125

John J. Camarra Collection

Collection, Ms B78

1957 – 1986
Fairfield Museum
The Bullard Company, originally known as the Bridgeport Machine Tool Works, was founded in 1880 by Edward Payson Bullard. The company produced vertical and horizontal lathes and machine tools used in industry. The plant closed in the early 1980s after being taken over by White Consolidated Industries. The current site of the plant is BJ's Wholesale Club. John Camarra, a second generation Italian living in Stratford, started working at Bullard in 1941. He assembled machine tools, operated the cranes and trained other crane operators. Initially opposed to unionization, Camarra eventually joined and later was elected shop steward. The work force unionized in 1965. Having organized numerous retirement parties for his co-workers, Camarra was treated to his own party in 1982. He is an active member of the Bullard Retirees which meets monthly at the First Congregational Church in Fairfield.
The collection consists primarily of union newsletters, tickets to union-sponsored events, and photographs collected by John Camarra while he worked at the Bullard Company. Originally organized in three binders, the materials have been removed and placed in acid-free folders in the original order. The items are essentially organized in chronological order.

In addition to the union newsletters, other union-related materials include notices and memos which primarily relate to the initial organization of the union and the beginnings of collective bargaining; time sheets and job descriptions; and tickets to events such as picnics and retirement parties. Company items include memos and employee newsletters. Photographs in the collection encompass images of Camarra and his co-workers, showing the inside of the plant; group shots taken at parties and picnics; and photos taken at Camarra's retirement party in 1982.
Loading...