Today is the 85th birthday of John L. Lewis, elder statesman of organized labor, but he has hated birthdays since he was 70. Lewis, who was President of the United Mine Workers of America for 40 years until he retired in 1960, is now chairman of the board of trustees of the Union's Welfare and Retirement Fund. Lewis declined to pose for new pictures because of his attempt to stay out of the limelight and his aversion to birthdays. The picture was made in March of 1964.

Photo is dated 1964.

Photo measures 8 x 10.25 inches.