As I deep more and more into my research on the Marquette Iron Range it is about time to narrow the scope of my research. I have gone over several options and decided to dedicate my paper on the "Corporate Paternalism" shown by the Cleveland-Cliffs Company on the Marquette Iron Range from 1890-1930. The reason I chose this time period is because of its relevance. This was the time period in which William G. Mather was president of the company and he was the one who introduced the notion of "New Paternalism" to the Range. Another reason I chose this period is because of the prevalence of the Progressive Movement in the Upper Peninsula and Mather's close ties to the movement.
During this period the Marquette Range saw a low number of labor disturbances compared to other industries including the Copper Mining Industry in the Keweenaw Peninsula. Several factors led to the feeling of content among iron miners with the most important being the presence of paternalism by mining companies.
What I find interesting about the scope of my research is the similarity with the book we are reading in class, The Story of Reo Joe. Like Ransom Olds, William G. Mather instilled a sense of community surrounding around the industry that they led. I am finding more and more similarities among these two individuals as I read the book and research the paternalism of William Mather.
I hope everyone is well underway with their research and is enjoying, The Story of Reo Joe.
William G. Mather (Cleveland-Cliffs Company President, 1890-1931)
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