September 1943

SOULE SALUTE VOL. I, NO. 5 Published Regularly by and for Soule Steel War Workers SEPTEMBER, 1943

NOW WE BUILD DAVITS By Walter Boswell

DAVITS—A device to lower and raise ship's boats and sometimes for other purposes. (Definition in Nomenclature of Naval Vessels—Navy Department.)

The Los Angeles production department employees and many of the office employees are acquainted with the type and operation of the Manual Boom Type Davits which we are producing for the Maritime Commission under a contract with Welin Davit and Boat Corporation.

This type is only one of many kinds of Boat Handling Equipment developed by the Welin Corporation and others, for service at sea under the difficult and exacting conditions of war.

From time immemorable, on the decks of ships, the work boats and life boats were hung in hook shaped pairs of swivel davits; and to get the boats outboard the ends of the boats had to be worked through the davits. Trained and experienced seamen found no difficulty in handling the boats except when peace time accidents at sea on passenger vessels resulted in confusion and loss of life due to the slowness of operation and lack of trained men in handling and launching life boats.

The sea catastrophies of the last war and demand for improved davit equipment has brought about great advances in design and operation.

In using the Boom Type Davit, which we make, as mentioned earlier, the necessity of working out the boat is eliminated as the boat hangs between the davits which hinge and swing out whereas the early type swiveled.

On all troop ships and vessels carrying life boats of over 50 persons capacity, a much improved all mechanically operated davit, known as the Gravity Type, is used. In this type the davit heads, carrying the boats, run down a trackway into the out-board position, automatically release the

(Continued on Page 8, Column 3)

"SPIRIT OF SOULE STEEL" BEING LAUNCHED IN SAN FRANCISCO SEPTEMBER 6th

That patriotic looking lighter with the red, white and blue paint job on the cradle now attracting so much attention as she moves around the San Francisco Plant, is their (Whoa, we almost said it) XXXth Lighter, and that calls for a real sendoff when she slides down the way September 6th.

If we could say what XXX really means,

Berry, Eighth Winner of Los Angeles Contest

Forrest Berry really chose the name of his wife "Elsie" for his YCK lighter. But it seems as if a first-class boner was pulled on this routine — so our apologies to Mr. and Mrs. Berry.

Berry was the eighth winner in the Los Angeles YCK lighter naming drawing contest which you read about in the August issue of the SALUTE.

then you'd know why the people in the San Francisco Plant feel the way they do . . . but Tojo and his tools would also like to know . . . and we're all determined that Tojo will find out what we're doing at Soule—when he counts the lighters as they tear into Tokyo Bay.

Selecting the Sponsor for the "Spirit of Soule Steel" to wield the champagne that starts No. XXX on the way to Tokyo, has been done in a novel way. Everyone in the San Francisco Plant went to the polls Thursday, August 27, to elect "The People's Choice" from a list of eligible workers perfect in attendance for the past four months.

The lucky winner then gets to select the one (mother, wife, sweetheart) closest to his heart for the high honor of sponsoring the "Spirit of Soule Steel."

(Boy, if that won't stand him in good!)

The election received daily news flash coverage by SOULÉ SALUTE reporters on a bulletin board specially constructed to present progress reports and pictures on Lighter No. XXX as she goes through the plant.

Everyone in the plant, excepting a skeleton crew, will get off work at 5:00 p.m., to witness the launching of (unknown quantity). The program starts at 5:15 and will be over at 5:45 p.m.

Highlighting the ceremony will be a few words from our founder and president, Mr. Edw. L. Soule. A Navy representative will also speak. Some entertainment is planned and the show will be followed by light refreshments.

It's going to be a real home celebration and a lot of the employees are bringing their families, as well as their friends, to the launching.

