Article Highlighted The Unique History Of CUs

I read the article, "The Cradle of Credit Unions" with great interest (The Credit Union Journal, July 21, 2003).

In these times when the bankers and their trade association minions are attacking credit unions in state legislatures and federal courts, it is wonderful to read about the great credit union pioneers, their zeal and their passion. Mike Muckian's article brings out- without using specifics-how much we are a movement rather than an industry. That is implied throughout this interesting, well- written article. Credit union people need to know more about the rich history of their great movement and the philosophy that drove it. Articles like this one are most welcome.

There are a few small errors I'd like to correct and also a comment about Madison, Wis. as CUNA's choice of location. "Franz Schulz-Delitzsch" should read "Hermann Schulze-Delitzsch" and "National Credit Union Extension Bureau" should read "Credit Union National Extension Bureau" (acronym:CUNEB).

How did Edward A. Filene come to know about Madison? One of his former employees, Glenn Frank, later became President of the University of Wisconsin in Madison and Filene visited Frank several times during his tenure.

Congratulations to Mike on a wonderful article and to CU Journal for its inclusion in a great issue.

Chuck Eikel

Retired- CUNA Mutual Group

Madison, Wis.

For reprint and licensing requests for this article, click here.
MORE FROM AMERICAN BANKER