Celebrating 125 years of affiliation, the American Federation of Musicians, Local 159, continues the tradition of providing and supporting music in our community with over 100 active members. On August 31st, 1901, the American Federation of Musicians, Local 159, Mansfield, was chartered as a recognized union for musicians in the United States.
Local Musicians Contemplate Organizing a Branch of American Federation of Musicians – In January of 1901, around 25 Mansfield musicians met to discuss joining the federation. – Mansfield NewsJournal, January 30, 1901, page 8 
Band Concert: The newly formed “City Band” celebrates in downtown Mansfield with a concert before sending delegates to St. Louis to receive an official charter with the American Federation of Musicians. – Mansfield NewsJournal, August 29, 1901, page 6 
The American Federation of Musicians Local 159 Charter, signed by National President Joseph N. Weber, and Secretary Owen Miller (who was the first president of the National AFM in 1896). – Chartered August 31, 1901, St. Louis, Missouri. 
Local 159 organizes concerts in the community – Mansfield NewsJournal, February 4, 1902 
Local 159 organizes free concerts to aid in relief effort for the Mansfield Humane Society – Mansfield NewsJournal, February 10, 1902 
Local 159 announces elected officials, rehearsals, and for the first time – the beginning talks of what would later become known as the “Music in the Parks” summer concert series. – Mansfield NewsJournal, May 7, 1902, page 3 
AROUND THE TOWN: Seen, Heard, And Commented Upon by the Reporters: A new member of the AFM 159 liked to play jokes on members of the City Band. Little did he know that they boys were waiting for an opportunity to return the favor. – Mansfield NewsJournal, September 20, 1902, page 3 
Local 159 announces a move to new headquarters in the Bird Building in downtown Mansfield. – Mansfield NewsJournal, February 3, 1903 
Bird Building in Mansfield, Ohio – circa 1900. 
Musicians’ Union Holds Its Annual Election of Officers at Trades Hall – Mansfield NewsJournal, December 9, 1912 
Concert in the Parks Announcement in 1916 – Mansfield NewsJournal, August 23, 1916 
At Last Mansfield Has a Real Theater with Real Entertainment: The Ohio Theatre in Mansfield Ohio opened January 10, 1928, which would later be known as The Renaissance – Mansfield NewsJournal, January 25, 1928 
Announcements – Unemployed Union or Non-Union Musicians in Richland County to register with Local 159. – Mansfield NewsJournal, August 22, 1934 
2 Orchestras Vie With Tunes at Coliseum Saturday – Local 159 puts together “wild swing bands” for an all-night dance in Mansfield. – Mansfield NewsJournal, May 9, 1939
AFM 159 Key Moments in History
LOCAL MUSICIANS – Contemplate Organizing a Branch of American Federation of Musicians [Mansfield NewsJournal, January 30, 1901]
An organization of the musicians of Mansfield is to be made and arrangements for it are in progress. It is to be a branch of the American Federation of Musicians and it is the intention, if possible, to have all of the musicians of the city to join it. The idea is to establish and maintain a uniform scale of prices for work of this kind and will be for common benefit of all the members. Thus far about twenty‑five persons have signed the membership list and it is expected that about twenty‑five more will be secured, after which the names will be sent in and application made for a charter. It is understood that it is not the intention to raise the price of musicians’ services above the standard which has been observed heretofore, but in order to bring up certain ones who have been cutting prices. No definite arrangements regarding the time and place of meeting have as yet been made. After the charter is secured the organization will be effected and officers elected.
BAND CONCERT [Mansfield NewsJournal, August 29, 1901]
The concert given in Central park Wednesday evening was enjoyed by a large crowd. The local musicians’ union has sent to St. Louis for its charter where the headquarters of the American Federation of Musicians is located. The local union consists of about 40 musicians from this city and five members from Mt. Vernon. Frank Voerge, of St. Louis, a double bass and tuba player, has been added to the City band. He will also be a member of the opera house orchestra. Mr. Voerge has secured a position with the Bell Watch Case company. The City band will come out on Labor Day with a band of 25 pieces.
AFM Local 159 of Mansfield Ohio – Chartered August 31, 1901, St. Louis, Missouri
The American Federation of Musicians Local 159 Charter, signed by National President Joseph N. Weber, and Secretary Owen Miller (who was the first president of the National AFM in 1896).
At Last Mansfield Has a Real Theater with Real Entertainment [Mansfield NewsJournal January 25, 1928]
Harry Brown Jr. placed a thank you message to the AFM Local 159 and others on their cooperation and partnership efforts in opening the venue in Mansfield where the Local 159 would be providing future performances and musicians for entertainment. There are historical connections with the Brown Family and independent theaters in the region, including the landmark opening of the Ohio Theatre in Mansfield, Ohio in 1928. This theatre would later be known as The Renaissance.
