Strikers – 20 in Missoula – 1,000 in Butte
Country Club Caddies Hit By I. W. W. Fever
Strike Inaugurated Demands Including Caddy House and Three Meals Day.
Evidence that the strike fever is contagious was shown yesterday when it became known that more than 20 caddies at the Missoula Country club struck for three meals a day and a caddy house.
The strike, although planned a week ago, was not noticed until the time set for the team match played yesterday. Six youngsters appeared on the grounds and when inquiries were made for the rest, one little chap said:
“The gang stuck, but this bunch here is going to scab on ‘em.”
Demands Stated.
S. A. Findlay, professional in charge at the club, attempted to get in touch with some of the striking caddies and finally located one by telephone. He verified the report. The caddy told Mr. Findlay over the phone that the boys were going to hold out for a caddy house and three meals.
“I quite agree that the boys should have a caddy house,” said Mr. Findlay last night, “but the idea of three meals a day is preposterous. I don’t know what got into their heads, for there is no course where they give the caddies meals that I know of.
“However, I have sent out word that we want 20 caddies Sunday morning and I am going to refuse to let any of the strikers work. When caddies get to striking, it is time that we refuse them admittance even to the grounds.”
Whether strike breakers will appear at the links this morning is a matter of conjecture.
An attempt last night to locate the leader of the strikers failed. One little fellow who admitted that he was one of the strikers said, boastfully:
“Yep, we’re struck. The union called a meeting last week and we’re gonna hold out on that bunch until they give us some place to stay instead of the hot sun and also give us something to eat.”
The above article appeared in The Daily Missoulian on July 29, 1917.
https://www.newspapers.com/image/349081254/
The weather report that day stated it would be cooler – 85 degrees.
The following day, July 30, 1917, The Daily Missoulian reported on the funeral of a union mine worker in Butte, Montana, which featured 1,000 friends who accompanied the body to the cemetery.