THEN

Lathers play an important role in the building trades, erecting structural frameworks for plaster and other materials. This simple commercial structure by De Rose & Cavalieri was constructed in 1931-32. Two-stories tall, the ground floor contains small shops, while the upper story was planned as a dance hall, long occupied by the Metallic Lathers Union of New York & Vicinity Local 46. Though the storefronts and parapet have been modified, the beautiful clock at the south end of the building probably dates to the 1940s. Hanging above the sidewalk, this Streamlined Modern timepiece has shear-like aluminum hands and a stepped wing-like base that possibly alludes to the kinds of work members of the union practice.