Carpenters Home Helped Members Retire With Dignity

Before Social Security and pensions were woven into the benefits earned by today’s UBC members, the union resolved to help members retire with minimal financial worry. The idea had first been proposed in 1910 by General President Gabriel Edmonston and was realized by General President William L. Hutcheson.

Built in Lakeland, FL, the UBC’s Home for Aged Carpenters was approved by members in 1923 and completed in 1928. By 1930, two hundred retired members were living at the Home, and those over 65 with 30 years good standing who chose not to live at the home were entitled to a $15-a-month pension.

The Home closed in 1976. The nearby Carpenters’ Cemetery includes the remains of 1,262 UBC members and is still maintained by volunteer members of the union. The last burial at the cemetery took place in 1982.

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