UNION MADE TOOLS

In the past year I got to sift through the contents of my grandfather's work toolbox, which I had heard about yet never seen. 

Anthony J Choma (1907-67) passed away before I was born, so looking through his sturdy wooden toolbox helped me to get to know him better. From the contents, I could see evidence of his “hand.” 

He had worked for 22 years as a sheet metal mechanic with the Pratt and Whitney Division of United Aircraft Corporation, located in East Hartford, CT. He was also a unionized member of the International Association of Machinists, which is proudly displayed through booklets and buttons within the box. In addition to tools such as wrenches, there are also devices for making precise measurements. The marks he etched with these led to the creation of what would eventually be large airplane engines--buoyant in the sky.

Sitting in the top tray of the chest was this piece of edge-taped paper, measuring about 3"x5". Likely it had once labelled a package of tools, but I am not certain. Clearly it was kept as a reminder and endorsement of the quality and reliability of union-made products. (Given the historical context, we'll forgive the gendered language.) 

As a tribute to my grandfather, who was clearly an artist through his profession, I would like to contribute this item to this people's history of graphic design.