1956 Safety Record Is Best In Years
Plant 4 Goes Six Months Without
lost- Time Accident, Coffin Reports
Safety-conscious employees at Mueller Co.'s Decatur plants
turned in their best safety record in several years during 1956,
Personal Director Cecil E. Coffin has announced.
Mr. Coffin, who is in charge of the Decatur safety program,
said it would be difficult to compare 1956 with all other years due
to man hours worked, but certainly the 1956 record is the best
since he became Personnel Director in 1952.
"Our Brass and Iron Foundries
at Plant 4 had six complete
months without a single losttime accident," he said, "and
Plant 1 completed two months
during the year with no lost
time accidents."
Actually, there were only 251
accident days lost during the
Just two lost-time accidents entire year. This compares with Published by Mueller Co., Decatur, m., - Walter H. Dyer, Editor.
January, 1957
during the entire year ... that's 637 days lost in 1955 and 810
the outstanding safety per- days lost in 1954.
formance of Los Angeles emMr. Coffin credits the success
ployees during 1956. The plant of his safety program to the coenjoyed the first six months operative spirit of all employees
without a single lost time acci- and the many good safety sugdent. Then the sp.ell b:oke and gestions submitted by them durLawrence FantuzzI suffered one ing the year. That plus the fact
of those unavoidable mishaps that safety has been made the
when a metal flask fell on the top I responsibility of the individual
of his right hand.
employee.
DiThat was in July, and the ser"We don't offer any prizes or
rectors was increased from nine
.
f h ..
lOusness.
0
t e InJury k ep t Mr . bronze plaques for a good safety
The Mueller Co. has entered its 100th year. Decatur's oldest to ten members at the annual
FantuzzI home for 34 days dur- record" the Personnel Director industrial firm was founded in 1857 by Heironymous Mueller, a meeting December 11 when
ing July and August. . .
said. "The reward for being care- German immigrant and gunsmith by trade, in a 20' by 40' building Franklin B. Schmick, a Chicago
But that unfortunate InCIdent ful is good health, good eye- near what is today the heart of downtown Decatur.
industrialist, was elected. Mr.
only spurred Plant Manager Earl sight and the use of both arms
Schmick, a Vice President and
Today, the company is one of the nation's largest manufacturers Director of the H. M. Byllesby
Bright's men on to a sparkling and l~gs."
of
water
and gas distribution and service products. Plants are stra- & Company of Chicago, is the
new e~ort. T~ere wasn:t another
He feels that this practical
lost tIme accI~ent ~.myl Novem- approach has resulted in the tegically located in Decatur, Los Angeles, Chattanooga, Tenn.; husband of Mrs. Lenore Mueller
ber when a mInor InJury sent a vast improvement of recent and Sarnia, Ontario, Canada.
Schmick, who is also a member
man home for three day~.
h years. "Our safety committees
Although the birth of the company officially is dated as Septem- of the Mueller Co. Board.
T.hat's all there wa~ dUrIng t e are made up of hourly employees ber 7, 1857, Albert G. Webber, Jr., the fifth president in the
Besides his position with H.
entIre year. Two aCCIdents total- and their supervisors. We have
company's history, said a number of special events and other means M. Byllesby & Company, Mr.
ing 37 lost days. You have to go a committee for each plant and
Schmick is a director of several
are being devised to observe the centennial.
some to beat that.
that committee in 1957 will
other firms including the Allied
_ _- _8.e;u11_.M ueller _Co._ ,if.li ns...Ju. con- ~ Bg-e ~ery :h:-c:e :-:c::::nt~·!-!' .-'Fh il;; ,
A le tter h~" ~,,(>r. .ro.ai!f' rl to...s.c1ll.f!-.3 ~ QO(t .c.ll.simners emp1ovPe£ Ea.p
('nrp(H'~j-inn ~n(l A(I)·''' lU''''
gratulating Mr. Bright for his gives a great many employees and friends announcing the start of the second century and pledg· AlumInum Company.
safety program and every em- an opportunity to take part in ing the company's leadership, manufacturing skill and LradiUon Lo
He is also a trustee of the Uniployee who stayed alert through- the safety project. "For example, help meet the chaUenge of the new century. A special advertising versity of Chicago Cancer Reout the year in making this fine he said, "last year a total of 128 program is being launched this month with ads in several national search Foundation, and a memeffort possible.
men served on our safety com- trade magazines and other publications such as BUSINESS WEEK. ber of the Chicago YMCA Board
Although the Chattanooga mittees."
of Directors.
Other events such as open house will probably be conducted
plant's safety record during 1956
Mr. Coffin's technique is to
All other directors were rewas far from equal to that of to keep safety in everybody's during the year.
elected in the annual meeting.
Decatur and Los Angeles, it is mind an the time. He does this
All company officers were rehardly fair to draw a compari- by sending out two publications,
elected: They are:
son due to the different type "The Safe Worker," which goes
Albert G. Webber, Jr., chairwork performed at the three to everyone, and a special book
man of the Board, President and
plant's.
for supervisors on industrial
Treasurer.
The increase in employment safety.
W. H. Hipsher, Executive Vice
during 1956 at Chattanooga is
In addition, lighted safety
President
Company sponsored Christ- Santa Claus delighted the kiddue no doubt to the increase in posters a re p Iced
th roug h th e
Leo Wi ant, Adminstrative
a
lost-time accidents. Last year a plants and these are changed mas parties for children were dies.
Vice President
held at the Decatur and Los
O. E. Walker, Vice President
total of 980 days were lost as every week.
Lyle R. Huff, Vice President
Works Manager, welcomed
compared to 564 during 1955.
Now, he's looking forward to Angles plants this past season .n,nd
the audience on behalf of the and General Controller.
More accidents may be expect- a better than ever record in 1957.
·
f
. d
Frank H. Mueller, Vice Presiwhi Ie a d Inner or retIre em- company and a Christmas mes- dent and Director of Engineered in handling of heavier equipployees was held at Sarnia. A sage was delivered by the Rev.
ment and the production of larging
number of private parties were I C. W. Flewelling. C. E. Coffin,
er products such as hydrants and
O. E. Walker, Vice President
held at Chattanooga in obser- IPersonnel ~irector, was master and Works Manager
valves, than in the easier to
of
ceremOnIes.
handle products made in Decatur
LeRoy J. Evans, Vice Presivance of the holiday season.
