The material for this book has been selected from the papers that John left to the author, plus from many hours of taped interviews with John. Other material is from the Plumbers' Union and the National Archives.
John Bruce entered the plumbing and pipe-fitting industry in its Genesis. First came running water, then came plagues of cholera and typhoid fever and then proper drainage systems and sanitation.
It is not possible in one book to record the ninety-three years of John Bruce's life in any detail. This book endeavours to show the development of the man, his philosophy, creed and some of his accomplishments. It also attempts to show who he was, his faith, the development of his talents and the use to which they were put.
This book begins with his birth and ends when he put down the tools of his trade to become the General Organizer for the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe-Fitting industry. An elected position that he held for more than a half-century.
John Bruce kept his family life separate and apart from John the unionist, socialist and activist.