A #Woman an #Irish #immigrant and a #Labor #Pioneer #union #education #travel #discovery #history

A Woman, an Irish immigrant, and a Labor Pioneer
Troy, NY

This was an interesting historical investigation for Women’s History Month. Kate Mullany was a leader and pioneer in the Women’s Labor movement and a hero for labor in Troy, NY. In the video we begin at her grave site and end up where she lived.

Kate Mullany was born in England to Dominic and Bridgit Byrne Mullany of Roscommon, Ireland in 1838. On July 24, 1850, Mullany emigrated to New York City and around 1853 Kate and her siblings Mary, Bridgit moved to Troy, New York. At the time Troy played a large role in the growth of the detachable collar industry. Women made up 85 percent of the workforce working up to 14-hour days for $3/week. Women who worked in the detachable collar production were subjected to health and safety hazards, involving extensive exposure to caustic substances, scalding water, bleach, and strain from forced production quotas not to mention severe burns and other hazards. [1]

Kate’s father, Dominic Mullany, died in 1864 forcing her to become the family wage earner at 26 years old, working at one of the 14 laundries in Troy. In February 1864, Kate Mullany formed and led the Collar Laundry Union of Troy. It was the first bona fide all-female union in the US, to demand higher wages and safer working conditions. After the companies ignored their repeated request for fair pay, Kate Mullany, on February 23, 1864, led 300 women on strike for 5 ½ days as part of the new union. The Union effectively gained a 25% wage increase and improved working conditions with support from the Troy Iron Molders Union No. 2 and the community. It was in 1864 she purchased 350-352 8th Street for $650 (well over $25K today). In 1869 she moved into the 3rd floor apartment. Her Mother died in 1876, so this left 350 8th St. to Kate for “rents, profits and income,” with 352 8th St. to Mary (Bridget McMahon) moved into 356 8th that was bought in 1874). [2]

Kate Mullany again led the Collar Laundry Union of Troy in a second strike in 1866, raising workers' wages from $8 to $14/week. In 1868, Kate Mullany traveled to New York City to attend the National Labor Union meeting alongside only 3 other women delegates: Mary Kellogg Putnam, Susan B. Anthony, and Mary A. MacDonald. Kate Mullany was chosen Assistant Secretary by the National Labor Union President William Sylvis on the last day of the conference. It was the first time in United States history that a woman served as a national labor union officer. There was a third strike in 1869, preserving higher wages for union members, and acquiring benefits that would be accessible to members even during illness and family death. The Collar Laundry Union of Troy dissolved in 1870, however, the union lasted more than twice as long as any other women's union at the time. Kate Mullany continued to be a leading part of a network of labor activists and helped author the resolution of the Working Women's State Labor Union of New York in support of cooperatives. Kate died Friday, August 17, 1906, at 350 Eighth Street. [3]

Kate Mullany was inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame in Seneca Falls, NY, in 2000 and into the Labor's International Hall of Fame in Detroit, Michigan, in 2018. The Kate Mullany House at 350 Eighth Street in Troy, NY, was designated a National Historic Landmark by the Secretary of the Interior in 1998 and a National Historic Site by an Act of Congress in 2004, and is owned and being restored by the American Labor Studies Center. [4]

I hope you liked getting a little history of the Women’s Labor movement and a look on how things have changed over time. Troy especially has changed where 8th Street enters Hoosick has been widened for the bridge. Luckily, Kate’s house was spared. Thanks for watching the video.

[1] Mr. Tonko, Mr. Morelle, and Miss Rice of New York, Commemorating the life and legacy of labor pioneer Kate Mullany in honor of Women's History Month, Congressional Bills 117th Congress, U.S. Government Publishing Office, H. Res. 282, March 26, 2021.
[2] Ibid.
[3] Ibid.
[4] Ibid.

Please check out my other videos. . . I have different playlists that include:
Interesting Places of Cultural & History
Cities-History/Culture
Trains/Railroads & Canals
Historic Cemeteries
Troy, NY History/Culture
The Baker Sheep Farm Archaeological Site
and of course, “shorts.”

[MC-lg]

Great history video ❤ there is more history, and please tell us more on your videos❤

[The_Cultural_Historian_DrRGST]

I hope you liked getting a little history of the Women’s Labor movement and a look on how things have changed over time. Troy especially has changed where 8th Street enters Hoosick has been widened for the bridge. Luckily, Kate’s house was spared. Thanks for watching the video. 😎

[jeffersonspace]

Thanks for the history, and thank you Kate. What a crazy time to be working in a factory under dangerous/cruel working conditions. It''s no wonder that so many folks became active in unions, as there was strength in numbers.

[ZyllAvatar]

When I was a kid in the 80s, I think there were a lot more old building then there are now on Hoosick.

[alanwilliamson]

Thank gosh for people unionizing so we don't have those conditions anymore