Christmas fruit and candy was
and Los Angeles.
dent
in Charge of Eastern Sales
Nearly 1,200 parents and given to each child present.
Yet, Management feels there
C. Harry Martin, Secretary.
children
turned
out
for
Decatur's
I?
Los.
Angeles,.
empl~yees
and
is much room for improvement
The complete list of Directors
All officers and directors of
.
theIr chIldren paId theIr second
in our Southern Plant's safety
MueUer, Limited, were re-elected annual ChrIstmas show at the annual visit to Disneyland where is as folows:
record and confiden tly looks forDecember 12 at the annual meet- Masonic Temple. Three profes- children were given tickets for W. H. Hipsher
ward to the coming year, a time
Mrs. Addie E. Mueller
ing of the Board in Decatur.
sional acts plus a visit from fre2 rides.
they believe will show a marked
Frank
H. Mueller
Officers of Mueller, Limited,
improvement in safety.
Mrs. Pauline V. Mueller
are:
Richard E. Pritchard
George W. Parker, President
Mrs. Charlotte Mueller Schluter
and Treasurer
Mrs. Lenore Mueller Schmick
T. G. Quance, Executive Vice
Franklin B. Schmick
President
Albert G. Webber, Jr.
R. M. Nicolson, Vice President
Leo Wiant
and General Sales Manager
R. J. Skippon, Vice President
Roy Abel, who joined Mueller
and Factory Manager
Co. in December, 1955, as AsJ. Milne, Secretary
Here are tips on winter drivsistant to O. E. Walker, Vice
C. S. Browett, plant controller
ing:
President and Works Manager,
and Assistant Secretary.
has been appointed Decatur FacTo save your battery, don't
Directors are:
tory Manager. Mr. Walker, when
turn on lights, radio or other
Orval W. Diehl
announcing the promotion, said
electrical equipment unless enW. H. Hipsher
Mr. Abel will be in charge of
gine is running.
J. Milne
factory operations at both Plant
If your car goes into a skid.
Ebert B. Mueller
I and Plant 4.
turn steering wheel in direction
R. M. Nicolson
Before joining Mueller Co.,
Look familiar'! This photo should. Thl'ce of these four men
of the skid. Don't apply brakes
George W. Parker
were shown in ~Iain Conneetions last year, eaeh with a deer. At
Mr. Abel served as a consultant
R. J. Skippon
suddenly. Take foot off acceleraright is Bill Miller, a formel' Mueller Co. employee, and son of
for Mueller, Limited.
Albert G. Webber, Jr.
tor to permit engine to brake
Charley and Ruth Miller. His friends, f"olll left., are Buck ~TilHallls,
(Continued on Page 5)
Leo Wiant
(Continued on Page 6)
Neal Anderson and Franklin Slifer.
Only Two
LA Misllaps
Lose 1-'ime
Mueller COe-yFounded All Officers,
By German Inventor Directors
Enters 1 OOth Year
l!h?:!E~~cBt;d~
v
Employee Parties Marli.
1956 Christmas Season
Sarnia Officers
Are Re-Electe(l
I
Oh Deer, They Did It Again!
Abel Named
To New Post
Drivin'g Tips
MAIN
Page 2
CONNECTIONS
January, 1957
Veterans Get
Pins~ Cash
Certificates
* * *
Chattanooga
Pins
sented
August
include
Los Angeles Sales Office
and cash awards, preat Chattanooga from
1 through December 31,
the following:
5 Years: Edward Benning,
Robert Earl Blanks, H. T. Foster, Jesse J . Holloway, Robert
Lee Johnson, Warren Moncier,
Carroll R. Moore, Joseph H . Moses, Roosevelt Powell, Paul S.
Slatton, Willard C. Selvage, William L. Simpson, Henry D. Taylor, Leroy Thurmond, Richard
Waller.
10 Years: Billy G. Andrews,
James O. Bailey, Elmer Coffman,
Robert G. Lansford, John M.
Tate, Glenda Mae Wilson.
15 Years: Joseph Bartlett,
Marvin L. Davis, Alboan Glass,
Theodore McGinnis.
20 Years: Walter Paris, L. D.
Satterwhite.
30 Yea.r s: Monroe Hudson .
• • •
Here arc four vi ews of OUI' Los Angeles plant's llew sales d e parlInent quarlel·s. The conference rOOlll
is above, left. At right are, fronl to back, Mildl'ed Mitchell, sto(,k recorder; Don W. Kelley, sales
sel'vice and inventol'y control; and Gertrude Melhuish, stock recorder. Below left in the filing area are
Thelma C. Catlett, s tenographer (foreground), and Louise Clifton, file clerk. Most sales officer personHel is below .-ight. Th ey are, front row left to righ t, Marjorie L. Spohn, order writer, a nd Jeri Montoya,
order coordinator. Second I'OW, from left, Jim Wolf, sales sel'vice and order interpre te r, and Muriel
SCOII, slenog rapher. Third row, from left, Carol Murphy, st e nographer; L. W. Meacham, Jr., assistant
to assistant sales manage!,; Inez M. Mooring, secretary; Th e lma Catlett, stenographer; and Louis e Clifton , file clerk.
Decatur
Pins and cash awards, presented at Decatur from August 1
to December 31 include the fol-
lowing:
5 Years: Mary A. Coartney,
Ray E. DeWeese, Harold E.
Feist, Donald R. Lee, Nellie Mae
V} ~ ,.~.,
Lee, John W. Linn, Lawrence E.
~"""
Monroe, Kenneth F. Tohill, Coy
M. West.
10 Years: AlfredF.Alde,Ger•
•
•
I
aid L. Aldridge, William H.
Boehm George F . Binkley Ralph
.
.
I holds at least one event, either
from the car hiS pants cuff H B'
D
ld D 'c
I a "GYmkhana" or "Rallv" each caught on the bU'Yloer and threw I~'
rowDn. . onap 1 D' "l,-~rrYk'
.~
.
'
•
I u eorge
enning, au
. 1:' un ,
N I
E H ff
W'll'
J
e son . 0 man,
I lam
.
K" I
W'll'
R K . 0
alg ey,
I lam
. norr, sb
W M dd
C H M t'
orn
. a en, . . ar lD,
Ch I
W M
J
A
ar es
.
oore, ames
.
