IAM Local 873 celebrates 50 year anniversary

December 5, 2005 Hundreds of retirees and active members gathered all day last Wednesday at the Local Lodge 873 hall in Horicon, WI to celebrate their 50^th year as an IAM lodge.

Currently, Local 873 represents approximately 900 members at the John Deere Horicon Works.

The two charter members in attendance were Palmer Miescke and Donald Karel. Both had many stories that everyone enjoyed hearing.

From left to right: DL 121 DBR Dan Hilbert, LL 873 President Jim Giedd
charter member Palmer Miescke, GVP James E. Brown, charter member
Donald Karel and Shop Committee Chairman Dave Margelofsky

 

What was it like before they voted for the union?  They had no contract. You had to beg the boss every time you wanted a raise or time off.  Your boss determined what your pay was going to be.

The lodge actually started as a Federal Labor Union back in 1943 and the company was called the Van Brunt Manufacturing Company.

 

IAM Lodge 873 was established on November 1, 1955.  At the time of it’s founding, Local 873 had 47 machinists, 47 specialists, 2 mechanics and 326 production workers. The wage rate for tool and die makers was $1.76 at that time.

IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President James E. Brown started his remarks on a light note saying, “Your local is called ‘Wildlife Lodge,’ but I’ve been assured that name came from your local being close to the Horicon Marsh State and National Wildlife Refuge.”

He continued saying, "Since the mid-1950's, John Deere has been the mainstay of IAM membership in Wisconsin and the Midwest. We congratulate the membership of IAM Local 873 on your 50th anniversary and wish you another 50 years of continued prosperity, growth and success."