The United Association of Plumbers and Steamfitters, Local 305 ( Norwich, CT ) was established on 17 June 1910 by a group of piping tradesmen. Three of its founders were William Tomlinson, Charles A. Smith and Frank Kennedy, who were still members fifty years later. Mr. Smith was the first president of the Local and Mr. Kennedy was the first secretary.
With the passage of time and new improvements in the industry, Local 305 Journeymen traveled to Massachusetts, upper New York State, Long Island and other places where their skills were in demand. Projects included: industrial plants and power houses, hospitals and educational institutions, United States Reservations, and freighters. Local 305 contributed to the installation of a major part of the sanitary and heating systems at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut .
The Depression was a difficult time for the Local and membership fell to only seven members. Union workers took a fifteen cents per hour reduction to help stimulate trade business. A membership drive subsequently stabilized the Local.
The parent organization for Local 305 is The United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry of the United States and Canada .
From the guide to the United Association of Plumbers and Steamfitters, Local 305 Records, undated, 1934-1983., (Archives & Special Collections at the Thomas J. Dodd Research Center, University of Connecticut Libraries)
