This image was sent in by George Tincher from the Toledo, Cumberland County Paper. The following will be what was posted by: author unknown.
The End Of The Road
Dick Button (at the bottom of the picture) and George Tincher (at the top of the picture) shown striking off a concrete drain pad on Route 70 near Montrose in July 2024.
Button and Tincher are calling it quits after finishing concrete for a combined total of 126 years. Tincher joined the Operative Plasterers and Cement Masons Local in 1960. Button joined the Operative Plasterers and Cement Masons in 1962. They both have poured hundreds of these concrete drains from Martinsville, IL to Altamont, IL on Route 70.
In the last 15 years, they have worked hundreds of jobs together. They are two of the only 60 year Gold Card members still working out of Local #143 in Champaign, IL. According to Button, "We've poured concrete all over Illinois, including bridges, pavement on Route 70, Route 57, floors and high rises, sidewalks, curb and gutter, and everything in-between. We've been fortunate to work this long. One reason we've worked this long is a shortage of finishers. So, we've picked up the slack when they were short on help.
I've worked with hundreds of different and unusual me over the years. I worked with a jockey that was 4'8". He rode in the Kentucky Derby and rode races with Eddie Arcaro and Willie Shoemaker. Also, a man that was on the P.T. 109 with President John Kennedy. I thought he was kidding, and had to apologize when I found out he was telling the truth.
I worked with a guy that took care of the animals with Barnum and Bailey Circus. He sure had some great stories to tell about the circus - especially about the trapeze artist that was his girlfriend.
I've worked with hundreds of men who have had hundreds of different stories. "It's been a great ride for 62 years!" ( End of article sent)
It has always amazed me as an Agent and Manager of Local #143 that these two continued to plug along. They were always dependable and would go to almost any job they were called to cover. As they got to the later part of their working years they did become more selective on and who they would go to but they 100% earned that right! The knowledge and history that they have passed down will be greatly missed but from all the Officers of Local #143 we wish you the best in all you do in the future. Happy Retirement!
~ JM Business Manager / Financial Secretary OP&CMIA Local #143.