Robert D. Snider Bricklayers and Allied Craftsmen Local 19 collection

Robert D. Snider was born at 312 E. Race St., Muncie, Indiana, on March 16, 1920, the son of Meredith J. and Mary E. Snider. When Robert was a small child, his family moved to the Selma area where Robert attended school. They returned to the Muncie area in the 1930s and Robert graduated from Muncie Central High School in 1938. Both Robert's father and his grandfather, David Snider, were bricklayers by trade; his grandfather was one of the founders of the bricklayers' union in 1890. Robert became an apprentice, working with his father, until World War II broke out. He entered the army, serving four years in the European theatre, where he earned a bronze star, attaining the rank of staff sergeant. After his discharge, in March 1946, Robert went back to laying brick, working for various construction companies around the eastern Indiana area, such as A.J. Glaser, Hagerman of Ft. Wayne and Bird of Portland, Indiana. He also did jobs for Indiana Glass, Anchor Hocking and Corning. Robert joined the union in March 1946. Since then he held every office in the local organization except president, becoming the union’s first business agent. Mr. Snider retired in 1983.