Although everyone anticipates having a wonderful time, still we don't feel that

(Continued on page 3, column 3)

*Photo: P. L. BERRY*

Soule' Salute

MAN-OF-THE-MONTH

SOULE SALUTE

Vol. I No. 5

Published Regularly by and for Soule Steel War Workers

Staff: Managing Editor . . . George Cobb Los Angeles Editor . . . Bill Irwin Portland Editor . . . . . Les Poole San Francisco Editor, Fred Kappelman

Associate Editors: Los Angeles Art Carter Eddie Dugan Ted Jones Charles La Fevre Dorothy Olsen Margie Petersen George Thomas

San Francisco Kenny Becknell Art Eichorn Ed Eschenauer Paul Hyner Jorges Orgibet Charles Reuser Joe Romero

Portland James Moody La Voice (Buck) Portwood

Torrance A. M. Dowell

EDW. L. SOULÉ

The man getting the SALUTE this month is the founder and president of the company, Mr. Edward L. Soulé. Although most of us know Mr. Soulé, many of the recent additions to the Soulé Steel "family" will be glad to know who "the boss" is, so here we give you an action shot of Mr. Soulé at his desk.

Mr. Soulé was born in Little Shasta, Siskiyou County, the youngest of 10 children, and spent his early days working on their cattle ranch. After graduation from Yreka High School and later the Engineering School of U. of C., class of 1904, Mr. Soulé started his career in steel as a salesman. This led naturally into his launching in 1911, the present company.

First among Mr. Soulé's interests is his family and his home. He and Mrs. Soulé live in Berkeley and have four children. Their son, Lee, is with the company in San Francisco and Stanley is a First Lieutenant in the Army, now located at Camp Davis, North Carolina. Howard, age 19, is a private in the Army and has just left for overseas duty. Lucille, their only daughter, is married and lives in Berkeley.

A close second in his affections, however, is the much larger "Soulé family," consisting of the members of the Soulé organization up and down the coast.

Mr. Soulé must still be a rancher at heart because he maintains a ranch near Walnut Creek and watch out for him in a horseshoe game, for he beats the best of them.

FRIEND OF THE JAPANESE?

I'm one of the Absentees, I'm a friend of the Japanese. I'm going to stay home and sleep today, Because, last night, I went out to play. I care nothing about the Marines, All I want is liquor and beans. I always squawk about conditions and pay, Though the best job I had was on W.P.A. I never buy War Stamps or Bonds, I spend all my dough on booze and blondes. When I go to work I play and stall; If I had to work, I'd not go at all. I don't worry about ships or tanks, I just wanna sit where my mama spanks. But if Japs or Nazis into the U. S. would walk, I'd be the first one to put up the squawk. "Where are the Soldiers, the Marines and the Gobs? Y and L ain't they on their jobs?" I'm a friend of the Japanese. I'm one of the Absentees. So whistle while you work, Hitler is a Jerk. Mussolini in a Weinie, Whistle while you work! ! !"

*Photo: Mother Ship—Approximately 20 U. S. Navy landing barges swarm about a mother ship off Safi, French Morocco, during the American landing operations there. Official U. S. Navy photograph*

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Kitchen-Door Kanteen

Photo: Another help from the Kitchen-Door Kanteen starts you out with a sandwich suggestion. It is—

CHEESE CRUNCH 1/4 pound cheese, grated chopped pepper chopped peanuts

Mix and spread on buttered whole-grain or enriched white bread.

To tease your curiosity we'll give you a preview of the next kitchen secret. (It is a delicious "meat extender" dish.)

GIVE and TAKE

There ought to be a law or something. Every time the Candy Man arrives to restock the vending machines the line forms to the left and the machine is immediately emptied by a few people who take, not one or at most two bars at that time, but four, five and six bars of candy! A bit later an innocent fellow drops in a nickel and he gets a "jack-pot" of a nickel of his own. Guess some people want to be sure their associates don't get sick or fat from eating candy, so they take it upon themselves to empty the machines.

