
			'''<font face = Papyrus> <font color = maroon> <font size = 4>Historical Essay</font></font> </font>'''

			''by Herb Mills,'' from '''The San Francisco Waterfront: The Social Consequences of Industrial Modernization, Part One: The Good Old Days'''

	[[Image:ilwu2$ships-hold.jpg]]		[[Image:ilwu2$ships-hold.jpg]]

	'''Longshoreman working in a ship's hold.'''		'''Longshoreman working in a ship's hold.'''

	''Photo: San Francisco History ~~Room~~, SF Public Library''		''Photo: San Francisco History Center, SF Public Library''

	A centralized sign-in and dispatch for work and the physical existence of a hiring hall meant that over a period of time the hall men became very well acquainted. Their acquaintance was also reinforced when they were dispatched to the same gang, ship or dock. Since hall men were dispatched to fill out the gangs with needed men, acquaintances between the hall and gang men also developed over time. The men of different gangs were likewise destined to become acquainted by being dispatched to the same ship and, not infrequently, by having been assigned to opposite ends of the same hatch. With the passage of time, then, most of the San Francisco longshoremen had developed at least some acquaintanceship with all of their union brothers. The average longshoreman was also destined to become very well acquainted with a considerable number of those men. For most men, such acquaintanceships frequently grew into a real and lasting friendship. Friendships were also spawned and strengthened over breakfast at the many waterfront cafes, at the coffee break, with a deck of cards at lunch, and when the men were sent to supper prior to finishing a vessel (this continued until 1966). Then, too, some of the brothers were not adverse to getting together for a drink or two following the end of their shift.		A centralized sign-in and dispatch for work and the physical existence of a hiring hall meant that over a period of time the hall men became very well acquainted. Their acquaintance was also reinforced when they were dispatched to the same gang, ship or dock. Since hall men were dispatched to fill out the gangs with needed men, acquaintances between the hall and gang men also developed over time. The men of different gangs were likewise destined to become acquainted by being dispatched to the same ship and, not infrequently, by having been assigned to opposite ends of the same hatch. With the passage of time, then, most of the San Francisco longshoremen had developed at least some acquaintanceship with all of their union brothers. The average longshoreman was also destined to become very well acquainted with a considerable number of those men. For most men, such acquaintanceships frequently grew into a real and lasting friendship. Friendships were also spawned and strengthened over breakfast at the many waterfront cafes, at the coffee break, with a deck of cards at lunch, and when the men were sent to supper prior to finishing a vessel (this continued until 1966). Then, too, some of the brothers were not adverse to getting together for a drink or two following the end of their shift.
Line 18:		Line 22:

	There were two sets of circumstances, however, in which a longshoreman would invariably terminate an on-the-job conversation. First, when he felt that a man with whom he was working was intentionally failing to do his share; and second, the silent treatment was administered when a man refused to work in a safe and sensible manner. To put the matter simply, one did not converse with a man who failed to reflect a sense of pride and community in accomplishing the work at hand. At this point, then, the discussion comes full circle -- the nature and structure of the work was such that it could give rise to a community and brotherhood of men who took pride in its performance.		There were two sets of circumstances, however, in which a longshoreman would invariably terminate an on-the-job conversation. First, when he felt that a man with whom he was working was intentionally failing to do his share; and second, the silent treatment was administered when a man refused to work in a safe and sensible manner. To put the matter simply, one did not converse with a man who failed to reflect a sense of pride and community in accomplishing the work at hand. At this point, then, the discussion comes full circle -- the nature and structure of the work was such that it could give rise to a community and brotherhood of men who took pride in its performance.

	~~-- Herb Mills, ''The San Francisco Waterfront: The Social Consequences of Industrial Modernization, Part One: The Good Old Days''~~

	[[Image:ilwu2$dock-workers.jpg]]		[[Image:ilwu2$dock-workers.jpg]]
Line 25:		Line 27:
	'''Dock Workers'''		'''Dock Workers'''

	''Photo: San Francisco History ~~Room~~, SF Public Library''		''Photo: San Francisco History Center, SF Public Library''

	[[The Hiring Hall \| Prev. Document]] [[50th Anniversary of 1934 General Strike \| Next Document]]		[[The Hiring Hall \| Prev. Document]] [[50th Anniversary of 1934 General Strike \| Next Document]]

	[[category:Labor]] [[category:ILWU]] [[category:1930s]] [[category:1940s]] [[category:1950s]] [[category:1960s]] [[category:1970s]]		[[category:Labor]] [[category:ILWU]] [[category:1930s]] [[category:1940s]] [[category:1950s]] [[category:1960s]] [[category:1970s]]

Ccarlsson at 23:47, 5 August 2008

2008-08-05T23:47:24Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:47, 5 August 2008
Line 2:		Line 2:

	'''Longshoreman working in a ship's hold.'''		'''Longshoreman working in a ship's hold.'''

			''Photo: San Francisco History Room, SF Public Library''

	A centralized sign-in and dispatch for work and the physical existence of a hiring hall meant that over a period of time the hall men became very well acquainted. Their acquaintance was also reinforced when they were dispatched to the same gang, ship or dock. Since hall men were dispatched to fill out the gangs with needed men, acquaintances between the hall and gang men also developed over time. The men of different gangs were likewise destined to become acquainted by being dispatched to the same ship and, not infrequently, by having been assigned to opposite ends of the same hatch. With the passage of time, then, most of the San Francisco longshoremen had developed at least some acquaintanceship with all of their union brothers. The average longshoreman was also destined to become very well acquainted with a considerable number of those men. For most men, such acquaintanceships frequently grew into a real and lasting friendship. Friendships were also spawned and strengthened over breakfast at the many waterfront cafes, at the coffee break, with a deck of cards at lunch, and when the men were sent to supper prior to finishing a vessel (this continued until 1966). Then, too, some of the brothers were not adverse to getting together for a drink or two following the end of their shift.		A centralized sign-in and dispatch for work and the physical existence of a hiring hall meant that over a period of time the hall men became very well acquainted. Their acquaintance was also reinforced when they were dispatched to the same gang, ship or dock. Since hall men were dispatched to fill out the gangs with needed men, acquaintances between the hall and gang men also developed over time. The men of different gangs were likewise destined to become acquainted by being dispatched to the same ship and, not infrequently, by having been assigned to opposite ends of the same hatch. With the passage of time, then, most of the San Francisco longshoremen had developed at least some acquaintanceship with all of their union brothers. The average longshoreman was also destined to become very well acquainted with a considerable number of those men. For most men, such acquaintanceships frequently grew into a real and lasting friendship. Friendships were also spawned and strengthened over breakfast at the many waterfront cafes, at the coffee break, with a deck of cards at lunch, and when the men were sent to supper prior to finishing a vessel (this continued until 1966). Then, too, some of the brothers were not adverse to getting together for a drink or two following the end of their shift.

	Endless conversation thus ensued. As might be supposed, such conversation frequently drifted to the work and to union matters. But the men were also known to discuss such diverse topics as women, baseball, gambling and horse racing, capitalistic exploitation and the profit motive, fascism, and, of course, the great depression -- that unforgettable fountain of experience from which they had all been obliged to drink. There emerged a quite extraordinary world of discussion, reflection and debate.		Endless conversation thus ensued. As might be supposed, such conversation frequently drifted to the work and to union matters. But the men were also known to discuss such diverse topics as women, baseball, gambling and horse racing, capitalistic exploitation and the profit motive, fascism, and, of course, the great depression -- that unforgettable fountain of experience from which they had all been obliged to drink. There emerged a quite extraordinary world of discussion, reflection and debate.

