• A Rich and Diverse History
• Cesar Chavez is Lonely
• Kate Richards O'hare
• Frank Walsh
• KC Labor History Map
• View of the West Bottoms: 8th & Jefferson
• The Great Southwest Strike - 1886
• Garment Workers Organize
• Packinghouse Workers
• The IWW and Free Speech Fights
• Street Car Strikes and General Strike
• Sitdowns in auto
• Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters
• Carpenters Hall
• Musician Local 627
• Other Photos of Kansas City Labor History
• Teamsters organize at City Market 1938
• Student Papers The IWW's Agricultural Workers Organization

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Carpenters Hall

During the 1920s and 30s Carpenters Hall was a social hub for the members of the Carpenters Union and their families. Most local unions affiliated with the Carpenters District Council held their meetings in this building at one time or another.

On the night of January 16, 1934 Carpenters Hall was the scene of the infamous Stubblefield murder in which the former president of the District Council, the Building Trades Council, and the Kansas City Labor Council was struck by a shotgun blast fired through an open window.

Throughout most of the 20th century, the Carpenters Hall was the focal point for organizing one of the largest of the building trades unions in Kansas City.

Workers were sent out to various construction sites and men seeking employment could frequently be found there waiting in the anteroom for "placement", along with retired members playing checkers and reminiscing. The District Council purchased a different building more suited to its needs in 1978. Local 61 still maintained its office in the building and held meetings there until 1983, at which time their offices were moved to the District Council Building and the property was sold to a church.