* * *

In the past those who have been bringing their lunches and eating around the plant, have disposed of the lunch papers, crumbs, cores and other lunch litter by leaving it all lay where the lunch was eaten. The next day they moved this litter (Continued in Column 2)

CRAMP THOSE WHEELS

Recently, many of the people of the San Francisco Plant, had the unfortunate experience of having their cars tagged while parked on Army Street. This was due to a violation of San Francisco Traffic Code No. 58 which deals with parking on grades.

In the booklet, "California Vehicle Code Summary," it reads as follows: "When you park headed down hill, turn your front wheels toward the curb or side of the road. If you are headed uphill and stop, turn your front wheels away from the curb and let your car go back until the back of your front wheel rests against the curb. If there is no curb, turn them toward the same side of road as when headed down hill. It is also wise to leave your car in low gear if headed up hill, and in reverse gear if headed down hill."

San Francisco's hills have been the scene of many accidents due to automobiles being improperly parked and running away when the brake does not hold. For this reason it has become a violation of the local traffic code when cars are not parked as described.

For a few days after the tagging incident the cars on Army Street were parked correctly, but we notice that again the wheels are not turned when parking. Perhaps the drivers don't mind paying the fines but it would help the War Effort if the money that would be paid for fines would be used for War Stamps instead. And of course the turning of the wheels would be insurance against accidents.

Fred Kappelman

OUR ALLY

A letter from L. A.'s own Capt. Bill Kingsbury dated August 4th tells of the arrival of his regiment in England. He writes "people are unusually friendly and genuinely glad to have us here. After only a short time of watching them and hearing of the difficulties under which they have lived for three years, one cannot but admire their spirit. They aren't kidding a bit when they say that *there will always be an England*."

Good luck, Bill!

GIVE and TAKE (Continued from Column 1)

to one side and started all over again. In some places quite a pile accumulated. Now, garbage cans have been installed throughout the plant and it has been requested that all litter be placed in these cans. This is not only in the cause of sanitation and less fire hazards, but also for health protection and good housekeeping.

STAY SAFE OFF-THE-JOB, TOO

Photo: BAR HIC - I WON'T GET HOME UNTIL MORNING MISTER - YOU'LL NEVER GET HOME AT ALL! HONK! HONK! J.A. - NATIONAL SAFETY COUNCIL

The biggest gambler in your town may never have had a card or a pair of dice in his hand. We're talking about the fellow who walks the streets after drinking. The stakes are his life.

Maybe you're this gambler. The National Safety Council says that liquor is a factor in at least one in every five fatal traffic accidents.

In cities, over half the accident victims are pedestrians. Just how and where do these pedestrian deaths occur? Nearly half the pedestrians killed are crossing in the middle of the block or coming from behind parked cars.

Hundreds are killed crossing in the right place but at the wrong time — or in the wrong way.

Many, however, cross at the right time and in the right place. But they make some other mistake, such as depending too much on drivers.

To be safe on the streets today, you must be not only alert but sober. When you've been drinking your responses are slower. Also, drink makes you careless. You've shoved a couple of aces up the old Grim Reaper's sleeve.

Stay sober if you want to stay alive, and cross a street only when you're sure you can make it all the way to the other side safely.

"SPIRIT OF SOULÉ STEEL" TO BE LAUNCHED (Continued from page 1)

anyone will "spill the beans" about that XXX — because we all know that when the "Spirit of Soule Steel" gets under way, there's going to be some real spilling done!

Soule' Salute

Baseball Team Has Party for Manager By Joe Romero

Buck Buckholtz of the Lighter Department manages a baseball team known as the 24th and Capp Streets Merchants, but which is made up of players of our plant. Buck, at his own expense, has outfitted the team with equipment and uniforms and just recently arranged for each player to have a Players' Insurance.

The team, wishing to show their appreciation to a grand fellow, honored Buck with a party at the home of Tony Shutsoff, with Tony and Al Williams and their wives as hosts and hostesses.

Words of thanks preceded the presentation of gifts to Buck which were a pigskein wallet containing several of Uncle Sam's green pieces of paper of various denominations and initialed pigskin key case and a ten-dollar book of War Stamps.

