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Tom Scribner: A Tribute to a Labor Organizer
This statue of Tom Scribner (1899-1982) was created in 1978 by artist Marghe McMahon. It is located right outside Bookshop Santa Cruz on the Pacific Garden Mall. In his older years, Tom made a practice of supporting buskers and street musicians by playing his saw on the Mall.
Tom had been a logger, and a labor organizer for the Industrial Workers of the World (aka the Wobblies). The Wobblies were active from 1905 to WWI, and their aim was to organize unskilled workers all over the world into "One Big Union". "Solidarity Forever" was their slogan. He also editied a local newspaper called "The Redwood Ripsaw" during the 60's.
It is said that even though his skills at the musical saw were negligible, he did manage to play with the likes of George Harrison and Leon Russell. He was a raconteur and humorist, which I am sure helped his performances immensely. He also founded the annual Musical Saw Festival, which now takes place each year at Roaring Camp. Tom is rolling in his grave at that one, I am sure.
Comments and faves
shadrivers added this photo to their favorites. (80 months ago)
Old Sarge (80 months ago | reply)
In Portland, OR the IWW are still kicking.
musicmuse_ca (80 months ago | reply)
With all of the moves towards globalization, there is even more need of organizing workers worldwide than ever before. That is cool to know. Thanks!
cjanebuy, tonyleah, and The Gifted Photographer added this photo to their favorites.
The Gifted Photographer (67 months ago | reply)
Thank you for sharing this statue and its history here in Flickr! I have seen it over and over and now understand the background more fully .. many thanks!
musicmuse_ca (67 months ago | reply)
@Gifted Gourmet: Thanks! He was still around when I first visited Santa Cruz many years ago, before I moved here.
SundanceChile added this photo to his favorites. (58 months ago)
SundanceChile (58 months ago | reply)
Amazing picture. I love the fall background especially.
musicmuse_ca (58 months ago | reply)
maria.petra (40 months ago | reply)
Hi, I'm an admin for a group called Downtown Santa Cruz, and we'd love to have this added to the group!
Bob Elderberry (33 months ago | reply)
Howdy, love to have this photo in the Santa Cruz Art group pool. Here's more than you even want to know about the email list, website, etc: santacruzart.net