Scope and Content of the Collection
The AFL account books in this collection, 101 volumes in all, document the American Federation of Labor's accounting practice for the Gompers era, 1887-1925. The collection is divided into six series: General Ledgers, Cash Books, Membership Ledgers, Revision of Expenses, Subscription and Supply Books, and Affiliate Assessment Books. The earliest books reflect uneven and sometimes overlapping accounting methods. Standardizaton occurs in 1901-1902 during which time the AFL headquarters staff was almost tripled - from 12 personnel in 1900, to 23 personnel in 1901, to 33 personnel in 1902 - and office space was expanded.
