Edward Swayduck

Edward Swayduck was a man with vision light years beyond his time. Life Magazine called him "energetic and unorthodox." He was President of Local One during New York's printing industry's boom, when a quarter of the country's lithographic work was produced here.

Born in the Midwest to a lithographic family, Swayduck joined the craft after graduating from high school. He improved his skills by traveling around the country and working in plants in various states. Before entering the service as a US Marine in World War II, he served on Local One's Negotiating Committee under then-President Albert Castro. Upon returning from service, Swayduck was elected to Local One's Council Board in 1946. Then-President Frank Casino, Sr. appointed him Vice President in 1948 and a few months later Swayduck was elected President of Local One. He remained the Union's president until 1975, when he resigned for health reasons.

During his tenure as president, Swayduck made major improvements to Local One's programs and benefits. He also conceptualized and created Lithopinion, a prize-winning magazine that showcased fine graphic arts. A total of 39 issues were published and are now sought after by collectors.

His views received nation-wide attention and both President John F. Kennedy and President Lyndon B. Johnson invited Swayduck to the White House several times.

A January 1964 Local One newsletter stated, "The commencement of the friendship with Mr. Kennedy, which was to continue into the White House…occurred in a memorable TV interview on November 2, 1960... (in which) President Kennedy expressed his high personal regard for the long and distinguished record of Local 1."

His forward-thinking vision extended beyond the scope of the printing industry. In 1961, Edward Swayduck was the first of multiple developers to set his sights on a parcel of land on