Chapters Across North America
The pages of the Call give a look at the daily lives of members and their branch and regional activities. There were active branches in nearly every US state, as well as several Canadian provinces. Besides being a way for members to organize collective action, branches were a social outlet for members, giving them access to the many benefits offered by the organization.
Early Branches
The Workmen’s Circle began in 1900 with three branches in New York City, growing to nearly 800 across North America by 1940. These early members came together out of a mutual desire for collective activism and community support. Within ten years, the Workmen’s Circle offered education, funeral, and medical services to members from all walks of life, and began circulating Der Freund, the first Yiddish-language newsletter for members.
Highlights from the archive
Branch Identities
Many of the Workmen’s Circle branches had names to go with their branch numbers. These names honored the Eastern European towns members immigrated from, union affiliations, prominent Workmen’s Circle members, and more.
Highlights from the archive
The Young Circle League
The Young Circle League was founded in 1925 to engage the English-speaking children of Workmen’s Circle members. Young Circle League clubs quickly popped up across the country. By 1929, they were publishing the Young Circle League Bulletin to share news of club activities. This became the Call of Youth in 1933, and the Call in 1938, when it was formally named the official organ of the entire English-speaking division of the Workmen’s Circle.
Highlights from the archive
