Originally founded in 1873 as the Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen, the Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen and Enginemen (BLF&E) was a railroad workers' union. In 1969, the BFL&E merged with several other railroad workers' unions to form the United Transportation Union. Lodge No. 68 of Altoona, Wis. appears to have been founded in the early 20th century. Prior, some Altoona area railroad workers may have belonged to the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, another railroad workers' union with a presence in the area. This union local served railroad workers on the Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis and Omaha Railway Company and the Chicago Northwestern Railway.
From the description of Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen and Enginemen Lodge No. 68 (Altoona, Wis.) records, 1884-1996 1935-1970. (University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire). WorldCat record id: 314188706