J."
,", ."",It"' "'.~ ~
~',19(J'~
AT LOS ANGELES
I
By B. E. Stotler
E ig-ht-vear old F !'a.!lk Mecado.
..
.
III, IS startmg young as a 1/ 4
'd
H .
b
f
ml get raCp.l'. e IS a mem er 0
Q
1\'I' d
R
Wh
h
t either uarter lV. I get a.
A
. .
d th
f
cmg ssoclatlOn, an
e son 0
Frank, Jr., our Core Room Supervisor. The ages of the youngsters belonging to the Association range from 4 to 12 and include both boys and girls.
There are eight Associations
in Los Angeles area , each having their own r 2ce tracks. Frank
III has done real well since his
beginning as a racer in January
of this year as he has won 35
trophies and 47 ribbons. At the
Los Ang21e3 County Fair at Pomona this year he won 1 trophy
and 10 ribbons. Frank III must
Bill Baker in 11 "Gymkhana"
take after his father who is a
member of the Rhinos Hot Rod month, puts out a newsy club him against the curb, injuring
Club.
paper, of which Mr. Baker is the his shoulder.
·x· ·xArt Editor, and has a raCing
Michael Liebherr, Steel Mateam entered in all local compechine shop, has been ill for the
tition.
The "Gymkhana" is a test of past two months. We all hope
driving skill through intricate that Mike will soon be back with
patterns laid out on a given us.
.:.:.
.:-:.
·x·
course. The driver who comLillian Alfano, Core Room,
ple tes the course in the least
time with fewest errors wins. underwent a major operation
(The accompanying photo shows several months ago
':-:.
':-:.
.:.:.
Mr. Baker and son competing
Leonard
Goostree,
one of our
against each other in a "Gymnight watchmen, died while on
khana.")
By contrast the "Rally" is a duty October 14. He would have
different test of driving skill, the received his ten year pin October
prime purpose is to leave a start- 21. Our deepes t sympathies go
ing point and reach an unknown to his family.
.}:.
.):.
.....
destination by means of written
Fred
Klinck
who
retired from
instructions in a predetermined
Frank Mecado, 01
time period set by those who laid our Sales office December I,
John Bronson, pourer's help- out the course. The contestant 1955, after more than 30 years
er in our Foundry, has recently who arrives at the destination with Mueller Co. , had an extrembecome Assistant Scout Master with elapsed time nearest to the ely delicate heart operation sevtime alloted for the course is e:'al months ago. Latest reports
of Troop 40 in Bell, Calif.
are that Fred has made a com. . . .:.:. .".
. I the winner ......
plete recovery and we aU are
Bill Baker, Standards Engl- i
.. ,x, ·x·
nee~, is a member of the Arcadia
It is good to see Benjamin Pi- happy to know that Fred is
Sportscar Association which is ott of our Foundry. b~cl( af.ter feeling ,,vell again.
'1:·x·
one of the most active of the three weeks on the lDJured list.
Edward
J.
Vogel
has been apmany such Associations in the Ben was lifting a bag o~ groSouthern Calif. area.
ceries from the back of hiS car pointed Foundry Foreman. Mr.
The Arcadia group which and when he started to walk Vogel went to work for us in
o
•
February, 1946 as a furnace
man's helper. In November, 1946,
was made furnace man class "B"
and in October, 1947 received a
furnace man class "A " classification. His last change prior to
his present promotion was to a
Working Foreman's classification in August, 1953.
.)f
,x, .*
Our Personnel Office has a
new look. During early November it was revamped to make a
larger lobby and additional space
for interviewing. It also has new
flooring and has been painted.
* .* *
Lloyd Logsdon, retired Vice
President in charge of the Los
Angeles Plant recently underwen t a minor opera tion. He is
coming along fine and if we
know ItLoggy" he won't be down
for long. Here's wishing a quick
recovery.
Named Foreman
.~;..
Edward J. Vogel
Mulvaney, James L. McDowell,
Herman E. Stolte, James Williamson.
15 Years: Helen L. Campbell,
Leslie L. Epperson, Roy F . Harrison, Herman Jackson, Lillian
I. Jarman, Roy C. Jones, Pearl
L. Kemper, James A. Ridgeway,
Theodore W. Suhomske.
20 Years: Paul V. Barnes,
George W. Curtis, Earl C. Dilbeck, John W. Dotson, William
Marshall Foster, William C. Rohman, Edna J. Rybolt, Gerald B.
Sarver, Robert F. Taylor, Dale
A. Wilkins.
25 Years: Leo Siloski, Emilie J.
Waltens.
30 Years: Ina D. Banning, Carl
H. Hill , Charles Johnson, J. Harold Linton , Chester M. Mercer,
Alva E. Moats.
35 Years: Henry Leipski, Cal L.
McQuality.
Los Angeles
Pins and cash awards, presented at Los Angeles from August 1 through December 31, include the following:
5 Years: Eusebio Gomez, Ismael Salazar, Frank Witham.
10 Years: Ramon Ballesteros,
Betty Cosman, Donald DeDoncker, Anthony FIaco, Ralph Hall,
Agnes Kemmer, John Marshall,
Eulayla Prewett, Richard Rowe,
Raymond Santos, Frank Wiliams, Floyd Marple, Katherine
Worley.
15 Years: Cyril Wolfe.
20 Years: Myrtle Baber, Wm.
English.
Sarnia
Mueller Limited employees receiving service pins during 1956
include the following:
5 Years: Marcel St. Jean,
Ll"yd Clys dale, F raser Ca mp-
bell, Albert LaBelle, William
Gallagher, Clayton Nesbitt, Walter Arrowsmith, Ernest Berdan,
John Whitely, Jack Lapier, Kenneth Miles, Clayton Meredith,
Tadeusz Grad.
10 Years: Richard A. James,
Daniel Kapala, Leo Ryan, Wilfred Scott, Leona Addy, Joseph
Rosina, Orval McClemens, Helen Joleun, John Saunders, Thomas Hawkins, Bruce Robertson,
William Wilkins, Andrew Hayes,
Russel Caudle, William Currie,
Eric MaGuire, Cameron Wiggins, William Popoff, Jean Poirier, Mike Marchuk, Calvin Turnbull, Matthew Barker, Hartley
Cornell.
