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The 1930's

It's The 1930’s proved to be challenging times for the AGC. The struggling economy, which had not yet recovered from the Great Depression, took its toll on contractors and many firms went under during this time. Nationally, membership dropped to an all-time low of just 1,300 companies. But it was these companies that led the charge to help revitalize the economy under the New Deal and formed the backbone for wartime mobilization.

1930

AGC contractors and labor groups adopt the 5-day work week for all Spokane building trades, effective May 1, 1930.

1936

New wage scale goes in to effect for construction workers, greatly increasing wages for most skilled trades:
Carpenters: $1.33 1/3Electricians: $1.25
Engineers: $1.50
Bricklayers: $1.50
Floor Layers: $1.33 1/3
Painters: $1.35 - $1.60
Plumbers: $1.50
Plasterers: $2.00
Cement Finishers: $1.67 1/2

1932

Local contractors fight the state legislature as they try to divert vehicle license fees and gas tax revenues away from road construction. 

1938

Spokane region sees nearly $7,000,000 in new building construction, including over 500 new homes and warehouse projects for Sears-Roebuck, Montgomery Wards and International Harvester Co.

1933

Spokane AGC endorses legislation establishing a minimum wage for highway construction projects and forms special committee to establish the prevailing wage. Construction begins on Grand Coulee Dam.

1939

AGC Member Alloway & Georg awarded contract for Centennial Mills project at Trent & Broadway

1934

The Pacific Northwest Branch of the AGC, which included the Spokane, Seattle, Portland and Mountain Pacific chapters, moved its headquarters to Spokane.

Highlights

Presidents

1930 - George D Lyon, Lyon & Price

1931 - Charles L Muller

1932 - Max Kuney, Max J. Kuney Co.

1933 - James Crick, James F. Crick & Sons

1934-1935 - Iver Anderson

1936-1937 - Chas H. Ludberg

1938 - J.L. Hazen, Hazen & Clark

1939 - R.L. Bair

New Members

1930 - Max J. Kuney Co.

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