Edward P. Boland

“ Once described at a testimonial dinner as Western Massachusetts' First Lady of Labor, Anna Sullivan went to work in the Holyoke silk mills of William Skinner & Sons at age 14 after the turn of the century. She was an early pioneer in the labor movement in Massachusetts, getting her start as a member of the weavers union in 1932. Later she helped to form the Textile Workers Union at the Skinner Silk Mill and in 1936 she was elected secretary of the local. ”

“ She was a director of the Springfield Orchestra Association, the Holyoke Community Chest and the Visiting Nurses Association of Holyoke.
Mrs. Sullivan grew up with the labor movement in Western Massachusetts, and was a major influence in labor's hard-won struggle. ”

“ Her legendary stamina and energy was also directed to the War Manpower Commission from 1941 to 1945, the Western Massachusetts Office of Price Administration from 1941 to 1945 and the Rent Control Board from 1946 to 1952. ”