Masonry Magazine October 1985 Page. 29
Boston's historic Faneuil Hall stands as a backdrop for the bricklaying competition. (Photos by Bob Rhault)
37th Annual Massachusetts Bricklaying Contest held in Boston
The 37th annual Massachusetts Bricklaying Contest, jointly sponsored by the International Masonry Institute and the Massachusetts State Conference of Bricklayers & Allied Craftsmen (BAC), was held recently in Boston.
Prior to the start of the competition, a breakfast was held for the apprentices and invited guests. Baystate Governor Michael Dukakis and Massachusetts Secretary of Transportation and Construction Frederick Salvucci were in attendance. Governor Dukakis spoke briefly to the participating apprentices. In his remarks, he noted that "brick work is part of the fabric that makes this city unique."
The contest was held on City Hall Plaza in Boston's Government Center near historic Faneuil Hall. This site provided easy viewing access and attracted a steady flux of spectators throughout the day. A "courtesy table" was established within the contest area so that spectators could try their hand at laying brick. The sponsoring masonry craftsmen from locals throughout the state were on hand to offer pointers on bricklaying to the onlookers.
The 21 male and female contestants, representing nearly all local (BAC) unions in the Commonwealth, began erecting their brick piers at 9 a.m. and finished at noon, at which time the judging commenced. Continued on page 42
Pictured (from left) Charles Raso, business manager, BAC Local 3, Boston; Joseph Tyler, business manager, Local 15, Waltham; contest winner Chris Madeiros; Peter Nota, The Waterproofing Co.; Charles Velardo of G. Salvucci, Inc., mason contractors; John Sapia, president, Massachusetts State Conference (BAC), and Thomas Mcintyire, BAC international vice president.
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