15 Years: Frank Nesbit, Walter Irvine, Alvin McKellar, William Foster, John McClure, Keith
Payne, Howard Taylor , James
White, Lyle Izzard, Melvin Dawson, James Heath, James Chaytor, Ralph Turnbull, Fred Tribbeck, Carman Weese, Roy Abell,
John Agar, Maurice Heath, Garnet Denomy, Edward Campbell,
Andrew Mackrell, Elmer O'Dell,
Murray Robinson, Frank Vidler,
Norman Harrison, Ward Boyle,
Wilbur Duggan, Fred Dunn,
John Cain, Bernard Brady, Max
Fie t c her, Charles Browett,
Charles Perkins, Graydon Brock,
Albert Hiller, George Foslett,
Walter Stevens, John Round,
Wilbur Nesbitt, Bruce Peece, Leroy Barnes, Frank Tithecott,
William Colborne, Donald Cuthbertson, Henry Hardy, Albert
Marcy, Dorothy Kay, Cyril Matthews.
20 Years: James A. Brent.
25 Years: Albert DeKelver.
30 Years: Everitt Shrigley,
Claude Chappell, Joseph Hicks,
Harold FenneU, Dennis Tilley.
35 Years: Carl Smith, John A.
Baldwin.
40 Years: John J. Conway, Edward G. Cook.
January, 1957
MAIN
Page 3
CONNECTIONS
Administrative Vice P.'esident Leo Wiant, left, presents 30·year pin and gift certificate to Harold Linton, General Superintendent Archie Sefton looks on. At center,
Mr. Sefton confcrs 25_ycar pin and j1;ift certificate on Emilic Waltens. Core Room
Forcman Jack Bain is at right. At right rccciving his 30-ye3l' pin f,'om O. E. Walker,
Vice President and Works Manager, is Chcstcr Mercer. Obsel'\'ing are Mr. Sefton and
FOI'eman Edgar Hartwig.
Ceremony
Marli.s Giving
Of Service Pins
To Old Timers
Five Mueller, Limited executivcs were on hand to present veteran Edward G. Cook with his 40-year
pin Tcct:litly. lVlr; eoak-ir ioT-enrn .. oi. hco 'hml- Roum. -Gcorge ,,V. Parkcr,-J>rcs;dent nnd Trcas-nrer, right, m adc the ~~clltation. Looking on. frolll left, arc R. J:-SIi:.pp()n, FactOl'Y Manager; O.
Cecil Spears, -personnel Manager; Cnrl Smith, Production Superintenden t ; l\'lerlin Coates, Manufacturing Engineer.
8e~v-tcc
Monroe Hudson,Chattanooga,
proudly displays his 30-year
service pin and gift certificate.
'Mr. Hudson was employed Oct.
16, 1926, as a helper in the
Machine Shop. He has been a
power cut.off saw operator
--~~~ -----~~~~'------~ITR~~
Charles Johnson holds his 30-year gift certificate and service pin prescnted by
Mr. Sefton, ~1r. Walker, and Forcman Marvin Spitzer. At center, Mr. Walkcr gives
a 30-year pin and gift certifieate to Aha Moats. Mr. Sefton and Foreman Carl Hill
stand by. At right are Mr. Sefton, Henry Leipski getting 35-year pin and certificate,
Mr. Walker, and Foreman Ollie Fortschneider.
Ahove right, Mr. Walker gives 30-year pin and certificate to Ina D. Banning. Mr.
Bnin and Mr. Sefton offer their congratulations. Center, Plant and Fire Protection
Officer Cal McQuality gets his 35-year pin and certificate from Mr. Sefton, and at
right, Leo Siloski accepts his 25·year pin and certificate from Mr. Walker. Looking
on are 1\'lr. Sefton and Foreman Carl Hill. Mr. Hill, incidentally, whose picturc appears twice in this series, also received his 30_year pin and gift certificate from Mr.
Walker.
MAIN
Page 4
Bob Levey
Wins
A Prize
If there's one subject Bob
Levey, our Assistant General
Sales Manager, enjoys discussing
as much as Mueller products,
it's automobiles.
Although you seldom hear
Bob, who is more formally
known as Robert K., discuss any
topic other than making and
selling our products, he does
have this one other fascination.
Nattily dressed Bob is an
authority on automobiles. He is
a director of the Central Illinois
Region of the Sports Car Club
of Al'?eri.ca. That's the largest
orgamza.tI~~ for. amateur sp~rts
car actI~Ities In the Umted
States wIth mor~ than 7,000
r.:embers In 70 regIOns.
Being an official in such
organization naturally means
that Bob owns his own sports
c·) r. He often drives to work in
his Austin-Healey from his home
in Moweaqua some 18 miles from
Decatur. In addition to the sports
car, BJb also owns a 1951 model
Packard Mayfair, and surprisingly enough, this car is really his
pride and joy. The Mayfair is
nJ longer manufactured, and
this particular model nlready is
considered by some fanciers as
a "classic." Its style is very definitely a forerunner to the long,
sleek 1957 models we see today.
He keeps the Mayfair in top
running condition and insists
that it always be in perfect con-
dition both internally and externally. His efforts paid off not
long ago when he was awarded
first place in the modern conventional class in the Councours
D'Elegance, an automobile event
held in Hoopeston, Ill. This event
was open to any car that has
had considerable use, yet still is
in the best of condition.
Judgment of each class is
based on the following:
1. External appearance
2. Internal appearance (upholstery, cleanliness, etc.)
3. Underhood appearance
4. Inside trunk
5. Running gear, etc. (no
grease)
6. Age of car
7. Mileage of car.
The latter two factors are important because an older car in
good condition has a better
chance than a new one because
the new one would not need reconditioning effort.
Mrs. Levey joined Bob in the
I cleaning project for the Hoopeston event. The took about a
y
week of evenings to bring the
car up to competitive standard.
Here's a few tips on cleaning
cars from Mr. Levey: Wash and
wax at a minimum. Too much
washing and waxing can scratch
and remove the finish. Be careful where you park especially
not under trees as at times they
drop sap which is difficult to
remove. Avoid freshly-tarred
roads. Tar stains can never be
completely removed from white
wall tires nnd some finishes. In
using a cleaner or wax on the
finish the main ingredient does
not come in the can and that is
WORK. When driving to the
event take it easy as the impact
of bugs at high speed can undo
much of the show perparation.
