Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/308664
52 SAG-AFTRA | Spring 2014 | SAGAFTRA.org Snapshot by Valerie Yaros R E A D Y F O R T H E I R C L O S E - U P GENE LESTER/SAG-AFTRA ARCHIVES W hen SAG-AFTRA President Ken Howard and New York Local President and National Vice President Mike Hodge celebrated the opening of the new SAG-AFTRA New York office at 1900 Broadway on Jan. 22, they were continuing an enthusiastic tradition: the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Nearly 60 years ago, on May 25, 1956, photographers captured Screen Actors Guild President Walter Pidgeon and AFL-CIO President George Meany cutting the ribbon to dedicate the Guild's new Los Angeles headquarters at 7750 Sunset Blvd. e building's architect was Eduardo Samaniego, brother of silent film star Ramón Novarro. Meany later addressed the guests inside, extolling union membership as a beneficial force in the American economy, stating, "Not only do we feel that the laborer is entitled to his share, has a moral right, we feel that this is socially desirable and we know beyond question that it's economically desirable for the laborer to get his fair share because we could not maintain this dynamic economy we have here in America unless we could consume the tremendous production of our mines and our mills and our factories. And that consuming power comes from the mass purchasing power which is generated at the bottom of our economic structure. And the trade unions do make a contribution in that way, to the welfare and to the interests of the entire country as a whole." e growth of television production and residuals soon contributed to a need for increased staffing. A year later, the Guild's Intelligence Report member newsletter declared "Television Residuals Rise, Create Problems at Office." In 1961, the second floor was expanded to accommodate more staff. Increases in membership and the number of signatories and residuals meant more employees were required to handle the workload, and SAG outgrew 7750 Sunset. e union rented additional office space in two buildings across the boulevard and finally moved to another headquarters in 1986. But dramatic memories were made at 7750 Sunset, and the building remains there today, altered but completely recognizable. Click here for a transcript of George Meany's remarks. SAG President Walter Pidgeon and AFL-CIO President George Meany shared the honor of inaugurating a new office at a May 25, 1956 ribbon-cutting ceremony. Click here for Photos