Labor Unions March Through Tacoma
Striking displays of organization and craft pride defined the industrial parade as unions from Tacoma and Seattle joined forces.
The story, cleaned up
A cleaned-up reading of the newspaper page: spelling and layout repaired, one story lifted off a crowded page. It follows the original closely but it is not a transcription. The original page is below; read it if a detail matters.
Owing to the late arrival of the boats bearing members of Seattle labor unions, the industrial parade yesterday was about an hour late in starting. When it did start, however, it presented an imposing spectacle. The parade formed with the Western Central Labor Union of Seattle in the lead, followed by the Tacoma Trades Council. Next was the Garment Workers' Union, represented by a score of young women on a gaily decorated wagon. The Shingle Weavers came next, and then the painters. The latter wore white uniforms and made the best appearance of any union in the parade. The painters also captured the $25 prize offered to the union having the largest percentage of members in line. The newsboys also made a good showing. A prize of $20 for the most unique float was awarded to J. B. Aubry & Co., blacksmiths. A gaily decorated wagon contained a farrier's outfit and a patient gray horse, which submitted to being shod half a dozen times for the edification of the onlookers. When the parade disbanded at the intersection of Pacific Avenue and Seventh Street, the Seattle unions were escorted to the headquarters of their Tacoma brethren. The Trades Council and the local unions kept open house all day, and the visitors were well cared for.
“The painters wore white uniforms and made the best appearance of any union in the parade.”
Parades were once the primary way for organized labor to assert its civic legitimacy in Tacoma. While the route down Pacific Avenue remains central to the city, the specific trades like shingle weavers have long since vanished from the local industrial landscape.
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