ANN ARBOR - When the odometer flipped on a new century in 1900, 15 men gathered to accept the charter granted by International Union, which was then called the United Association of Journeyman Plumbers, Gas Fitters, Steam Fitters and Steam Fitters' Helpers of the U.S. and Canada.

The document established Local 190 as the bargaining agent for pipe trades workers in the area. Plumbers and Pipe Fitters Local 190 helped institute a wage standard, set working conditions, and brought about a pension plan for the workers who joined the union.

One hundred years later, the local's mission hasn't changed and the membership has grown to more than 1,000. On June 22 at Eastern Michigan University Convocation Center, more than 1,200 members and well-wishers gathered to honor Local 190's centennial under the theme, "celebrating a century of pride."

"It was a great celebration for a great local," said Local 190 Business Manager Ron House. "We saw old and new members, International President Marty Maddaloni, International Representative Joe Sposita, and union officers from around the country were here to celebrate. It went off like clockwork."

House said only seven businesses in the Ann Arbor area have been in business as long as Local 190 - "that's pretty impressive when you think about it," he said.

Like any union local in Michigan, Local 190 has seen its ups and downs over the years. In the beginning years, the local had to overcome anti-union bias in Ann Arbor. Like every other occupation, members were hit hard by the Great Depression. Work at the Willow Run bomber plant helped membership grow during World War II, and a training program was established at the close of the war.

Fringe benefit programs were established, and Local 190 staged its first modern strike to obtain a health and welfare plan for members. In the 1950s, the expansion at Willow Run brought 800 travelers. The local's Gas Distribution Division began to flourish in the 1960s, and the Plant Department at the University of Michigan became a totally union shop.

Travel was necessary for Local 190 workers in the 1970s, with many going to work on the Alaskan pipeline. Erosion of work to the nonunion became more prevalent, and continued into the 1980s.

Fortunes for the local improved in the 1990s, when the United Association Instructor Training Program moved to Washtenaw Community College in 1990. Membership became stable, and then increased toward the end of the decade when work brought full employment.

This year marked the 11th year that Local 190 has hosted the Instructor Training Program, and in the spring, the local moved into a new union hall on Jackson Road.

In his letter to the local, Maddaloni said "You have set an example for others to follow and secured your place in the history of the United Association. You should be very proud of yourselves and your local union leadership, under the direction of Brother House, who have worked hard on your behalf. The United Association was built upon the strong ideals and dedication of working people just like you."