It was January 12, 1909, and the weather in Chicago was typical – freezing cold, and the wind coming off the Chicago river was harsh. Early that morning, John Panzezyk set off from his dismal tenement home in the Stocky… See more

In a time when big business ruled, and workers had no rights, and certainly no extended benefits, it is likely that Mrs. Panzezyk and her children would soon become destitute, and possibly homeless. The reality … See more

In Chicago 1900 the Chicago meatpacking industry, along with other industries, began to expand and grow. There was money to be made both at home, as well as overseas. Making profits initially relied upon two major t… See more

The Chicago meatpacking business was a deadly one. As the scale and size of their facilities increased, so did the dangers. By the 1880s, the European meat markets closed their doors to imported American meat. Amer… See more

Workers had few, if any, or no guidelines regarding the quality control of their products. Rules about their safety in the workplace did not exist. Wearing gloves or hair nets was not a consideration. In addition to … See more