A float depicting the proud progression of the lineman tradition
took first place in its division in the Helena, Montana, Vigilante
Day parade.
The float boasting three utility poles was built by members of Local
44, Butte, Montana. It drew standing ovations as it traveled the
parade route in May. Linemen using authentic hot sticks, insulators,
tools and hardware from 1912 contrasted with the tools of the trade
used today. Even with high safety standards and modern equipment,
the profession is still dangerous, and the float was dedicated to
line workers past and present who lost life and limb on the wires,
particularly Local 44 lineman Timothy Lindeman, who lost part of
his arm last fall.
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Linemen
Past and Present
August 2001 IBEW Journal
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