Originally chartered by American Federation of Labor, the Erie machinists were re-organized by the National Association of Machinists as Lodge 101 in 1890. W. F. Young was elected the first Master Machinist. The local was re-chartered in August 1896 as a contract lodge, disbanded in February 1901, and then re-organized in May 1901. Local Lodge 101 participated in several strikes during its history including a bitter 1913 strike by Erie molders. "Black lists" kept members of Local Lodge 101 out of work. In 1919, all segments of organized labor in Erie supported striking steelworkers.
Later, 1936-1937 testimony before the LaFollette Civil Liberties Committee revealed the presence of "labor spies" in the ranks of Local 101. Corporations across the United States hired "spies" for the purpose of disrupting union business. Erie Lodge 101 gained an affiliate in 1942, the Laurel Auxiliary (Ladies Auxiliary) #304. In 1944, members from the Standard Stoker received the Army-Navy "E" for wartime production excellence. Local Lodge 101 celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2001.
From the description of International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, Local Lodge 101 (Erie, Pa.) records, 1892-1916. (Georgia State University). WorldCat record id: 191884936
