


Union cornice makers in their shop, circa 1920
Sheet Metal Workers Local 137 Collection, Robert F. Wagner Labor Archives, NYU

Detail of cornice
Union cornice makers in their shop, circa 1920
These men were metal workers who fabricated architectural ornaments. One of their cornices can be seen above the men at the far right. Their skills were undermined by machine made architectural elements and as metal cornice work fell out of fashion. Their organization, like many others, merged with similar trades. This photograph was found in the archives of Sheet Metal Workers Local Union 137.