December 1944

SS CO IRON AND STEEL PRODUCTS # SOULÉ SALUTE

Let's Keep the Christmas Spirit

With thousands of homes in America suffering the irreparable loss of loved ones . . . and members of our Armed Forces giving their all and the Nation mortgaging its future for untold billions, it is well that we give solemn thought to the preservation of those priceless intangibles of life that are also threatened by the din of wartime.

Among these intangibles is the Spirit of Christmas that fills our hearts and homes with good cheer and love and laughter once each year when the spirit of giving takes possession of us.

(Continued on page 2, column 1)

VOL. 2, NO. 9 Published Regularly by and for Soule' Steel War Workers DECEMBER 1944

Assembly Line ## OF NEWS ABOUT OUR PEOPLE

**LET'S KEEP THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT** *(Continued from page 1)*

It is with this thought in mind that we print the following excerpts from a talk which Mr. Soulé heard at the Rotary Club recently and passed along to the editors of the "Salute".

**THE ANCHOR HOLDS** By DR. EZRA ALLEN VAN NUYS Calvary Presbyterian Church

These are stormy times. Many anchors that keep this nation great are in danger of slipping as crime becomes rampant, morals are broken down and God is forgotten and damned by so many.

The anchor will hold only if we keep a firm grip on the solid rock of our foundations. First we must remain a *United States*. The silver dollar you have in your pocket has on it "E Pluribus Unum" . . . "one out of many." As long as we remain a united people without class being set against class and man lives and votes as an individual, The Anchor Holds.

Second, The Anchor Holds if we remain a courageous people. America has ever set the high example in this. There are four kinds of courage: There is brute courage—the bull dog and the prize fighter have this . . . occasional courage, or the courage of crises when man rises to meet an emergency. . . . There is military courage, when elbow touches elbow and heart responds to love of country such as exemplified by our fighting men today. But there is also that moral courage that makes a nation great, the courage to "do the right as God gives us to see the right" both as individuals and as a nation.

Third, The Anchor Holds if we retain the ideals that made America great and build for the future on the firm foundations laid by the founders of our nation. Our fathers were gathered from many countries of Europe. They came to America for one central purpose—freedom. They laid foundations for an enduring nation. First, the worth of the individual man and, shall we say, the little man. He must guard well his independence. He must vote his conviction, not that of another. As long as we have millions of thriving independent enterprises, and six million farmers in this country, with the door of opportunity always open to the worthy, The Anchor Holds.

A study of our history reveals that the real foundation that has made our anchor hold here in America is reverence for the Sovereignty of God. In 1620 when our Pilgrims endured the first winter on the bleak New England shore, after their crops were raised the first thing they did was to give thanks to Almighty God. Washington at Valley Forge saw the bloodprints of his soldiers' feet in the snow. He knew the desperate situation confronting his army. We see him under the mulberry tree, praying to Almighty God. It is a well known fact that Lincoln, during the Civil War, went incognito to Brooklyn to have prayer with Henry Ward Beecher.

Today we have the experience of Eddie Rickenbacker and John Bartek, who floated for days in a rubber raft when their flying fortress was forced to land at sea. Their testimony is that it was prayer to God Almighty Who brought them rain, and later the seagull that rested on Rickenbacker's head and thus furnished food, and that He, the Almighty, gave strength in their hour of weakness.

Only by enthroning Him in our hearts and our business today can we be sure that in the future as in the past, The Anchor Holds.

We understand Monica Wenzel, accounting department, San Francisco office, is a "whiz" at making fruit cake. In fact, we were advised if one supplied ration points and butter she would make a cake. Don't rush, folks, it was only a rumor.

If you didn't get to the Army and Navy War show held in San Francisco recently you surely missed some good entertainment. First, fine music, good singing, then a parade of war implements followed by their demonstration. K-9 dogs in action, Judo demonstrations by the Sea-Bees (so realistic it made us feel sore all over). An attack on a Japanese held village by our troops, with Nature supplying rain to add to the realism. As a finale the Stadium was darkened, suddenly spotlights were played on a huge cross formed by soldiers wearing white helmets. The singing of "Nearer My God To Thee" by a choir of one hundred accompanied by the band touched the heart strings of the most hardened person. The highlight of the show was the pledge of the War Workers to "Stay on the job and finish the job."

