History Continued...

James Hague Jr. was originally initiated into the U.A. on May 31st, 1937. He was instrumental in the charter process for two U.A. locals in Texas and traveled the country working on various industrial construction projects as a U.A. member until he transferred into Local 208 in October of 1951. While Jimmy never held a position as an elected officer of the Local, he served the Local whenever he was called upon. At age 92, during the 2000 elections, Jimmy walked door-to-door talking to union members about the importance of their participation in local elections. Jimmy has demonstrated his commitment to the Local throughout his career and continues to serve the Local as a valued member of the Political Education Committee and Recording Secretary of the Retirees Association.

Garrett Rush initiated into the U.A. in May of 1942 served as Treasurer from 1959 until 1971. He also served occasionally as a Business Representative when asked to. Garrett also served on the State Apprenticeship Board and was active in formalizing the Local Apprenticeship Program. He also served on the Local Home Association from the early sixties until he had to step down for health reasons in October of 1990.

Richard Larry Osman initiated in U.A. Local 192 in August of 1951 transferred into Local 208 in August of 1960. He served the Local in various capacities throughout his career. Larry served as a weld instructor in the Apprenticeship Program for many years. He has also served on the Finance Board, Executive Board, Examining Board, Inside Guard, Home Association, and various other duties. Larry is currently serving as President of the Retirees Association and continues to volunteer his time whenever called upon for political activities and other such campaigns for the benefits of the membership of U.A Local 208.

These are but a few examples of the commitment of the members of U.A. Local 208 to help enhance the lives of their brothers and sisters throughout the Labor Movement. For every member named, there could have been many names substituted to demonstrate the same commitment and dedication to the Local, the United Association and the Labor Movement. Our heartfelt Thanks go out to each and every member that has served the Local in one capacity or another. Their commitment to the Local has been an inspiration to us all.

It should not go without saying that the history and strength of our Local is due to commitment and dedication of the membership as a whole. Each and every member should be proud of the role they played to make our Local Union what it is today.

Whenever the membership has been called on to face adversity, you have always responded and done whatever was needed to overcome that adversity.

Rather it be digging in your pocket to help a distressed member, standing up for your brother or sister when unjustly treated on the job, volunteering your time to help on organizing or political campaigns, this membership has always responded positively. By going out day in, day out, year after year and performing the necessary duties to complete the projects as quality craftsmen in our Jurisdiction, you and the past members of the Local have made us what we are today.

The commitment of the membership to training and education, organizing, political action and the labor movement is second to none in the country and each of us today can be proud to be U.A. Local 208 members because of that commitment and dedication of the membership both past and present.

Local 208 Leadership Role of Honor

Our Local has been blessed with some very dedicated and talented leaders over the past century. For the past fifty years, the Local has maintained the ability to provide the local with full-time positions of managers and agents. The dedication, service and vigilant focus of these full-time servants have been major factors in the ability of the local to persevere through the tough times and grow in the good years.

THE HISTORY OF PIPEFITTERS HOME ASSOCIATION

One of the most valuable creations of Local 208 over the past century has been the establishment of the Pipefitters Home Association. Taking us from meager dwellings to state of the art facilities now stretching over seven and one-half acres, this association created a magnificent environment for our membership to learn, grow and prosper.

In need of an office and meeting hall back in 1949, Pipefitters Local #208 appointed seven (7) members to the Home Association. The appointed Association members were:

The Home Association filed papers of Incorporation on April 29, 1949. With the help of Brother Carl Schuster # 79813, the Association picked up 1411 Elati St, for back taxes. After removing the old house, they started building a new 6,250 sq. ft. building on December 1, 1950.

Henry Wabker, being retired, was in charge of getting the building built. Using a lot of the Brothers and apprentices, especially Brother Garrett Rush, #377249, Local Union 208 moved in on December 10, 1951.

In need of parking facilities, the local picked up houses on both sides of 1411 Elati St; 1401-1421 Elati St. In 1971, in need of a school and larger meeting hall, the Association found 7 ½ acres at 6350 Broadway- with water rights- for $93,000.00.

The board members of the Home Association at that time were: