Public Activities and Festivities of Organized Labor in Marin

Examples of
Public Activities and Festivities of Organized Labor in Marin

Carpenters Union formed under the Knights of Labor, 1875. (See, Marin Independent Journal, March 21, 1946).

Employers have agreed to call eight hours a day of work on Saturdays hereafter. The following list of employers is published: Johannes Petersen, Isaac Shaver, Adam Murray, J. Robertson, W.D. Robertson, John White, F.J. Jacobs, Joseph Corti, W.D. Evens, R. Kinsella, Wm. Barr, A.J. Chisholm and James Sanders. Tocsin, April 12, 1883

The Carpenter’s Union of San Rafael has given notice that after July 15th nine hours will constitute a day’s work for all the members of their fraternity. Tocsin, June 21, 1883

Marin County Central Labor Union incorporated on June 9, 1889.

The labor union has elected officers as follows: President, D.S. Southwick; vice-president, A.L. Ham; recording secretary, F. Murray; financial secretary, T. Hock; treasurer, T. Deasy; trustee, M.O’Brien; sergeant at arms, F. Redmond. The union has $500 in the treasury. Tocsin, Oct. 23, 1890.

A local branch of the Federation of Labor was organized here last week with F.L. Curtis President, J. Lunny secretary, and J. Mahar, treasurer. Tocsin, August 29, 1901.

Three More Labor Organizations: Plasterers, Lathers and Cement Workers have Local Unions – Labor unions are increasing in number in San Rafael. For some time the Carpenters, the Plumbers, and the Painters, have had their local unions organized, and last Friday evening three more organizations were effected, namely, the plasterers, the lathers and the cement workers. A general laborers’ meeting was held in Emerick’s hall. There was a good attendance. It was a meeting for the general public although but few knew there was to be such a meeting held. There were several interesting speeches – speeches of a fair and conservative nature, and those who heard them seemed well pleased. A Mr. Tedmore of San Francisco, Wm. Marshall and others were the speakers. Tocsin, February 15, 1906.

Teamsters Organize a Local Union: Teamsters Union No. 694 was organized here on Monday night with a membership of thirty. The meeting was held in Petersen’s Hall at 309 B Street. Organization was perfected in every detail and a campaign for new members will now be in order. J.J. Bullis was elected president, William Barnard secretary, and George Agnew treasurer. Tocsin, July 12, 1906

The Musicians’ Union of Marin county held a meeting at Petersen’s hall in this city last Sunday afternoon and elected a full set of permanent officers as follows: President, Carl Tunison; Vice President, Walter Smith; Treasurer, Frank Marshall; Secretary, Mr. Kauffman; Sergeant at Arms, Charles Ames; Directors, J.G. Lewis and P. Zaro. The union will meet on the fourth Sunday of each month. There are sixty members, many coming from Sausalito. Tocsin, November 1, 1906.

Carpenters Strike – On Wednesday the carpenters of San Rafael quit work to consider the labor and wage conditions here. Work is not as plentiful as it once was – there are idle men who want work. Not having employment some of them blossom out as contractors, and the regular contractors assert that these men take contracts at any old price, do their own work – sometimes making wages – sometimes falling behind. This knocks the bottom out of the regular contracting so that they cannot pay the usual $5 per day to every man who offers his services as a carpenter. They concluded that the only thing for them to do was to reduce wages. A cut from $5 to $4 was proposed. The union men object. A consultation was decided on. What the result will be is yet to be decided. The contractors contend that many men are not worth $5, while some are worth more. They naturally want wages adjusted. The carpenters object to a cut. The conditions are such that there must be an adjustment of some kind. What shall it be? Tocsin, July 2, 1908.

Election of Officers Central Labor Union – At the annual election of officers of the Marin County Central Labor Union last week the following members were elected officers for the ensuing year: President, W.F. Barber; vice president, Harry B. Hock; treasurer, William Gordon. Trustees, Harry B. Hock (chairman), David E. Backer, Charles Kurtz, Edward Legne, John Moraldi; Sergeant at arms, W. Sais; secretary, Tobias Hock, Sr.; Assistant secretary, Tobias Hock, Jr. The Union was incorporated on June 9, 1889, and has had a membership of 200 on the roll. It has had its ups and downs, but has continued right along. Now the interest is increasing, and the attendance is good. Tocsin, November 19, 1908.

Musicians Elect Officers – Musicians Union, Local No. 264, held their annual election last week and elected the following officers for the ensuing year: President, Bud Bains; Vice President, Sabe Kane; Secretary Treasurer, Chas. Ames; Board of Directors, Frank Marshall, Robert Lovell, U.M. Randall; Examining Board, Frank Marshall, Sabe Kane, Robert Lovell; Sergeant at Arms, Frank Von Bima. Tocsin, December 1908.

Carpenters and Joiners Union No. 1710, composed of Mill Valley and Sausalito carpenters, elected officers in Mill Valley the other night for the ensuing year. The offices are H.L. Sherman, president; J.B. Kennard, vice president; Harry B. Martin, recording secretary; A.W. Phetteplace, treasurer; C.A. McLaughlin, conductor; J.W. Maloney, warden; delegate to Bay Counties District Council, J.W. Maloney; alternate, H.L. Sherman. Tocsin, December 1908.