If you want to see your name in the Salute, tell your Associate Editors, give them facts of the doings and they will write you up. Snapshot pictures of the fish you caught, the deer you shot, or whatever the event is, are always welcomed. We may not always be able to use them, but let us have them and we will tell you if we can. Of course, plant or office events are particularly desired. A list of Associate Editors appears at regular intervals in the Salute.

Cecil Rouse, that jovial salesman of Expanded

Metal and Lath and a member of the Volunteer Port Security Force, U. S. Coast Guard, has been promoted to Coxswain, in the Redwood City Unit. Congratulations, Cecil, keep an eye peeled for those saboteurs.

The San Francisco Editor extends to his Associate Editors many thanks for the spirit of co-operation in contributing the many fine articles they are sending in. We know that much thought is given in typing them. Again folks, many thanks, keep up the good work.

The art work appearing with Elaine Bradshaw's article "Super-Foreman Facts", is the work of Arlo Israelson, a member of the Engineering Department of the San Francisco Office. We think they are very clever and our thanks go to him for doing them.

Glenna Simpson is a descendant of "Uncle" Joe Cannon, eminent statesman and beloved American. Glenna says she has no political aspirations—she finds her new job in the purchasing department and keeping the home fires burning enough to occupy her for the present at any rate.

**Suggestion from Los Angeles** R. W. Reno, of the Los Angeles Plant, suggests starting a column of "Personals" to cover individuals or companies among our customers. Such items as the following, submitted by Homer Anderson.

"Dave" Scott, who is well known to the Southern California Plastering trade, has been appointed Sales Manager for Beverly Building Material Company, according to Bert Grenel, Beverly's General Manager.

**HASH MARKS** *From the London Edition of THE STARS AND STRIPES, Sept. 18, 1944.*

"We were sitting in a train compartment beside a very old gentleman, probably 65 or 70. A Yank sitting right across from the old man was chewing gum and really giving his jaws a workout. After watching the Yank move his jaws around for a few minutes, the old man leaned over and said, "Sonny, it's no use trying to start a conversation with me . . . I'm stone deaf."

Conversation at a billeting office: "How do you like your room as a whole?" "As a hole, it's fine. As a room, it's not so hot."

E 1 November 19, 1943 E 2 April 6, 1944 3 May 15, 1944 4 September 5, 1944 5 November 16 1944

Fifth AWARD PRESENTED

Boy, that's going right down the line. 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 consecutive production awards from the United States Government to Soulé War Workers. The most recent acknowledgment, the second Star on the San Francisco plant's Burgee, was presented November 16, 1944. In a letter received from the Navy Department, Admiral C. C. Bloch, USN (Ret), Chairman of the Navy Board for Production Awards, had this to say about the splendid contribution Soulé War Workers have made toward the Victory effort:

"It is a pleasure to inform you that the Navy Board for Production Awards has granted the San Francisco Plant of the Soulé Steel Company a second renewal of the Army-Navy 'E' Award for meritorious service on the production front.

The men and women of this plant have continued to maintain the high standards they set for themselves when they were originally awarded the Army-Navy 'E'. They may well be proud of their achievement.

There is being forwarded to you a new pennant with two stars affixed, which should be received in the near future.

The additional white star, which the renewal adds to your Army-Navy 'E' flag, is the symbol of appreciation from our Armed Forces for your continued untiring effort and support so necessary for victory."

Christmas Shopping, 1944 By CLAIRE DAVIS

Have you tried to buck the last-minute crowd of Christmas shoppers lately? If you have you now realize it is necessary to use commando-forward pass-subway technique. Prices high, merchandise inferior, what to do? If you absolutely cannot cope with the situation any longer, why not call upon our Mr. Millar, salesman par excellence. Ask him to show you our attractive line of Christmas gifts. They come in a beautiful shade of green, handsomely engraved, in sizes to fit everyone. They are easy to carry home, being light and compact. There is no luxury tax. They will be gratefully received, it will make you feel very noble to buy them and, most important, they will help to deliver the knockout blow to the enemy. War Bonds are the perfect Christmas gift.

WINDOWLESS BUILDINGS By N. E. DAWSON, Los Angeles

In the past few years much has been written, said and done with regard to windowless buildings which depend upon artificial light and air. Such construction in the industrial field, under war-time conditions, is fully justified as a purely defense measure. In talking, however, with many people who have been employed in such plants I have gained the clear impression that the apprehension over windowless buildings and homes I felt a few years ago, was a needless and unfounded fear; that in the minds of human beings, man will not be able to ever compete with the unconscious desire for natural sunshine and air. With the improvements being planned by all steel window manufacturers and with advanced production methods and new tooling constantly being studied, and with the anticipated enormous volume of home and industrial construction following the close of the war, the steel window industry can rightfully and confidently look ahead to a demand far in excess of anything we have known in this plant.

It is therefore, our job to have our house in order, that all of us think more about how we can make a better window than we have in the past; how we can more readily market our product; how we can use some or all of these thoughts and thereby make more and bigger and better jobs for all of us.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF A NEWCOMER By CLAIRE DAVIS

The first all-important impression —Soulé is a friendly place. You may not have realized how far-reaching is the first hello, the smile, the good-natured rib. An attitude such as this is badly needed in the world today, and postwar plans, no matter how skillfully thought out by brilliant economists, will defeat their own purpose unless a friendly hand is extended. We are setting an example here at Soulé, maintaining throughout the year the spirit of Him whose birth we are so soon to commemorate.

"I'm tired — very tired — let me sleep." These were the words of a dying Navy gunner as he lay mortally wounded on the deck of his ship. All of us, you and I both, are tired of this war.

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STAY ON THE JOB A ## Then help build these ### Windows with a Record .

Vindicating the judgment of the leading architects who specified them, Soulé Steel Windows and Doors are giving satisfactory service in thousands of structures . . . homes, institutions, government and commercial buildings throughout Western America and in foreign lands. This record of performance of Soulé Steel Windows, plus the enviable reputation Soulé Engineering Service has established since 1911, constitutes the foundation stones for stable reconversion to peacetime products. (See photos on back cover.)

INDUSTRIAL ## WINDOWS AND DOORS

Soulé Steel Industrial windows offer every functional advantage as well as adding permanence to the building investment. Easy operating, trouble proof, and snug fitting, they can be specified and then forgotten, the goal of every architect, engineer and builder in choosing his materials. Precision-made with durable steel, Soulé windows may be bonderized for rust protection.

Photo: Soulé Industrial Windows may be fixed, center pivoted or projected in standardized types and sizes and may be used either singly or in multiple assembly for large light spaces.

Soulé Hardware adds BEAU

AND FINISH THE JOB ## se SOULÉ Steel Windows ### ... Windows with a Future

Each era in building history has had its outstanding development. In the post-war era the signs unmistakably indicate that it will be greater use of glass. Picture your home with a private enclosed garden, illuminated at night, all visible from an expanse of Soulé Windows tying indoors with outdoors. With homes, industry and institutions, it will be more and more windows, and with research and development paving the way, Soulé will get its share of this ever-expanding market.

RESIDENTIAL STEEL WINDOWS

* Beauty — Smart Appearance . . . Trim lines and graceful proportion blend with every type of architecture. * More Light and Air . . . Slender members give more light . . . larger openings give more air. * Durable . . . Made of enduring steel . . . bond-erized for rust protection. * Easy to Open—Weather Tight . . . Keeps out rain, sleet, snow, wind, sand and dust. Prevent stained walls and floors . . . cannot warp or swell. * Easy to Screen and Clean . . . Several types to choose from, each providing effective means of screening. Hinges open wide — outer surfaces of glass can be easily washed from inside.

Photo:

OTHER TYPES OF SOULÉ WINDOWS

To meet the requirements of both architects and builders, where a higher quality and heavier construction are desired, Soulé Semi-intermediate Section Casements and Custom Built windows are available.

Soulé Types “K” and “L” projected steel windows are adaptable for use in offices, apartment houses, hotels, and commercial buildings where windows of high quality and convenient operation are needed.

*Extension Friction Cleaning Hinge: Casements are equipped with this hinge or projected cleaning hinges. Either hinge provides ample clearance to permit cleaning glass from inside.*

*Projected Type Transom: These may be had as a separate unit or as a part of the casement unit.*

*Type “K” Window: Made with either project-in or project-out ventilators, or a combination of both.*

*Type “L” Window: Casement ventilators always open out. Other ventilators, whether located at top or bottom of windows, can be made to open in or out.*

AUTY • UTILITY • RUGGEDNESS

A PEEK AT THE CREEK By PETER F. CULCASI

Since one of my colleagues has thought we at the CREEK devote too much time to launchings—we won't say too much of them again — however, we did launch our first YF barge the other day — with the second just about ready to follow—.

Talent Galore!!—Yep—in addition to our—flash-bulbers—song writers—crooners—and the like —the CREEK—now boasts of an Orchestra Leader — A. Varni — the welder who is also good on the downbeat—.

Hats Off!!—to H. Lund and H. Tobelman — Hans and Fritz — who have proved themselves such good sports about a lot of things —including Election bet pay-offs—.

Our monthly welcome sign is out again—to M. Villabla—C. Tatum —E. Tacchi—F. Souza—M. Otwell — Hi-Ya fella's — welcome to the CREEK—.

Congratulations:—to O. Cornell —who was guest of honor at a party given by his children for him and the Mrs.—his 24th Anniversary—a pleasant surprise—to M. Otwell—the welding lead-er-man — who became the father of a 9 lb. baby boy — We can use another welder down here, Archie—.

Incidentally—the weather down here has been — excellent — of course—6 inches of mud covers most of our roads—and—you can go fishing in spots—not to mention the river that flows by Fix's office—but it is okay outside of that—far outside—.

Did you know? ? ? ? — that the CREEK is surrounded by such great activity—that it was necessary to put on a night shift—that although it has only been a short time since we started the contract —three boats are almost finished —and all six keels have been layed — that the boys keep three Crane rigs busy all day long—not to mention the fourth — Louis Crane—.

Of course—you heard about the young lady moron—who knitted her boy friend an extra sock— after he had writted her—that he had grown another foot — since he last saw her.

SUPER-Foreman Facts By ELAINE BRADSHAW, San Francisco

Clarence Fix, Superintendent of the Islais Creek Yard, has been a member of Soulé Steel Company for 21 years. He started as a truck driver in Los Angeles (ask him about the good old days when he was bending stirrups, too) was subsequently transferred to San Francisco and immediately prior to taking over the boat construction at Islais Creek Yard was in charge of the Fabricating Plant. Mr. and Mrs. Fix, with their son and daughter, make their home in San Mateo. Clarence is an ardent fisherman and owns his boat for just that purpose. Occasionally he takes a "postman's holiday" from the boat building at the Creek just to sail his own boat.

Charlie Hoss, our Outside Construction Superintendent, started with Soulé Steel Company 18 years ago (believe it or not . . . as a welder). Today, one of the busiest fellows in San Francisco, he superintends construction and alterations inside and outside the plant, but always has a minute for a "How are you, my friend" greeting. Mr. and Mrs. Hoss have three talented children: a son in the Navy, now somewhere in the South Pacific, two married daughters and two grandchildren (possibly some of you remember when one of Charlie's girls danced at the Bal Tabarin). For the past 15 years they've made their home in the Parkside, 25th Avenue to be exact.

Charles Reuser, a native son, who before the fire helped his father shoe horses and make wagon-wheel rims in his blacksmith shop at McAllister and Larkin Streets, can tell some great stories about old San Francisco. Also an old timer with Soulé Steel Company, Charlie has worked with the firm for over 10 years. At present he is in charge of handling merchant steel. Mr. and Mrs. Reuser have two married daughters and one grand-daughter. He lays claim to being a pinocle and cribbage champ, also likes a bit of checkers. (One thing Charlie has trouble with though, and that's misplacing his glasses!)

Gordon Strain can always tell you about the big one that got away, but we'll have to admit that quite a few of them don't get away. Gordon has a 32 foot fishing boat and recently came back with 450 pounds of tuna. He lives in Precita Valley and has a son and a daughter. He started with Soulé Steel Company 17 years ago and at present is in charge of Warehouse Operations, Merchant and Lath Departments. At the outbreak of the war, when Soulé Steel was building bomb shelters at Mare Island, Gordon moved right up there onto the job and for a year and a half maintained the warehouse for the necessary steel at the place of construction. This must be some sort of a record.

