The Downsville Socialist Party was chartered on January 29,1914. Charter members from Downsville were: H.W. and Mrs. Carrie A. Doyle, Lewis Hawley, Fred G. Babcock, Ellis Smith, Frank Radeker, George Lane and Judson E. Brush. In the early part of the 20th century, the socialist movement had support from many different groups including trade unions, social reformers, populist farmers and immigrant communities. The party’s early platforms supported women’s suffrage, the eight-hour workday, equalization of wealth, and a strong opposition to American involvement in World War I. At the first commencement exercises of the Downsville Union School on June 22, 1910, graduating senior Warren L. Pollock read an Essay on Socialism. The Downsville Socialist Party was in existence until around 1917 when many of the state’s Socialist parties splintered over how to respond to World War I and later on whether to support the establishment of the Communist Party after the Russian Revolution in 1917.
Donated by the Dattel family.
1916 group photo from the New York State Socialist Party Convention, Albany, NY.
Colchester Historical Society 