[Dixielandjazz] The New Orleans Musicians Union

[Stephen G Barbone]

> "Louis Lince" <louislince at neworleansmusic.demon.co.uk>
>
>
> AFM local 174-496 is the amalgamation of the white (174) and black  
> (496)
> locals.

Dear Louis, Sue, Norm:

This from an AFM site on the web:

The local remained an important force on the New Orleans music scene  
until 1969, when it merged with AFM Local 174 to form Local 174-496.  
As in Chicago, Boston, and many other cities, officers of both New  
Orleans locals learned to overcome their long-established differences  
in favor of the common goals that outweighed them.

Abandoned for more than three decades, the Local 496 headquarters have  
recently been reclaimed by preservationists who recognized the crucial  
role the building played in the musical heritage of the city. The  
former rehearsal hall and meeting place also housed the local's  
office, and historic artifacts like union records and membership cards  
were found during the cleanup. The old hall is being renovated into a  
museum, officially named the Negro Musician's Union Hall.



Cheers,

Steve Barbone

www.myspace.com/barbonestreetjazzband