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Christmas Greetings from Mr. Soule

This year we commemorate our fourth Christmas since Pearl Harbor. In looking back many of us here at Soule can remember the shock of that first Christmas trying to reconcile its spirit with the confusion that prevailed.

This year the Christmas season finds our hearts full of hope that 1945 will see the end of hostilities. Mindful of the challenge that the greater our efforts the sooner peace will come, we are nevertheless pausing for this one Great Day that its message of eternal hope shall not be forgotten or neglected.

So here's wishing each of you and your family a Merry Christmas made happier by the knowledge that in maintaining its traditional spirit you are helping to "keep the home fires burning" so that when our boys return they will find *There's Still a Christmas!*

Did You Know by Joe Romero

Photo: A soldier in uniform standing in front of a brick building.

—That Eugene Looney, the new rigger in the Reinforcing Department, is one of our fighting men who has had an honorable discharge from the Army and is now on the home front to continue his, and our, fight for freedom. He has spent 29 months in the Pacific Islands. He participated in the invasion of Guadalcanal, Bougainville and the recapture of Henderson Field. It is an honor to have him with us. "Welcome home, Soldier." —That the Blood Donors in this Company are really pitching in there, now. But a lot more are still needed. "Keep it up, gang." —That Phil Catteano, who operated one of our shears in the Reinforcing Department before the war, has been wounded while fighting somewhere in France. —That Johnny Bellina, formerly of the Merchant Bar Department, is on Tinian Island. —That George Lee, who ran the stirrup machine in the Reinforcing Department, has been in Oak Knoll Hospital for the past seven months recuperating from injuries received while in the South Pacific Islands. —That Tommy Halligan is fighting in the front lines in Italy. —That Fred J. Romero is in New Caledonia and has been transferred to a new fighting ship. —That Mervin Ferguson is right behind those front lines in Germany. (Ed. Note:—Corp. Ferguson to you.) —That the Reinforcing Department is busier than H—! But in spite of coughs, colds and sneezes, the Gang is still carrying on. —That Nick Bruno and Margaret Menges were caught looking in Samuels' windows recently. You know, "The House of Lucky Wedding Rings." Could be?

Know your enemy—The Jap. He never admits defeat, seldom surrenders. Marine pilots flying Corsairs still draw heavy anti-aircraft fire from Jaluit, one of the Marshall atolls by-passed and hopelessly isolated in the last February's capture of Kwajalein —although Jaluit is one of the most thoroughly bombed spots on earth.

At Saipan a Jap mortar shell blew off the arm of a Marine sleeping in a foxhole and he did not know it until a friend woke him up and told him. The wounded Marine explained later: "I was so tired out, I didn't even feel it." Behind this simple statement we can read all the bitter fighting and grueling hard work the Marine and his buddies had done to reach such a stage of weariness. This is a thought for all of us to bear in mind — at those moments when our war jobs seem unusually tiring. Remember, the Marines get tired too!

A naval aviator on solitary patrol ran into thirty-four Jap planes. The last heard from him via radio were the words, "I've got four down already and thirty more cornered." The magnificent courage of men like this makes your heart glow and your pulse beat faster, but if you want to help more of them come home, call on your hands as well as your heart —today—on your job.

Do you think the Pacific war is going to be an easy war? Listen to this and THINK! . . . Japan's army is NOT YET at its full strength . . . 4 million are under arms and 2 million more are available. . . . AND REMEMBER . . . Japan's normal replacement of men is 200,000 a year, more than are being eliminated in battle right now!

SOULÉ STEEL COMPANY San Francisco 24

Announcement Effective December 1, 1944

N. E. Dawson, Vice President in charge of the company's Los Angeles activities will retire from active duty

E. B. McClure has been elected a Vice President and will succeed Mr. Dawson on this date, in complete charge of the Los Angeles operations

Mr. Dawson will continue as a Vice President in an advisory and consulting capacity

EDW. L. SOULÉ President

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FRANKLIN JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL

THE WESTERN SCENE THROUGH Sonlé WINDOWS

...WINDOWS WITH A RECORD

*Photo: Franklin Junior High School*