ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

A book such as this has one name on the cover but many people contributed in its winding journey to publication. My dissertation adviser and mentor, James Barrett, provided comments, revisions, and not-so-subtle reminders to finish up. David Roediger, Clarence Lang, and Adrian Burgos were also invaluable guides. Reading forums such as the Working-Class Reading Group, Dissertation Chapter Group, and Walsh Works-in-Progress provided constructive feedback. John Hoffmann made available a graduate assistantship in the sterling University of Illinois History and Lincoln Collection. Fellowships and grants from the Illinois Department of History, the King V. Hostick Award from the Illinois State Historical Society and the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency, and support from the Business History Conference supplied needed funds for research and conference participation. Walsh University also awarded me a sabbatical, affording crucial time for making final changes for submission. Peter Rachleff, Eric Schneider, and Edward Larkin challenged me to put in the work.

Chris Agee, Brian Ingrassia, Julilly Kohler-Hausmann, Jason Kozlowski, and Catherine Connor read portions of this manuscript and offered insightful suggestions. The anonymous readers at Northern Illinois University Press had invaluable comments. Amy Farranto, Nathan Holmes, Yuni Dorr, and Debby Vetter shepherded it to completion. Robert Johnston told some harsh truths about paring down the scope. Librarians and archivists assisted me greatly in finding research material. Alyssa Arciello, Katie Hutchison, and Melissa Bauer used their sleuthing skills to track down sources. Locating the material was one thing, having a place to stay was another. Robert and Susan Simmons, Russ and Kristen Ellis, Aaron Metzger, Kristen Nash, Larry and Diane Zavadil, Joshua Zavadil, Anthony Sigismondi and Melissa Prentice, Mark Kummerer, and Virginia Kummerer imparted first-rate lodging and companionship.

My parents, Allen and Ivalene Cooley, imparted lessons in intellectual inquiry and social justice. I am forever in debt to their guidance and love. Melissa Kath and Ella Pearl Kath Cooley are patient, inquisitive, and supportive. I hope this book makes them proud.