History of  Roofers Local No. 65

From the time man first emerged from the natural shelter of a cave, a roof has been the symbol of home and hearth.  The primitive grass or twig roof bears little resemblance to modern roofing, yet it represents the first step in the evolutionary process that led to the development of protective covers that today we take for granted.

In primitive days, it was important that every man know how to provide his family with shelter.  A nomadic existence necessitated rapid construction of a protective cover.  But as man settled into more structured living, skilled craftsmen turned to constructing homes, where the protective cover was a roof.  Such tradesmen were in great demand in those earlier times when a thatched roof required frequent repair due to weather and war.

The development of roofing has paralleled the development of new structures needed for an increasing permanent and stable population.  As part of the systems and materials devised to protect homes from the elements, a special group of building tradesmen has evolved to meet today's roofing needs - the journeymen roofers.  Along with the waterproofers, their union brothers, these skilled craftsmen ensure that homes and businesses are protected from nature's whims.

Where roofers sought to protect structures from the elements, they had little protection themselves.  They were exposed not only elements on the job but to ruthless employers who felt little need to treat tradesmen with fairness and respect.  These conditions persisted until the turn of the 20th century when two organizations were formed to represent roofers and related tradesmen.  First to organize was the International Slate and Tile Roofers Union of America which was founded in 1902.  Not long afterward, in 1906 the International Brotherhood of Composition Roofers, Damp and Waterproof workers was formed.  For thirteen years, the two unions functioned independently, but the forces uniting them were stronger than those that kept them apart.  In 1919, delegates from the two organizations representing the roofing trades met and merged to form the United Slate Tile and Composition Roofers, Damp and Waterproof Workers Association. The delegates to the 1978 convention voted to rename the organization the United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers and Allied Workers.

OUR BEGINNING

On April 11, 1929 a charter was granted to a small group of tradesmen working in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and vicinity with the designation of Local No. 65.  The first regular meeting was held at the home of its first President George G. Schmidt where the dues were set at $1 per month.  The following meeting was held at South Side Turn Hall in Milwaukee for a rental fee of $2.  The first Union Office was also at the home of President Schmidt then moved to the home of second president Anthony Valentine.  From there we moved to an office on 6th and Juneau Avenue.  Over the years the Union Office relocated five more times before settling into our present location.

Anthony Valentine served as President for thirteen years followed by Harry W. Green who continued in that position for twenty eight years.  Marvin Zellmer presided for one year then Jack C. Elgeti for nineteen years, Joseph Moll for three years and John Kubica from 1994 to present.

   Milestones

1953 - Health and Welfare Plan

1957 - Vacation Plan

1959 - Local Pension Plan

1969 - Apprenticeship

1998 - International Pension Plan

2003 - Purchased Office Building

 

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