American Federation of Musicians, Local 583 (S2640)

1912-1922 

Historical Sketch

The American Federation of Musicians received its national charter from the American Federation of Labor on November 6, 1896. The AFM was founded to provide musicians with a better organized union than the older National League of Musicians, a professional organization.The AFM eventually forced the NLM out of business and by 1925 had become the only major musicians union in the United States.In the mid 1960s the AFM had a membership of over 250,000 in 685 locals.The American Federation of Musicians Local 583 was founded in Detroit (now Detroit Lakes) Minnesota on March 21, 1912. 

Collection Description

This collection consists of two volumes. The second volume includes a few entries for the Melody Six Orchestra from 1926.  

Inventory

Box 1

• Volume 1: Meetings, Dues, and Initiation Fees. 1912.
• Volume 2: Finances. 1912-22.
  • Membership List. 1912-22
  • Minutes of Meetings. 1912-15
  • Melody Six Orchestra. 1926