c. 1900

Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers Desk

Labor unions increasingly became part of the fabric of Fort Wayne during and after the Civil War. Origi-nally named the Brotherhood of the Footboard in 1863, the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers is the first known labor union organized in Allen County. In 1877 the Union would stage a major strike, shutting down the city and requiring federal intervention. Originally owned by railroad engineer Otto Wiese who worked for the Nickel Plate Railroad, this desk was used in the meeting hall of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers during labor union meetings. It is made of oak and adorned with relief carvings and a black leather padded top. "B of L E" is carved into its surface.