Labor Council Annual Ball: Preparations are being made to make the Marin Labor Council dance to be held at Armory Hall on Saturday evening, August 21st, the grandest ever attempted in the history of San Rafael. The money raised will go to help entertain the members of State Labor Convention, which meets in this city in October when it is estimated that over 500 people will be here. Marin Journal, July 29, 1909.

Printers Picnic at Fairfax Park: Sunday the San Francisco Typographical Union held a picnic at Fairfax. There was a fair attendance but nothing like the usual number at the annual outing of the Union. The same old program of games, races, dancing, and music was indulged in. It was a most orderly and quiet affair. Not an intoxicated man on the grounds. Keeping with the spirit and progress of the age, the Printers Union are eliminating and have to a great measure eliminated the boozers. Marin Journal, July 29, 1909.

Nomination of Officers of Butchers Local No. 2 – Last Tuesday evening, California Federation of Butchers, Local No. 2, nominated the following officers; President, T. Freitas; vice president, F. Soldavini; Secretary, J.E. Edsberg; Treasurer, A.J. Stefani; Business Agent, W. Hebrad; Guide, D.D. Saultry, Jr.; Guard, J. Bottini; Trustees, D. Healy, T.F. Mahar; F. Sais. Tocsin, December 19, 1910.

San Rafael Typographical Union formed – On Wednesday evening the printers of Marin county met in San Rafael and perfected the organization of the San Rafael Typographical Union. Organizer Mitchell of San Francisco was present and presented the newly granted charter and the necessary books and other outfit. The printers of the Marin Journal, The Marin County Tocsin, the Sausalito News, The San Anselmo Herald, and the Mill Valley Record was present and participated. The printers of the Independent office will probably unit with the Union later. The :Local union has jurisdiction over Marin County and every office indicated is entitled to the Union Label. The officers elected are: T.H. Dawson, president; J.H. Putnam, vice president; M.A. Andrade, secretary treasurer; Executive Committee – the officers and C.C. Olmsted and A.F. Morris. Tocsin, October 15, 1914.

Plumbers Elect New Officers – At the first meeting in January of the Marin County Plumbers’ Union Local No. 323, the following officers will be installed: President, F.J. Kinsella; vice president, H.L. Kuhn; secretary treasurer, P.J. Severn; inside sentinel, F.C. Lang. Members of the Executive Board: H.L. Kuhn, W.E. Vahey, A.O. Anderson, Ed Quinn and Peter Andreason. Auditing Committee: F.J. Kinsella, Ed. Quinn, and H.L. Kuhn. The installation ceremony will be accompanied by a banquet and a general good time. Tocsin, December 30, 1915.

Grocery Clerks in New Association – The Retail Grocery Clerks’ Association was formed Tuesday evening with a membership of sixteen. The new members are employees of Martens’ Store, Von Husen’s and Grosjean’s. The officers of the new association elected at the first meeting are John Meredith, of Von Husen’s, president, and Clarence Loughman, secretary treasurer. Tocsin, June 15, 1916.

Typographical Union Elects Officers – At its regular monthly meeting held Monday evening San Rafael Typographical Union No. 729 installed the following officers for the ensuing year: President, Dale Dean; vice president, J.D. Dean; secretary treasurer, M. Andrade; sentinel, R.J. Andrade. This organization has jurisdiction over Marin county in which every union printing shop has a label. The union meets the last Monday night of the Month. Tocsin, February 1, 1917.

Barbecue Wednesday: McNear’s Beach to be the Scene of Annual Gathering. More than 1,000 pounds of beef, chickens by the hundred and scores of steer heads will be roasted in Spanish style for the first annual barbecue of the Marin County Butchers Association which will be held on Wednesday, June 20, at McNear’s Beach.¶Elaborate preparation are being made for the event, to which the public has been invited. ¶a huge barbecue pit has been dug, there the meats, boned rolled and spiced and wrapped in burlap. This will be roasted for twelve hours. With it will be served corn on the cob, Spanish beans and coffee. ¶Paul Nunes, master chef, will direct the cooking of the menu. ¶There will be music and dancing all day. Games of all kinds: a tug-of-war and music will be provided for the entertainment of the large throng expected to attend. The races will start at 2:30. ¶The general committee or the day includes Andy Gilardi, George Ohlemunits, Jack Kriel, Joe Soldarini, Porter Blis, Tony Freitas, Hoy Franchini, and Lour Schneider. ¶Other committees include finance, Jack Kriel Chairman, publicity, Lou Schneider, chairman; printing, Andy Gilardi and Ray Franchini; barbecue, Tony Freitas, chairman; grounds and games, Peter Drier and Joe ______; concessions, George Ohlemuta; ticket committee, Jack Kriel. ¶Every meat market in the county will be closed on that day in order that all may participate in the event of the day. ¶Plans are under way for another Spanish barbecue to be held in Marin next year under the auspices of the butchers of Marin, San Francisco, and Oakland. Marin Journal, June 14, 1934.

Unions - Mutual Aid Through Collective Bargaining

Railways and Railroad Fraternities

Other Marin County Labor Unions

Examples of Public Activities and Festivities of Organized Labor in Marin

Labor Day - Origins and Early History of the Peoples’ Holiday

Labor Day Activities in Marin County