In the Concour's D'Elegance,
judges give points for each of
the seven factors. Points are
added and the car owner with
the highest total in all divisions
is the winner. And that, of
course, is exactly where Mr.
Levey finished in the scoring-on
top.
Robert K. Levey, Assistant General Sales Manager, displays his
1951 award winning Packard and the silver tray he received for
fil'st pI'ize in the automotive event.
January, 1957
Sales Executives Meet
Three sales executives get together jn Decatur. At left, acting
as host, is Francis Carroll, Assistant Sales Manager, Water Department, DecatUl·. Shaking his hands are E. GeorO'e Baker Assistant
Sales Manager, Los Angeles, and Walter Coven~ry, right: Assistant
Sales Manager, Chattanooga.
MUELLER
""M f" b. \~
A tired but poetic Mueller Co.
employee left this bit of philosophy on his desk overnigh t recently:
"Roses are red
Violets are blue
I'll be darn glad
When this day is through."
Next morning he found this
poetic line added by an equally
tired and equally talented person:
"And that goes for the janitor
too!"
In obscrvance of National
Fire PI'evention Week, office
employees jn Plant 1, Dc(,atur,
tested thcir fire drill ability.
The result, according to Plant
Protection Officer Cal MeQuality, was excellent.
The appointment to the new
Award To Company
post was announced by Lyle R.
Mueller Co. r e c e n t I y was
Huff, Vice President and Genawarded a Certificate of Appreeral Controller.
ciation by Fifth Army HeadMr. Mallow, son of Mr. and quarters in Chicago for "wholeMrs. George Mallow, 11 Tuscan heartedly supporting the Armed
Court, Urbana, was graduated Forces reserve program by aufrom the University of Illinois thorizing military leaves of abin 1951. A native of Urbana, he sences for its employees so they
is an army veteran, and served can participate in such training.
on Okinawa for nine months.
The ward was given to PresiAfter Army service, Mr. Mal- dent Albert G. Webber, Jr., by
low was employed by the Colleg- Brig. Gen. Hiram D. Ives, chief
iate Cap and Gown Company in of the Illinois Military District.
Champaign as an accountant before joining Gauger and Diehl in DAUGHTER FOR DUDLEY'S
Decatur.
Mr. and Mrs. Duane Dudley
He is married and has one are the parents of a daughter,
daughter, Paige, 18 months. Mr. Debra Sue, born December 6, in
and Mrs. Mallow live at 85 Decatur and Macon County hosMeadow Terrace. They are mem- pital. Mr. Dudley is a truck
bers of the First Baptist Church. driver for Mueller Co.
c o.'
NbQs
~
Thi~ display of our equipment was shown iu the new Soy Capital
Bank m Decatur as a part of ours and the bank's public relation"
program. The display enabled lllany Decatur citizens visiting the
bank to become more familiar with Mueller products.
In Please! Roger, Out!
Auditor Post
ToBohMallow
D!:JT
"' ~ o Sf!{'W1CI. i'~Q
IThis Is I(9C~SA~ Come
Poetic License
Robert W. Mallow, an accountant with the Decatur firm of
Gauger and Diehl since February, 1954, has been named Internal Auditor for Mueller Co. 's
three United States plants and
the firm's subsidiary in Sarina,
Ont., Canada.
CONNECTIONS
Placerville, Calif., Paducah, Ky.,
Iowa. Beaver. Utah.
Council Bluffs, Iowa, and has
talked With a iady ham in Anchorage, Alaska.
IFenton,
He didn't spare the expense
when purchasing his elaborate
equipment. He has a DX100
transmitter and a National
HR050T1 receiver and speaker.
Fellow hams will tell you that
this set is about as good as you
can buy.
Robert Ridgway is a first class night," he said, and he thinks
"ham."
nothing of retiring to his baseAnd. before you get the wrong ment den after work and "visitidea, allow us to explain that a ing" with some ham until 2 or '
"ham" in this case means 3 a.m.
amateur radio operator.
"Once I talked with a Ca thoHams find a lot to talk about,
Mr. Ridgway, a night shift lic priest in North Dakota for
electrician at Plant 4, believes two hours," he said. He has he says, but seldom have the opin hobbies that help you perform cards from more than 130 ham portunity to act out Hollywood's
a better job at work, and that radio stations in 34 states, portrayal of the ham whose set
no doubt accounts for the tie-in Alaska, Canada and South is the last means of communicabetween his electrical career at America indicating that he has tion to the outside world frantiMueller Co. and his radio hobby talked with them. Usually, when caHy reporting that the enemy
at home.
you talk with a ham for the first is approaching. Nor does the av. time, you follow up the conver- erage ham intercept many esHe likes working at night be- sation hy mailing a card bearing pionage messages to RUSSia, as
cause it gives him a chance to
is the case in TV shows, he says.
talk with other hams when he your station call letters to your
new friend.
However, there have been
returns home after midnight.
"Most hams talk with each
Mr. Ridgway said that he many cases where ham radio
other in the morning or late at talks regularly with hams in operators performed valiant acts
for their community and nation.
"Mostly, hams are a friendly
group who discuss mutual mechanical problems and just plain
visit as you might over a cup of
coffee," he explained. "It's fun
to talk with someone in a distant
place whose interest is the same
as yours," he added.
Mr. Ridgway's interest in
radio dates to 1928, the year he
built his first crystal set. "Radio
has been a hobby ever since,"
he said. He has a license to operate as a ham that's valid until
March 21, 1961. He'll have to
ask for renewal at that time.
'~Jr. Ridgway sits before his elaborate amateur radio equipment
talking with another "ham" in a distant land. The cards above his
"all letters, K9CSA, arc from a few of the stations with whkh he
has talked.
CARLA SHANKS MARRIED
The former Carla Shanks was
married Nov. 11 to Gene Kruger
at the Pilgrim Lutheran Church.
She is employed in our Decatur
sales office. He is circulation
manager in Decatur for the Chicago DaUy News.
