In the late 1800's, craftsmen of the building construction trades realized that by joining together they would become a force to help the laboring class of people become recognized. One such organization in 1889 made up of Plumbers and Steamfitters, organized into a group to be known as the United Association of Plumbers, Gas Fitters, and Steamfitters of the United States and Canada. One year later in 1890 Wyoming became a State from a Frontier Territory.

By the turn of the century, it became apparent that a Local Union be formed by the town of Cheyenne. A Steamfitter Local #224 was chartered and Mr. J.J. Grainger was elected as its president and prospects for the future looked very bright, as this article was in the Official Voice of the United Association published in 1900, December issue.

Local Union #192 was first chartered to the city of Sharon, Pennsylvania. They surrendered the charter at the end of 1905. It was then re-issued to the Sprinkler Fitters of Seattle, Washington. From 1900 to 1907 Local #224 had jurisdiction of Cheyenne, but in 1907 it acquired transit fever and moved to Goldfield, Nevada. Local #192 of Seattle, Washington surrendered its charter in 1907, and it was reissued to Cheyenne on August 10, 1910, as a Combination Local. Some of the former members of #224 became Charter members of the new Local #192, they were: Fred Berger, Otto Kahler, Ralph Wing, Judd Hedges, Walter Keefe, and Andy McKenzie.

John L. Spaulding was initiated into Local #192 in November, 1923, and became a General Organizer for the United Association. It was the job of the General Organizer to assist and lend advise to local unions when problems arose.

In the 1930's and 1940's, Local Union #192 was called upon to furnish people to build the Frontier Refinery and the Base Contonement. "The Building Boom was on." Our Financial Secretary was Jack Reynolds, and the Local rented a meeting hall twice a month at the old Labor Temple at 300 West 18th Street and our office books were carried in a briefcase. Our jurisdiction was Laramie County.

Local #192 was awarded Albany County in 1951, and our membership was approximately 65 members. Everett Lowry was our Financial Secretary. The Union moved its office space to a rented area over a garage at 400 East 16th Street, and we held our meetings in the basement of the Chamber of Commerce Building.

In 1953 the Local moved back to the Labor Temple, where we rented "desk space", along with the meeting hall when it was needed. Our Financial Secretary was Arthur Farmer.

The year of 1955 found Local #192 with Henry Pross as Financial Secretary, and in July of 1955 we were awarded Platte County, where Glendo Dam was being constructed. In March of 1957 we were awarded Goshen County, and our jurisdiction had increased from 2400 square miles to 10,000 square miles.

In 1958, the Local purchased it's first automobile, a 1958 Ford sedan, and the Atlas Missiles were beginning construction, and our Local had a membership of 329.

The beginning of 1960 found Local #192 with office space rented at the Old Labor Temple with Fay E. Tomlin as the Financial Secretary. The Local moved into the Waldman Building, but due to unkind circumstances moved within two weeks to 1700 Snyder Ave. where the Union resided for the next three years of the Atlas Boom. Mr. Tomlin hired our first Assistant and full time secretary.

In 1963, with the Atlas Missile boom over, the Local Union moved to the Electricians Hall, at 810 Fremont, where we rented two offices and the meeting hall when needed. The membership was down to 150 members, we had no assistant, and struggled with a part time secretary.

In 1968, our Local was awarded three counties on the west side of the state; Sweetwater, Unita, Lincoln, and half of Carbon County. This area contained a power house at Kemmerer and Soda Ash Plants at Green River.

In 1974 the Local moved into its own building at 411 West 5th Street. Mr. Tomlin was still the Business Manager/Financial Secretary. In February of 1976, Mr. Tomlin passed away and Assistant Agent, Dennis Goodwine finished the unexpired term, then was re-elected.

From 1976 through 1980 the Local had the luxury of an abundance of work. The Soda Ash Plants, Jim Bridger Power House, and Laramie River Station to name a few. Membership was up to around 500 members.

As the Republicans with President Reagan in 1980 took over, the recession that followed almost did away with the work in Wyoming and elsewhere. The next four years were very cruel for the Pipe Trades in most areas.

In January, 1983, James Gear became the Financial Secretary and membership was approximately 370. Mr. Gear served a three year term and then Dennis Goodwine was elected and served as Business Manager/Financial Secretary until his retirement in 1995. Mr. Carl Federer was then elected and is currently the Business Manager/Financial Secretary.

Many changes have taken place over the years. In 1986, Local #430, Scottsbluff, Nebraska, merged with Local #192. In March, 1997, Local's 193, Casper, Wyoming, and #199, Sheridan, Wyoming, merged with Local #192. The jurisdiction of Local #192 now consists of all of the state of Wyoming, western South Dakota, and western Nebraska. We now have a total membership of 470.

We have two organizers working to try to bring in new members and new contractors. It is a slow process, but it has been successful in small steps. Without the organizing effort our membership would be less than it is. It is through the help of the United Association and our members that the organizing effort is possible. We are not always in agreement on all issues, but we are brothers and sisters and working together will bring great things for our Local.

Changes are taking place in all areas including training. We have already seen some of them and there are more to come. The future Apprentices and Journeymen will be better trained in all areas.

It is wonderful to share this special occasion with all of you. We want to thank all the MEMBERS, PRESENT AND PAST for helping to make Local Union #192 a good, viable force in the Labor Movement.