“Claye-Souilly” rings out. It is a name tied to Avenue Eugène Varlin. Who was Eugène Varlin? This avenue carries the name of a man of conviction. He was born Louis-Eugène Varlin in 1839. Varlin became a key figure in French socialist circles. He embraced anarchism and became a member of the First International.
Avenue Eugène Varlin stands as a reminder of Varlin’s fight for workers. As a young man, Varlin apprenticed as a painter. Later, he mastered the craft of bookbinding. Reading the works of Pierre-Joseph Proudhon profoundly shaped his views. In 1857, Varlin helped establish a bookbinders’ mutual aid society. This became the foundation for a trade union.
Varlin championed equality. He promoted Nathalie Lemel to a leading role in the bank. Lemel was an anarchist and feminist. Varlin’s influence extended into the International Working Men’s Association. He served as a delegate at congresses in London, Geneva, and Basel. Varlin sided with the Proudhonists. He believed in uniting the labor movement internationally. This was to improve workers’ conditions across all trades and nations.
Avenue Eugène Varlin embodies Varlin’s dedication. In 1869, he helped found the Parisian Federation of Workers’ Associations. This confederation became the heart of the General Confederation of Labour. Varlin also co-founded La Ménagère, a co-operative. Another co-operative restaurant called La Marmite, also came into being. His activism led to multiple arrests. Varlin opposed the war between France and Prussia. After the revolution of 4 September, he returned to Paris. He then commanded the 193rd battalion of the National Guard.
The Franco-Prussian War deeply affected Varlin. He joined the Republican Central Committee in Paris. Varlin’s involvement in an uprising caused Adolphe Thiers to revoke his command. During the siege of Paris, Varlin organized relief efforts. His care packages earned the name “Varlin’s marmites”. In February 1871, he ran for the National Assembly but did not win.
Avenue Eugène Varlin also marks Varlin’s role in the Paris Commune. On March 18, 1871, Varlin participated in storming the Place Vendôme. He was elected to the Council of the Paris Commune. Varlin represented the sixth, twelfth, and seventeenth arrondissements. He became the Commune’s commissioner of finance. He was also the point man on labor relations. Varlin sided with the Proudhonists within the Commune.
During the “Bloody Week”, Varlin tried to save hostages. He fought against the Versailles government troops. When the Commune fell, Varlin was captured. He was taken to Montmartre. There, he was executed with other prisoners. Several streets and schools now bear Eugène Varlin’s name. This avenue is one of them. It serves as a lasting tribute to his life and ideals.