MAIN
January, 1957
rI~
tIee
•
CONNECTIONS
~eant
• • AT CHATTANOOGA
Pa.ge 5
Charles Houston Gamble. The duction Control Department, and
Rev. Hobert Linkous officiated. Frank Burell, football coach at
The bride was given in marriage Tyner High School, were marby her father. Mrs. Skipper Fair- , ried at the First Cumberland
banks was matron of honor. Presbyterian Church in KnoxMiss Donna Ruth Gamble, sis- ville, October 26. The cople lives
ter of the bride was maid of hon- I at 6988 E. Brainerd Rd.
or and four girls served as
bridesmaids, all wearing COS- I
tumes identical to that of the Abel Named
matron of honor. A reception
(Continued from Page 1)
was held at the home of the
He was graduated from Ohio
bride. After a wedding trip to State University in 1943 with a
Niagara Falls the couple will re- degree of Bachelor of Industrial
side in Phillipsburg, N. J . where Engineering. He served as an enthe groom is associated with his sign in the Navey during World
father as an electrical contract- War II. He was associated with
or. Joann was employed as a a number of firms before joining
stenographer in the Sales De- the Chicago company.
partment.
Mr. Abel is married, has two
·x·
,x,
.,:.
sons, and lives at 1629 West
Miss Patricia Scoggins, Pro- Riverview, Decatur.
partment, is retiring due to ill
By Mrs. Gene Racz
health.
He was employed on July
When Mr. Stork made his la30, 1941, as a clerk in the Astest flight over the Chattanooga
sembly Department and has
plant, he must have suffered a
worked in that capacity until
broken leg in landing and decidhis retirement.
ed to leave all his "wee bundles"
:(;
here. Some of his passengers
* *
included Debra Anne Davis,
Our deepest sympathy to the
daughter of Russell Davis, Enfamilies of Paul W. Tims, James
gineering Department; James
Hadnott and Arvel Black, who
Aaron Clopton, son of Napoleon
died recently. Paul came to work
Clopton, Core Room; Jim Jones,
here June 18, 1956, as a machine
Jr. , son of Jim Jones, Iron
operator in the machine shop
Foundry ; Sharon Lynn Holloand on August 11, 1956, was
way, daughter of Jesse Hollodrowned while boating in Wolfway, Core Room ; Gary Ray Bateever Creek. Paul was an excelker, son of Raymond Baker,
lent swimmer but lost his life
Shipping Department; Sharon
trying to help other members of
Kaye Price, daughter of Edwin
the boat reach the shore safely.
(Editor's Note: Our first class- grates. Each priced at $10.00.
Price, Core Room ; Andreia ElizJames became an employee
abeth Lindsey, daughter of TheoOctober 19, 1955 and died Octo- ified "page" is small, as would See W. C. Rohman, Main Office,
dore Lindsey, Assembly Departber 12,1956 at Erlanger Hospital be expected. We hope our em- Decatur.
.;.:.
-:-:.
ment ; James Wheeler Stockdale,
following an operation. He was ployees in each of our plants
FOR
SALE:
English
setter pups.
will
take
advantage
of
this
freeJr., son of James W. Stockdale,
employed in the Cleaning Room.
of-charge
opportunity
to
buy
or
$30.00
each. Call
All
males.
Machine Shop; Denton Howard
Arvel received his 25 year pin
Ridge, son of Bobby Ridge, Main December of 1955. He worked sell some of their needs in the Marvin Spitzer, Decatur 3-2674.
chine Shop; Larry Donnell
in the Machine Shop as a Ma- future.)
FOR SALE: Need a second biTownsend, son of Ed Townsend,
chine Operator. He died August
cycle ? Girl's bicycle, light blue,
FOR
SALE:
One
and
one-half
Brass Foundry; Bertha Alma28, 1956, after a lingering illlot
in
Macon
County
Memorial
standard size, skirt guard carjean Hixon, daughter of Fred
ness. His daughter, Helen, is
Hixon, Core Room; George Annow employed in the Production Park. Will take two-thirds reg- rier. Call Nancy Kircher, Decaular price, See L. D. Rodgers, tur, 8-7363.
thony Madden , son of George
Department.
·xDept. 80, or phone Decatur
Madden, Machine Shop; Martha
3-0591.
WANTED:
Roll top desk. See
Louise Garth, daughter of John
.;.;.
-xOlive Street Baptist Church
W. C. Rohman, Decatur, Main
Garth, Iron Foundry; Daniel
was the scene October 6th of the FOR SALE: One oil burning Office.
Ray Lewis, son of Frank Lewis,
./;.
wedding of Miss Joann Gamble space heater, Rheems, 50,000
Machine Shop ; Jane Kimbro
and Gerald Bassler, son of Mr. Btu, less tank, with floor plate. LOOKING FOR THE EDITOR '?
Farmer, daughter of Charles
and Mrs. Arthur Peter Bassler Also one four room size stove, When his phone doesn't answer,
Farmer,
Sales
Department ;
of Phillipsburg, N. J . The bride brown porcelain finish, good always call the switchboard,
Da ryl Dewain Hill, son of Wilis the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. condition, with wood and coal Decatur.
liam J . Hill, Core Room; Paul
Cheryl Smith, daughter of Paul
Mr., Mrs. Dan Deerman
Smith, Iron Foundry; Donald
and Ronald Smith, sons of Almight be able to bring the smile
fred Smith, Core Room; and Linda Carol and Deborah Ann Pen- back to his face .
:::>pea mg 0
ulil mg, se\lei"al
ney, daughters of Morris Penof the "sharp shooters" have
ney, Machine Shop.
gotten off to a good start. Claude
.:+
·x·
Our sympathy is extended to Hawthorne, Shop Inspector, and
Herschel Morrison in the Assem- Howard Stokes, Machine Operably Department in the recent tor, tried their luck at the Governor Prentice Cooper Wildlife
death of his father.
Reservation the opening day of
.;.:.
.:+
-xThe marriage of Miss Eula the season. Howard bagged a
Franklin Davis, daughter of 135 pound eight-pointer with a
Mr. and Mrs. Dewey Davis of 30-30 and Claude brought down
Pisgah, Alabama , and Dan Deer- a 101 pound spike buck with his
30-06. On Novemmber 17, Chesman, Jr., son of Mr. and Mrs.
