Union pin and ribbon

The Pulp, Sulfur, and Paper Mill Workers Union was founded on January 6th, 1906, as a split from the International Brotherhood of Paper Makers. In 1909, it was chartered by the American Federation of Labor. The union merged with the United Papermakers Paperworkers in 1972 to form the United Paperworkers International Union (UPIU). UPIU joined with the Oil, Chemical and Atomic Workers Union to form the Paper, Allied-Industrial, Chemical and Energy Workers International Union (PACE) in 1999. In 2005, PACE merged with the United Steel Workers of America. The Paper Mill Workers Union organized to help pass various contracts like the 1987 James River contract.

Whitehead & Hoag (W&H), established in the late 19th century, became a major manufacturer of advertising novelties, including the handshake button present on this ribbon. The company maintained a “non-partisan stance;” however, they collaborated with Communists, Socialists, and Prohibitionists. They also occasionally collaborated with renowned illustrators like Maxfield Parrish and Norman Rockwell. Despite success, in 1959, the company was sold to its competitor, Bastian Brothers due to changes in fluctuating profits and changing leadership. W&H's name was phased out by 1965, but their products remain sought after by collectors.