As part of the evening's entertainment, George Scholz gave several violin selections. And his impersonation of Joe E. Brown was perfect.

Mesdames Shutsoff and Williams were responsible for the serving of some very fine food. And then the party ended with the singing of "For he's a jolly good fellow—".

(Editor's Note: We are informed that Joe Romero entertained with song.)

"MORTIMER! GUESS WHAT! I'VE BEEN RAISED 3 CENTS AN HOUR!" Gregory d'Allesio

Pioneering Department Still in Full Swing

The Reinforcing Department, which is the "pioneering department" of the Soulé Steel Company, is still in the picture as is evidenced by the accompanying pictures.

One of them shows a San Francisco shear crew in action while the other picture is of a bender crew "doin' their stuff." This department's contribution to the war effort has been in the furnishing of steel for Hunter's Point Navy Yard and Mare Island Navy Yard installations as well as for Alameda Naval Air Base, Oakland Naval Supply Base, Army installations and other service branches.

A Story of Courage By Cecil F. Rouse

Curtis Mc. Merrick has returned to work in the San Francisco Plant and is operating one of the cranes. Behind those lines is a story of courage and a story of the spirit of fellowship and the wish to help one another that prevails in the plant.

"Mack" was a truck driver for this company and a "darn good one." Among the many jobs he worked on, the Pitt River job was one.

On the day that Pearl Harbor was undergoing that sneak attack by the Japs, on the memorable day of December 7, 1941, a group of fellows from Soulé Steel Company, including Mack, were on a hunting trip. The gun of one of the members of the party was accidently discharged, causing Mack's foot to be almost severed by the charge. Showing his coolheadedness, Joe Romero, foreman in the Reinforcing Department and a member of the party, at once applied first aid in an efficient and expert manner. By means of an "Indian carry," a trek across marshland and soggy terrain was made to a doctor in Colusa, who said that Mack's life was saved by the first aid treatment. The skill of the doctor and the will-to-pull-through courage of Mack saved the foot.

His many friends, realizing that he would be laid up for a long, long time, started what was known as "The Mc. Merrick Hospital Fund." Contributions to this fund were made through the medium of a contribution box that was installed in the Reinforcing Department.

Through this story, Mack wishes to thank, most sincerely, those who lightened his load by their kindness.

Photo: They're busy at the bending table in the Reinforcing Steel Department. From left to right you see Tony Scramaligo, John De Groot, Henry Dressman, and Barney Fabbri.

Photo: And here's another action shot in the same department. Starting with the plaid shirt these fellows are Joe Ferguson, Nick Bruno, Tony Farnadi, and Antonio Fermusa.

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Soule' Salute

Photo: Still going after years at the Torrance plant, this crew is contributing to the war effort with a turn-out of reinforcing steel. Answering roll call, from left to right, they are Walter Perrin, A. D. Brickley, C. J. Saterlie, G. Spaulding, S. W. Ince, S. B. Henderson, C. McLean, C. Ramsey, and H. G. Allen.

Photo: In our last issue we mentioned the progress of our YCK Program in the middle forty. The above picture shows the last two of the present crop and are now on their way. A bumper crop was harvested in a short season, due to excellent cultivation. After good rotation, the ground has been cleared and a fall planting begun.

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ABOUT OUR PEOPLE

LOS ANGELES

*Photo: Two men standing outdoors.* Bon voyage and welcome. J. Archinal, on the left, has left the employ of the Company and his successor as Los Angeles Office Manager and Auditor, F. M. Espenson.

Sgt. John W. Haley has written in from Camp Haan that he is receiving the SALUTE regularly and gets a bang out of seeing the pictures of the old gang. Before entering the service John operated one of our white trucks and trailer units. He is now an instructor on the operation and maintenance of half-tracks and says he works 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. Don't you ever get in a spot of bunk fatigue, John?