Dan Deerman, Sr., of Dutton, ter Buchanan slayed a 200 pound
six-pointer at Head River, GeorAlabama , was solemnized Sepgia , with a 30-30.
tember 1 at 4 p.m. The double
ring ceremony was performed at
the home of the bride's aunt,
The Sales Department is hapMrs. Sanford Roberts, by the py to have Barbara Gennoe as a
Rev. Arnold Johnson, pastor of newcomer. Barbara replaces Jothe Pisgah Baptist Church. Mrs. ann Gamble who resigned.
Bill Wheeler, sister of the bride,
*
was Matron of Honor. Woodson
The best of health is extended
Deerman served his brother as
to Nevely C. Basham, who is
best man. After a short wedding
recuperating from an operation
trip the couple reside on Cheryl
at Shriners Hospital in LexingLane. Eula is employed as a
ton, Kentucky (Her father is
comptometer operator in AcTom Basham of the Assembly
counting.
Department), and to Irene Hol*
*
lingsworth, wife of Duke HolJesse Jones is recuperating
lingsworth, Machine Shop, who
from a broken ankle as the reis convalescing in Vanderbilt
sult of a fall on slippery rocks
Hospital, Nashville, Tenn.
while fishing on Chickamauga
Remember? How could you forget her?
Lake.
* *
This little girl is one of tens of thousands who need your March
./..
·xWelcome to William E. Clay,
Dorsey White of the Iron returning to the Cleaning Room
of Dimes help today - who will need care for a long time. Long,
Foundry is a forlorn man these after four years duty with the
because care doesn't stop until all possible recovery is achieveddays. He parked his late model United States Army.
no
matter how long; no matter how costly.
Buick at the edge of the lake,
:;:
and while he and Autra Fant,
Miss Wanda Sue Patten, Sales
also of the Iron Foundry, left for
a second cup of coffee, the car Department Clerk, was married ;
apparently rolled into the lake. to John W. Lackey September 28
When the two returned, aU vis- at the First Baptist Church of
ible to the eye was the top of Chattanooga. Dr. Carl Giers ofthe car, protruding from the ficiated. The bride was given in
marriage by her father, Joe Patlake.
Dorsey hasn't mentioned need- ten. After a wedding trip the
ing any help, but perhaps if a couple are at home in 'Nest wood
crew of fellow-workers went over Court apartments in North Chatto his house on their next day tanooga.
off, equipped with a large, dry
* *
J. E. Johnson, Assembly Derag and a strong right arm, we
Classified Corner
.
Page 6
Winter Driving
(Continued from Page 1)
speed of car. Then apply your
brakes cautiously.
Carry a shovel and a supply
of sand, cinders or salt in your
trunk to help free your car if
you get stuck on ice or in snow.
If you have a manual choke,
pull it out slightly before turning off ignition. This is a precaution against frozen fuel lines
and insures a supply of gas in
the manifold when starting.
Leave early; adjust your speed
to driving conditions; don't follow the car ahead too closely.
Hea t key to open frozen door
lock. Use match, cigarette lighter or candle.
Keep electrical system dry.
Drive slowly through water.
Guard against deadly carbon
monoxide. Never run motor in
garage with doors closed. Check
exhaust system for carbon monoxide leaks. Always drive with
one window open.
Victor KIitzing
To Chattanooga
Victor C. Klitzing, general accountant for Mueller Co.'s Decatur plants
has been transferre,d to the company's hydrant
and valve plant in Chattanooga,
Tenn., in a similar capacity. The
move is a result of the rapid
growth of the company's Southern plant which now employs
about 800 persons.
In his new position as general
accountant at Chattanooga, Mr.
Klitzing will assist Plant Controller Wayne Heyer in the operation of the plant's financial
department.
MAIN
CONNECTIONS
January, 1957
Veteran Decatur Employees Retire
Harold F. Snyder, who .·etired September 19 although only 48
years old, is shown with luggage Aiven !o him by members of the
Pattern Shop. Mr. Snyder b()gan with Mueller Co. as a :vouth of 16
and has been a lead man in the Pattern Shop for many years. He
was able to retire on the "Rule of 80" plan. He voted to leave
Deeatur and move to Arizona.
He joined Mueller Co. in 1954
as accounting supervisor, coming to the company from Illinois
Power Co. in Decatur. A graduate of the University of Illinois,
his positions have included senior accountant at the University
of Illinois business office and as
an accountant in the iron foundry plant of the engine and foundry division of Ford Motor Co. in
Dertoit.
A native of Champaign County, Mr. KIHzing is the son of C.
A. Klitzing of Sadorus, Ill.
He is married, has four daughters and a son, and has been
living at 35 Colorado Drive. The
family will move to Chattanooga
this week.
Old friend Charley Taylor,
left, himself a retired employee, came back to honor his
pal, AI ·May, who retil·cd .·ecently after working fOl· Muel·
ler Co. in Decatur for 38
years. Mr. May spcnt most of
those years in the S,)ecialty
Dept.
Although this picture was
taken last Labor Day, this sex_
tet wanted all doubt of their
fish stories put away, so here,
men , is proof. These Decawr
Muellerites shown following
their catch in Cold Springs,
Minn., are, from I(!ft, Dean
Grant, Elmer Fauley, Gene
Gibbs, Chuck Girard, Enrl Collins and, holding the big one
in frollt, Eddie Nalefski.
George F. Binl{ley l)rOlll0ted
George F. Binkley, Assistant
Personnel Director for Mueller
Co.'s Decatur plants, has been
named Manager of Engineering
Services.
Mr. Binkley will supervise the
company's model shop where
new products are made and tested before being placed in production, and also will be in
charge of company engineering
records and patents.
He has been with Mueller Co.
for ten years. He began as a
member of the Personnel staff,
and advanced to Assistant Personnel Director before receiving
his new appointment.
A native of Warrensburg, Ill.,
Mr. Binkley was graduated in
1943 from Millikin University
wi th a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration.
He is a veteran of Navy service during World War II, and
saw action in the Mediterranean
and Pacific theaters. He advanced to the rank of lieutenant
and served as commanding officer of his ship.
Mr. Binkley is married, has
two children, and lives at 24
South Country Club.
GEORGE BINKLEY
it's income Tax Time Again, And This Year Don't Wait Until April
A preview of the night before Tax Day based on
human nature and inform ation from the American
Institute of Accountants.
