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International Association of Bridge, Structural and Ornamental Iron Workers, Local 197 Records

Call Number

WAG.154

Dates

1902-1999, inclusive
; 1934-1967, bulk

Creator

International Association of Bridge, Structural and Ornamental Iron Workers. Local 197
Humphrey, Thomas (Role: Donor)

Extent

3.7 Linear Feet in 2 record cartons and one oversize flat box.

Language of Materials

Materials are in English.

Abstract

The Stone Derrickmen and Riggers Association, Local 197 of New York, NY was granted its Charter by the International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers on September 16, 1916. The collection consists of financial and annual reports, publications, correspondence, meeting minutes, contracts and photographs of Local 197. Reproductions of the founding Charter of Local 197 as well as early editions of the Bridgeman and Ironworkers magazine are also included. Approximately forty-five black and white photographs document construction projects throughout New York City from 1902 until the early 1990s.

Historical Note

The Stone Derrickmen and Riggers Association, Local 197 of New York, NY was granted its Charter by the International Association of Bridge, Structural , Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers on September 16, 1916. The International, founded in 1896 by sixteen delegates from across the United States, represents ironworkers laboring on bridges, structural steel, ornamental and architectural metals, and in shops. During the early years of Local 197, the International had frequent jurisdictional disputes with the American Federation of Labor, a factor which contributed to the failure of the 1919 Great Steel Strike which had attempted to reorganize the industry. With the advent of the New Deal, the International entered a period of expansion which continued through the 1950s. Local 197 worked on a variety of historic projects, including the Cathedral of St John the Divine and the "Columbia Triumphant" statue at Columbus Circle. Originally dominated by German, Jewish and Irish craftsmen, the local's membership became more diverse by the 1980s, as a result of court orders regarding affirmative action.

Arrangement

Collection materials are arranged in the order in which they were received from the donor.

Scope and Content Note

This collection consists of financial and annual reports, publications, correspondence, meeting minutes, contracts and photographs of the Stone Derrickmen and Riggers Association, Local 197. Reproductions of the founding Charter of Local 197 as well as early editions of the Bridgeman and Ironworkers magazine are included. There are records of the Welfare Funds and Apprenticeship programs of both Local 197 and Stone Setters Local 84, as well as correspondence between the two unions and the Building Trades Employers Association. The collection also includes contracts and agreements between the Local and employers. Approximately forty-five black and white photographs document construction projects throughout New York City from 1902 until the early 1990s. Major projects undertaken by the Local, such as the Cathedral of St John the Divine and the Hanover National Bank, are represented. Also included in the collection is union ephemera such as an insignia, stickers and a large (approximately 13 inch) nail.

Conditions Governing Access

Materials are open without restrictions.

Conditions Governing Use

Any rights (including copyright and related rights to publicity and privacy) held by the International Association of Bridge, Structural and Ornamental Iron Workers, Local 197, were transferred to New York University in 2000 by Thomas Humphrey. Permission to publish or reproduce materials in this collection must be secured from Tamiment Library and Robert F. Wagner Archives. Please contact tamiment.wagner@nyu.edu, (212) 998-2630.

Preferred Citation

Identification of item, date; International Association of Bridge, Structural and Ornamental Iron Workers, Local 197 Records; WAG 154; box number; folder number; Tamiment Library/Robert F. Wagner Labor Archives, New York University.

Location of Materials

Materials are stored offsite and advance notice is required for use. Please request materials at least two business days prior to your research visit to coordinate access.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Donated by Thomas Humphrey, Business Manager of Stone Derrickmen and Riggers, Ironworkers Local 197 in 2000. The accession numbers associated with this gift are 1950.158, 2000.026, NPA.2002.019 and NPA.2003.009.

Related Archival Materials

Building Trades Employers Association Records (WAG 196)

Building Trades Oral History Project, Audio (OH 045)

International Association of Bridge, Structural and Ornamental Iron Workers, Local 0361 Records (WAG 156)

International Association of Bridge, Structural and Ornamental Iron Workers, Local 580 Records (WAG 214)

Jack Doyle New York City Construction Photographs (PHOTOS 124)

McNamara Defense Committee Records (TAM 033)

New York Building Congress Records (WAG 167)

Collection processed by

Maggie Schreiner

About this Guide

This finding aid was produced using ArchivesSpace on 2023-08-20 16:33:15 -0400.
Using Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language: Finding aid is written in English

Processing Information

Photographs separated from this collection during processing were established as a separate collection, the Stone Derrickmen and Riggers Association, Local 197 Photographs (PHOTOS 132). In 2013, the photograph collection was reincorporated into the International Association of Bridge, Structural and Ornamental Iron Workers, Local 197 Records (WAG 154).

Loose materials were rehoused in archival folders. Titles for these folders, as well as for blank folders, were supplied by the archivist and indicated with square brackets.

Repository

Tamiment Library and Robert F. Wagner Labor Archives
Tamiment Library and Robert F. Wagner Labor Archives
Elmer Holmes Bobst Library
70 Washington Square South
2nd Floor
New York, NY 10012