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Most unions and fraternal organizations met immediately after the calamity, and almost all reported earthquake victims in their membership. Most, if not all, members lived in the South-of-Market or Mission districts of San Francisco.

The Painters’ Union, Local 19

A called meeting of Local No. 19 was held last Sunday afternoon in the empty lot at the corner of O’Farrell and Devisadero streets. A large number of the members were present. By motion and vote of the union, the President appointed an Executive Board of twenty-seven members to look out for the interests of the union and transact the business of the union. The board consists of A.E. Smith, J.B. Fleming, F. Bergen, William Walsh, J. Gorp, J. Thomas, Ed McLean, Thomas Linton, Thomas Bayliss, Phil Kiley, Thomas Moran, J. Smallbone, M. Norton, E. Morelock, R. Wiethneicht, George Bowen, E. Roy, M. Shell, H. Sheehan, H. Bieg, F. La Foress. They will meet at 2 p.m. Friday, May 4, at the B.T.C. headquarters, 640 Golden Gate avenue.

The safe was opened Monday and the books and records were found intact. Brother Walsh borrowed a handcart on the morning of the earthquake and succeeded in saving most of the portable property not in the safe. The typewriter is plugging away at the new office. All members who have not reported as requested are to do so. The Financial Secretary has an office at B.T.C. headquarters.

The members of No. 19 who were killed are Con McCarty, Ed O’Shea. George Hiersch and wife were rooming in the Brunswick on Sixth street, and their bodies have not been recovered. Harry Osterra and C. Holmquist are missing. Several of the brothers had narrow escapes and are thankful to be alive.

The District Council met on Sunday, April 29th, and decided to suspend many of the trade rules until further notice. No overtime will be allowed; straight time for night or Sunday work. The brothers are requested to be satisfied with eight hours’ work and give brothers – unemployed a chance. The Business Agents will continue to do business. The brothers are requested to observe union rules as much as possible. The future prosperity of San Francisco will depend a great deal on the wage scale, and as painters are a good medium of circulation, the amount of money they handle will cut some ice in the new city, so demand your four dollars and give satisfaction in return.

San Francisco has a future, and the painters who remain will reap a harvest, as work will be plentiful in a very short time. If your overalls, putty knife and duster were burned, ask the Financial Secretary to supply you with a new outfit. This applies to those who are deserving only. Do not try to take advantage of this offer, as you will be turned out if not burned out.

Some of the boys claim that they are getting fat since the earthquake. No one has starved up to date and the prospects look good for a full dinner pail for some time to come.

Brother F.J. Dwyer of the Ship Painters is doing police duty. He is also on the relief committee of the Knights of Columbus. Brother Dwyer is anxious to have all members of L.O. 986 register their name and address with Brother Stintz at 640 Golden Gate avenue.

DEL WILSON,
Press Agent.


Organized Labor
Official Organ of the State and Local Building Trades Councils of California
San Francisco
April 21, 28, and May 5, 1906 [Combined edition].

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