Mrs. Marguerite Parker has taken Irene's place in the office and is well on the way to becoming an ardent Soule-ite. Welcome to the Soule family, Mrs. Parker.

Buck Portwood reports that his brother-in-law, Corporal Melvin Ryan of the 75th Signal Corps, spent a few days with him while on furlough from his camp in Missouri.

*Photo: A woman sitting in the driver's seat of a car.* In the picture above is Dorothy Olsen, our "courrier de chevrolet." Dorothy says the song, "Don't Get Around Much Anymore," certainly wasn't written for her benefit.

"Signals All Over"—Pop Grainger is back at his old desk!

*Photo: A woman in a polka dot dress standing in front of a building.* Irene Hoover, of the Portland office, has trouble keeping her mind on her business lately. The trouble seems to be in trying to do her work and at the same time admiring a brilliant decoration on her left hand. The lucky man is an up-and-coming geologist who has a fine future ahead of him.

*Photo: A man in overalls standing.* Few men make friends easier, or keep them longer, than Louis Vanderhoof, who is Receiving and Shipping Clerk at the Portland Plant. He goes about his work in his unassuming way and enjoys everyone. It has been his responsibility to see that all of the 138 items which go to make up a YCK barge are collected and finally loaded for shipment. Louis has worked for Soule Steel Company since November, 1935, and has become so much a part of it that he is taken for granted. We feel that it is high time his faithful service be given public recognition.

*Photo: A dog sitting on a stool.* "Blackie" is the captain of the guard, and makes his headquarters at the main gate. He is on duty day and night and it is apparent that his night duties are the heavier as he makes his assistant, Tom Stroud, do all the work so he can sleep. It is also apparent that Blackie hasn't had to worry about food shortages.

Following the above item is the latest bulletin about the romance: The epidemic of "welding flashes" among the office force caused by the decoration of the third finger of Irene Hoover's left hand has come to an end. Irene took the fatal step on Friday evening, August 13, at a quiet ceremony attended by friends of the couple. They have made no announcement as to where their future home will be.

And may we take this opportunity to congratulate the happy couple and hope that the "witches and hobgoblins" that cavort on Friday the 13th will not follow them all their days.

SAN FRANCISCO

Presto, it's gone—Yesterday we saw it, standing upright in the West yard, regal, in a rough sort of way and monarch of all its surveyed. This morning as we arrived for work, there it lay, on its side on the low bed semi-trailer, ready to be carted to a new domain. We are talking of the big "A" frame that was used to weigh and test the welds on the Lighters before they were trucked away to the launching skids. Yep, Charlie Hoss and his "Mules" did the trick. Came down bright and early and up-rooted it. Of course they had the help of a derrick from one of the local riggers. Now the frame is over at the Islais Creek yard at the entrance to the skids and is again weighing and testing as of yore.

(Continued on Page 7, Column 1)

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ABOUT OUR PEOPLE (Continued from Page 6)

Jorges Orgibet, the Associate Editor whose article in the July issue covered the recent Navy rally so well, is now working at the Islais Creek Yard. He has promised us an article about the Yard and the people in it for this issue. We hope he finds an inspiration as we know the article will be an interesting one.

* * *

Remember, good people, this is your column. If you have an interesting bit of news of your associates or yourself pass it on to your associate editors. We want news items.

* * *

Photo: Joe Bellins, Chief of the Maintenance Department, who is known to all, should carry the title of D.M., which stands for "Doctor of Machinery." Joe certainly can cure all the ailing machinery.

* * *

BACK FROM THE FRONT—Into our editorial office walked a sailor with several campaign ribbons on his chest. It was 3rd class Bosuns Mate A. P. Kalodemus of the Amphibious Force who had returned from the invasion of North Africa and Sicily. He is remembered as one of our former crane operators who left his crane here to join the Navy a year ago. While taking part in the building of Lighters here, little did he think he would be operating one in the above named invasions. When asked if he were scared, he said, "I'm not just woofing when I say that, along with the others, I got on my knees and prayed when the searchlight from shore spotted us. Soon the rat-a-tat made me think I was back at Soule' plant with the chippers playing a tune." That part of the world did not appeal to him and California looked mighty good. At the completion of his leave he returns to the east coast for assignment. Good luck, Sailor!

