AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN M. (JACK) DOYLE Keeping with family tradition, I am third generation Journeyman Bricklayer. I was born in 1927 and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Specifically South Philadelphia, an area known as the Devil' s Pocket. I have three brothers, several cousins, a brother-in-law, uncle--all Bricklayers. My son Jack, who passed away two years ago, was also a Bricklayer. Enlisted in the US Navy in 1944 and was discharged July, 1946. August 1946 indentured as an Apprentice Bricklayer in Local # 1 P A. and was employed by John B. Kelly. In Boxing, won the Golden Gloves Championship, 175 pounds, in October 1948. Received my Journeyman's Card in December 1948 and as a Journeyman worked on many jobs in the Philadelphia and surrounding areas. Also worked as a Bricklayer in Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, Ohio, Maryland, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

Was the first Local #1 Bricklayer to work on the US Steel Plant in Morrisville, PA. I was Steward on the Blast Furnace for Arthur J. McKee Co. Because of the distance that Morrisville is from Philadelphia, along with the fact that there was plenty of work right in Philadelphia and the job was only working five days a week, the Business Agent couldn't get Bricklayers to go. When he told me that we stood a chance of losing the territory if we didn't man the job, I volunteered and subsequently was made the Steward for Freyen Engineering Company, building the open hearths.

Served two terms on the Local Trial Board as Secretary and then as Chairman.

Served two terms on the Local Conference Committee, first as Secretary , then as Chairman. As Chairman, we negotiated a Local Pension Plan.

Was elected President of Local #1 Pennsylvania in 1955 and served until 1970. As President, we worked with local #12 and Local #54 and negotiated a Joint Agreement which included all three locals. This put a stop to the past practice of an Employer using one local against the other.

Attended my first National Convention in 1952 at Minneapolis, Minnesota, as a Delegate from # 1 Pennsylvania. I had attended every Convention as a delegate until 1970--that is the year that I went to work as the ill Deputy. As a delegate, I presented the resolution to create a National Pension Fund and also to have the International Union become more active in Local Union organizing. Although these resolutions didn't pass at these conventions, later, under President Tom Murphy and Secretary (later, President) Jack Joyce both these programs were enacted.

Served as a delegate to the State Conference from Local #1 and presented resolutions urging reciprocal agreements on Health and Welfare and Pension Funds. This would protect our members who have to travel to earn a living.

In 1972, I was awarded the City of Peace Award by Israel.

In 1973, I received the Man of the Year Award from the Catholic War Veterans.

In 1970, President Murphy appointed me as Special Deputy covering the states of Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia and Washington, DC.

In the mid-1970's, the International Union established the Organizing Department and President Murphy appointed me as Director. I served in that capacity until I retired in 1986.

Currently, I am a member of the BAC Retirement Committee.