NOW TO FIGURE UP THAT
OLD INCOME TAX!
In other words, Ralph, the
fight is on: fight the form , fight
the deadline and fight the temper. This is the night of April
14, and tomorrow is the deadline for filing your federal income tax return for 1956. You,
like millions of other people,
have succeeded in putting this
matter off until you have all of
one evening to rush through a
job that might save you more
money than you earn in a week.
NO, ALICE, I'LL NOT NEED
YOUR HELP THIS YEAR. TOO
MANY COOKS SPOIL THE
SOUP YOU KNOW.
A typical year's spoilt soup included one million returns filed
without signatures - (or with
only one signature instead of the
required two on a joint return).
Also, arithmetic errors resulting
in over-payment by taxpayers of
more than $19,000,000- not to
mention an even larger amount
of underpayments. Uncle Sam,
who checks every return, catches
these errors. But don 't expect
him to look for all the deductions
or exemptions you missed.
MUST GET ORGANIZED!
ALICE, WOULD YOU MIND
BRINGING ME THAT PEN?
Best you bring him a pencil
for that first draft , Alice, especia lly if he is going to itemize
deductions. Since Mr. Organizer
waited until T-Day-minus-one,
chances are he will only have
time to repeat last year's performance and take the 10%
standard deduction in the end.
But it is early yet, and he realizes that many taxpayers can
save by itemizing such expenses 150% support in some cases.
as charitable or religious dona- NOW THAT YOU ARE UP,
tions, interest paid on mortgages HONEY, WOULD YOU ADD UP
or loans, medical and dental ex- THIS COLUMN OF FIGURES
penses, and state and local taxes. AND ENTER THE TOTAL IN
WHATEVER DID I DO WITH ITEM .10, CERTAINLY, I'M
THAT TAX BLANK? ALICE ISURE IT'S ITEM 10. OKAY,
DEAR, HOW ABOUT GET- SHOW ME, JUST SHOW ME,
TING IT FOR ME OUT OF WHERE I~ SAYS ITEM 11 IN
MY COAT POCKET?
THE INSTRUCTIONS!
Alice retrieves beautifully, and
Without taking sides on this
she is also good for a $600 ex- particular issue, it might be sugemption on the tax return. And, gested that everyone who may
Ralph, don 't forget to take a have to file a return (including
$600 exemption for yourself. anyone whose income was less
Anyone 65 or over gets an addi- than $600, but who wants a retional $600 exemption, and there fund for tax withheld) should
is still another exemption for read carefully the instruction
blindness. These speCial exemp- book which the government protions for age and blindness do vides free . Since there is usually
not apply to dependents, but you some change in the tax laws
can get the regular $600 exemp- each year, you might miss a detion for each dependent, as ex- duct ion or exemption to which
plained in the instructions- you are entitled if you fill out
even when you provide less than the form without first reading
the instruction book.
THEN OF COURSE WE'LL ENTER IT IN ITEM 11. WHERE
ELSE WOULD YOU PUT IT?
LET'S TRY TO BE INTELLIGENT ABOUT THIS THING
ALICE!
Yes, Alice, try to be intelligent
about these tax matters. Remember how stupid it was of you not
to give birth to the twins before
midnight December 31, which
would have qualified two more
dependents for 1956? And as if
that weren't bad enough, how
about the $5000 you won on that
quiz program? Didn't you realize
that such a prize is taxable?
DOESN'T THIS TAKE THE
CAKE. LOOK AT THIS, ALICE.
HOW CAN THOSE TAX PEODecatur employees at Plant 1
PLE IN WASHINGTON EXwiII recall thi" ner"y gent who
PECT ME TO REMEMBER
last fall worked throughout
EVERY LITTLE DOCTOR BILL
the day repairing Ollr smoke
I HAD TO PAY FOR LAST
stack from such dizzy heights.
He finish ed the job, and lived
YEAR?
to tell the tale.
You can itemize and deduct
all medical-dental expenses in excess of 3% of your income,
within certain top limits. Be
sure to list fees of doctors,
dentists, hospitals and nurses.
You may not deduct expenses
paid or reimbursed by insurance,
but your medical insurance premiums count as medical expense.
Now, Ralph, do you remember
when you twisted your back removing the storm windows last
August? If you were absent from
work due to an injury and received "sick pay" from your employer or his insurance company,
you do not have to pay tax on
$100 per week of this income.
The same applies to sickness ,
except that unless you were hospitalized for at least one day,
the payments for the first 7 calendar days of absence are not
tax free.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN
S. R. Robe.·, T. Cole, son of
Robert Cole, Dept. 38, Decatm·, has heen in the Navy since
April 13, 1956. He is in San
Diego, Calif., and has been assigned to duty aboard the
U.S.S. Braille, a destroyer.
HIDING THESE RECEIPTED
BILLS AND CANCELLED
CHECKS
IN THIS
DESK
DRAWER? FINE THING,
ALICE! WHAT IF YOU FORGOT
WHERE
YOU
PUT
THEM?
There is little chance that
Alice has forgotten where she
was carefully filing the receipts
of bills paid. She knows you
must keep receipted bills and
cancelled checks to prove payment of such important, deductible items as state and local taxes,
interest included in mortgage
payments, union dues, the fee
Alice had to pay the employment
agency for her part-time job,
and child -care expenses (you
may be entitled to a deduction
of up to $600 if, while you
worked, it was necessary for
you to pay someone to care for
a child under 12 or anyone who
is physically or mentally incapacitated).
I GIVE UP! THIS IS IMPOSSIBLE. ALICE, WE'LL JUST
HA VE TO GO TO JAIL.
This fight may be over late in
the 14th round of ApriL It happens to the best of last-minute
filers: the form wins by a TKO.
If you want to give yourself the
best possible break on your federal income tax, the American
Institute of Accountants advises
that you prepare your return
carefully, file early and save
your records to back up deductions.
ALICE, PLEASE! HOW CAN I
CONCENTRATE
ON
THIS
NEWSPAPER WHEN YOU INTERRupT WITH SILLY QUESTIONS? NATURALLY, I'LL
LOOK OVER YOUR FIGURES
BEFORE I SIGN THE FORM.
AND, DEAR, WHEN YOU
MAIL IT-DON'T FORGET TO
STAMP THE ENVELOPE.