Marshall Rivera received a letter from C. C. Muschner who left us to do his bit in the Navy and is now somewhere in a Navy Construction Battalion. He writes, in part: "Just received your letter of June 28th. Mail is one big item here, so I always answer my mail first thing. Honest, you're always good for a laugh. When you mentioned your back giving you hell I could picture you to a tee. I think it was the first good laugh since I left the States. A lot of funny things go on here, as you may imagine; we're like a family of brothers."

Referring to Gus Ahrens, he says, "If Gus were here, he could really say, 'It's unbelievable' and there would be a meaning behind it. Did I tell you I've ridden in Soule's product, our very own Soule's! Darn surprising how well built they are alongside of others, manufactured by others."

* * *

Sports Editor Romero reports that Pat Iorio led a group from the Fabricating Department on a deep sea fishing expedition at Santa Cruz. Fine and invigorating weather was reported, but success, or lack of it, was not reported. It is said that the fish claim that no one became seasick.

* * *

Owen Bell, Chief Accountant, told us a story that we feel will be of interest to the readers of the SOULÉ SALUTE. The story is that while passing the USO Building in San Mateo he stopped to give a sailor a lift. Upon entering the car, the sailor tossed his cap and a paper onto the rear seat. When he left the car, Owen's passenger picked up his cap and left the paper. Owen called his attention to it and the sailor said that he was finished with it and that Owen could have it. Arriving home, Owen reached for the paper and — well, well, well — can you guess? Yes, it was the SOULÉ SALUTE! Where Mr. Sailor Man got it we don't know, but it proves that the SALUTE gets around.

* * *

A cheerful friendly "guy" is missed around these parts these days. We are referring to that personal-ity fellow, "Fuz" Ralston of the Personnel Department. He is at home ill and will be away for a few weeks. He is being missed as is proved by the many inquiries for him. All wish him a speedy recovery.

* * *

Bill Tedford, who kept a chair warm in the Accounting Department before he became an Ensign, wrote to acknowledge receipt of the SOULÉ SALUTE. He says that he has been assigned to an attack transport which carries Tank Lighters and invasion barges. We'd say that is quite a coincidence.

* * *

Islais Creek Yard submits this article that should be of interest to our readers who follow that ancient Scottish game of golf. Hal MacIntyre, one of the boys at this yard who feels that "putting into the water" is an accomplishment when it comes to putting a boat in the water, is a former golf "pro" of the Brentwood Country Club of Santa Monica. Hal says that with Paul De Martini and Joe Romero of the Reinforcing Department, and Louis Crane of Islais Creek Yard, he has the nucleus of a golfing team. Hal would like to hear from other Soule Steel golfers. This popular pastime should produce enthusiasts from among us who would appreciate the opportunity of playing with a "pro." Maybe Hal plans to use the Islais Creek Yard with its sand traps and water hazard for a practice course.

* * *

Photo: Roy Williams, formerly an engineer for the Sash Department, now flying at an airfield in Arizona, sends a picture card of a buxom Apache Indian Maiden and writes, in part: "This is a picture of my latest, she always did take a hell of a picture." However, to prove that Roy can mix business with pleasure, he writes further -- "These Indians go for Soule Steel Sash in a big way. Already I have 50,000 Apache customers." We can visualize the post-war business the Sash Department will have with Roy out there on the firing line for both Uncle Sam and Soule Steel Company.

(Continued on Page 8 Column 1)

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ABOUT OUR PEOPLE (Continued from Page 7)

A swell looking sailor was a-visiting here lately, and how some of the feminine hearts went a-flutter. But they were in for a let-down when they found out that he was a groom of two days. The sailor was John Bellina who was home on leave to get married. We wish John and his bride all the luck in the world.