			[[Image:Loadingbags.jpg]]

			'''On the job, with lots of chance for conversation while working, c. 1940s'''

			''Photo: ILWU Archive''

	The opportunity for conversation did in no way end when the men went to work at the beginning of their shift or when they returned from lunch or supper. There was little machine noise (and no sustained machine noise) either on the dock or in the cargo sheds. This was also true aboard ship, except when older Johnson-bar steam winches were being used, but even then the cycle of the cargo hook meant that the clattering of the hoisting gear was at least intermittent. Then, too, the pace and cycle of the work between the inshore and offshore sides of the hold invariably allowed the holdmen to converse while the hook kept moving and the work proceeded.		The opportunity for conversation did in no way end when the men went to work at the beginning of their shift or when they returned from lunch or supper. There was little machine noise (and no sustained machine noise) either on the dock or in the cargo sheds. This was also true aboard ship, except when older Johnson-bar steam winches were being used, but even then the cycle of the cargo hook meant that the clattering of the hoisting gear was at least intermittent. Then, too, the pace and cycle of the work between the inshore and offshore sides of the hold invariably allowed the holdmen to converse while the hook kept moving and the work proceeded.
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	'''Dock Workers'''		'''Dock Workers'''

	''~~photos~~: San Francisco Public Library ''		''Photo: San Francisco History Room, SF Public Library''

			[[The Hiring Hall \| Prev. Document]] [[50th Anniversary of 1934 General Strike \| Next Document]]

	[[~~The Hiring Hall \| Prev. Document~~]] [[~~50th Anniversary of 1934 General Strike \| Next Document~~]]		[[category:Labor]] [[category:ILWU]] [[category:1930s]] [[category:1940s]] [[category:1950s]] [[category:1960s]] [[category:1970s]]

Gjamin: caption, credits, links

2008-04-10T06:21:14Z

caption, credits, links

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:21, 9 April 2008
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	[[Image:ilwu2$ships-hold.jpg]]		[[Image:ilwu2$ships-hold.jpg]]

	Longshoreman working in a ship's hold.		'''Longshoreman working in a ship's hold.'''

	A centralized sign-in and dispatch for work and the physical existence of a hiring hall meant that over a period of time the hall men became very well acquainted. Their acquaintance was also reinforced when they were dispatched to the same gang, ship or dock. Since hall men were dispatched to fill out the gangs with needed men, acquaintances between the hall and gang men also developed over time. The men of different gangs were likewise destined to become acquainted by being dispatched to the same ship and, not infrequently, by having been assigned to opposite ends of the same hatch. With the passage of time, then, most of the San Francisco longshoremen had developed at least some acquaintanceship with all of their union brothers. The average longshoreman was also destined to become very well acquainted with a considerable number of those men. For most men, such acquaintanceships frequently grew into a real and lasting friendship. Friendships were also spawned and strengthened over breakfast at the many waterfront cafes, at the coffee break, with a deck of cards at lunch, and when the men were sent to supper prior to finishing a vessel (this continued until 1966). Then, too, some of the brothers were not adverse to getting together for a drink or two following the end of their shift.		A centralized sign-in and dispatch for work and the physical existence of a hiring hall meant that over a period of time the hall men became very well acquainted. Their acquaintance was also reinforced when they were dispatched to the same gang, ship or dock. Since hall men were dispatched to fill out the gangs with needed men, acquaintances between the hall and gang men also developed over time. The men of different gangs were likewise destined to become acquainted by being dispatched to the same ship and, not infrequently, by having been assigned to opposite ends of the same hatch. With the passage of time, then, most of the San Francisco longshoremen had developed at least some acquaintanceship with all of their union brothers. The average longshoreman was also destined to become very well acquainted with a considerable number of those men. For most men, such acquaintanceships frequently grew into a real and lasting friendship. Friendships were also spawned and strengthened over breakfast at the many waterfront cafes, at the coffee break, with a deck of cards at lunch, and when the men were sent to supper prior to finishing a vessel (this continued until 1966). Then, too, some of the brothers were not adverse to getting together for a drink or two following the end of their shift.
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	[[Image:ilwu2$dock-workers.jpg]]		[[Image:ilwu2$dock-workers.jpg]]

	Dock Workers		'''Dock Workers'''

	~~Contributors to this page include~~:		''photos: San Francisco Public Library ''

	~~''San Francisco Public Library,San Francisco,CA - Publisher or Photographer ''~~		[[The Hiring Hall \| Prev. Document]] [[50th Anniversary of 1934 General Strike \| Next Document]]

	~~San Francisco Public Library,San Francisco,CA - Publisher or Photographer~~

	~~Mills,Herb - Writer~~

	[[The Hiring Hall Prev. Document]] [[50th Anniversary of 1934 General Strike Next Document]]