These are recently discovered original minutes, Vol. I, of the Musical Protective Union of Buffalo from 1889. The initial entry is of the first meeting from September 6, 1889. Remember, the AFM was formed in 1896, and we became affiliated with the AFM in 1897. Even though we are heading into the 21st Century, I think you'll agree with the wisdom of folks who attended the meeting 110 years ago. Buffalo September 6 1889 A meeting of the Musicians of Buffalo was held at Turn Hall for the purpose of taking preliminary seps towards forming a Musicians Union. The meeting was called to order by Mr. F. W. Krafft, and by vote, Mr. Geo-Barr was chosen President and R. W. Lytle Secretary of the preliminary organization. The President called attention to the necessity of a Union among the Musicians of Buffalo and stated that the meetings was for the purpose of forming, without delay, a permanent organization. After the Presidents remarks, the assembly was favored by two most able and instructive speeces... Follwing the speeches, the following points were clearly brought out by the assembly for the organization: First, that (this) organization is absolutely necessary in order to better our condition, since so long as you remain unorganized, you can accomplish nothing and with each year you will see a reduction in your salaries, you will lose more and more of the respect of the public simply because you do not organize. You must work in harmony and gradually regain that respect and the enjoyments of those right which reason and justice prove are yours. Second, that musicians in general show too little respect for political measure and influence, and consequently miss opportunities to improve their condition by a judicious use of their Votes. Third, that by cooperating with the labor elements of our City, and gaining their support, we will have as our backing a force that is invincible. Fourth, that we must make up our minds to bear some small sacrifice during the infancy of our organization, but not to get discouraged for soon the enefits would begin to appear and our sacrifice would be repaid a hundred fold. Fifth, that by gentlemany treatment of those who oppose us, and by a kindly and generous respect for the feelings and interests of one another, we can do a world of good toward making our organization satisfactory and permanent. Sixth, that the Unions in other cities, such as New York, Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Detroit are a positive and a growing success, and that by forming a Union in Buffalo we will be a link to the chain of Unions, that at no distant day will surely find together all the cities and important towns in the United States. It was decided to go slowly but surely, for experience has taught us that all great and good things have been accomplished in this manner. Many other points connected with unions were explained, and all questions were answered. By Vote, a committee was formed to nominate officers for a permanent organization. By vote, it was decided to meet again at Turn Hall on Sunday, September 8th at 9AM. By vote, it was decided to hold a third meeting Tuesday, September 10th at 9:30AM to elect officers and committees for the permanent organization. By vote, the meeting adjourned.