* * *

"Lieutenant A. H. Lowe, U.S.N.R., 74th Naval Const. Battalion Fleet, P. O. San Francisco, Calif." That was what Al gave us as his new address when he was in the office recently for a visit. Al appeared to be in the pink of health.

* * *

Mrs. Lena Peters, one of the pioneers of women workers in the San Francisco Plant, was asked to be (and graciously accepted) the assignment as an Associate Editor of the SOULÉ SALUTE. Her first contribution to News Items was the report that Margie Victors, welder in the Pre-fab Department, is very good with the pencil and paper when it comes to sketching. We are anticipating many interesting items and sketches from these two ladies for our next issue.

*Photo: Jack and the Beanstalk - This is not a fairy story for Jack Aaland is not only the best reinforcing fabricating superintendent in the business but is making a record as the top victory gardener of Torrance. There will be no food shortage in Jack's household this year and he also takes good care of visitors—but don't crowd.*

Flash! Supplement article on Jack Aaland. He has just been appointed General Superintendent of the Los Angeles Plant, in addition to his duties at Torrance.

* * *

Just received word that Ensign J. W. Dowell has been transferred to the Destroyer U. S. S. Kearney on the East Coast.

* * *

We think that you should all know the names and number of years of service with Soulé that a number of the Torrance Plant employees have enjoyed. This should convince you that the Torrance Plant is a keen place to work.

They are: Sam Ince, 25 years; A. Aaland, 24 years; Charles Ramsey, 24 years; A. M. Dowell, 23 years; S. B. Henderson, 20 years; W. Goclon, 18 years; Harvey Allen, 18 years; Walter Fitch, 17 years; S. W. McGuire, 12 years; C. McLean, 8 years; G. Spaulding, 2 years; C. Saterlee, 1 1/2 years; and Dale Brickley, 1 1/2 years.

An average of 15 years is not bad, we would say.

from the service a few days ago with a good record. Johnnie has returned to the Torrance Plant to work again. Outside of being a little lighter he is all right and says he had a fine time while in the service and also saw a few new places.

* * *

J. W. McGuire who was inducted into the service last year has returned from the Island of Trinidad. He was discharged

* * *

We think you should all know something about the oldest employee at Torrance. He is Sam Ince who first began working for the old American System in 1917 for five months. He joined the U. S. Army in 1917 and after the war returned from France to continue his services with the Company. Sam is our chief wireman. We work him on all operations throughout the Plant, including repairing. As a farmer he does all right. This year he leased a few acres of land and planted it in sweet potatoes. We hope he has a bumper crop because a man who has the ambition to work all day and farm at night is entitled to all he makes. Here's luck to you, Sam.

TORRANCE

*Photo: The old bean wearing the hat is Armstrong M. Dowell, Sr., assistant skipper at the Torrance Plant and associate editor—better known as "Fat." He is a triple-threat man and should get some recognition from the Secretary of the Navy. One son, Armstrong, Jr., is an Ensign, and another,*

SOULÉ BUILDS DAVITS (Continued from page 1)

boat which stops at the deck level, permits the boat to be loaded and lowered to be sea borne. All of this handling operation with the exception of releasing lashings, removing covers and so forth, is done by one man who controls, by an electric switch and a hand brake, the lowering and stopping and recalling of the boat. In case of damage or accident to the mechanical and electric equipment, the winch, davit, and boat can be handled by manual power.

When the boat is water borne, one of the boatmen pulls a lever releasing the falls which lowered the boat so that they may be recalled to handle additional boats, if the arrangement on the boat deck provides nested or auxiliary boats to be handled in sequence by this pair of davits.

On invasion ships with well trained crews of men, the handling, lowering, and releasing of boats by these modern electric equipped devices is one of the amazing instances of coordination and efficiency deriving from the leadership and intelligence of the sailors and marines on invasion troop ships.

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