January 1944

SOULE SALUTE VOL. 1, NO. 9 Published Regularly by and for Soule Steel War Workers JANUARY, 1944

"CRASH!" THE "ELSIE M" IS PROPERLY LAUNCHED! 100th Lighter Sent to Duty with L. A. Fan Fare

On November 10th a bottle of champagne, swung effectively by Mrs. William E. Wilburn, broke over the bow of Hull No. 100 as it moved slowly down the ways of a Belyea truck. Thus was dry-launched the U.S.S. Elsie-M (LCM), the 100th Lighter built by the Los Angeles plant. (Continued on page 3)

U.S.S. ELSIE-M.

Top Priority--- Invasion Boats! WASHINGTON, Dec. (P) - The Navy's reports today of new blows in the Pacific coincided with a disclosure that U. S. war production has been ordered to put the accent now on invasion craft—the ultimate keys to both Pacific and European campaigns. Invasion craft have been given a priority higher than even planes and gasoline. Authoritative sources said 4000 prime contractors will be turning out the self-propelled barges, amphibious "ducks" and other types. The "big push" on landing craft was said to exceed the magnitude of the output that preceded the Mediterranean invasions.

*Photo: Mrs. Alice M. Wilburn scores a direct hit as the "Elsie-M" "slides down the ways" to a waiting truck! Dick Cain lends a helping hand while Jack Aaland and Mr. Dawson look on.*

☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Soule' Salute ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

**SOULE SALUTE** Vol. 1 No. 9 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 George Thomas

San Francisco Peter F. Culcasi Art Eichorn Paul Hyner Joe Romero Marion Sheehy

Torrance A. M. Dowell

Portland Ernest Hoecker John Vaile

We Can Get It For You Wholesale

There's a choice bit of merchandise we can get for you at amazing savings! It will buy ships and tanks, planes and ammunition today . . . and in ten years it will help buy the family autogyro and television set, perhaps. You guessed it! We're talking about U. S. war Bonds. Just think! You can buy a $100 Bond today for only $75! The Personnel Office will bring this offer to you any day you wish. Go there to make arrangements for another Bond today.

MAN-OF-THE-MONTH

*Photo: He's been on the job for 20 years, this Roving Superintendent of all Reinforcing Steel Placers at Los Angeles. He is "Gardening Dick" Emt-whistle. If the gophers and snails don't get him down, it looks as if he will be good for at least another 20 years on the job.*

SAN FRANCISCO ASSOCIATE EDITORS MEET By FRED KAPPLEMAN

A meeting of the San Francisco Associate Editors of the SOULÉ SALUTE was held recently and policies of editing future issues were discussed. Many constructive ideas were submitted and regular meetings of the editorial staff will be held so that your paper will be more interesting and informative from month to month. Those attending the meeting were Joe Romero, Paul Hyner, Art Eichorn, and Marian Sheehy, as well as yours truly.

Since the meeting, Peter Culcasi of Islais Creek Yard has joined the staff. He wrote "YSD Calling" in the last issue.

It is asked that anyone in the S. F. plant who has anything of a constructive or personal news interest plan, give it to any one of the above associate editors.

STAY SAFE OFF-THE-JOB, TOO

"I GOT TO HAVE THIS NICE AND CLEAN FOR MY DATE WITH PETE TONIGHT" "SHE MUST MEAN ST. PETER!" GASOLINE J. A. Koenig - NATIONAL SAFETY COUNCIL

What'll it take here to get things started? A match? A lighted cigarette? The forgotten pilot light of the stove? A spark generated merely by rubbing the clothes? Any one of these would turn the trick.

Principal danger in home dry cleaning is of course explosion with subsequent fire. But explosions and fires aren't the only dangers. Poisoning by toxic fumes is another.

Use a non-flammable fluid, even if you're just taking spots out of a garment. (Products advertises as *non-explosive* may still be flammable.) When possible keep your hands out of the solvent by using a hand type suction washer.

Do the cleaning outside the house on a day when there is enough wind to carry the vapors away. Dry the garments outside the house. Keep children and pets away.

THE VERY IDEA!

Sometimes the most valuable suggestions for plant improvements are offered by persons who do not feel themselves in a position to accept a reward in money. Such is the case of N. E. Dawson, Vice-President of Soule Steel Company and Manager of the Los Angeles Plant.

Two ideas of his have been put into use in the Los Angeles plant and have proved highly beneficial.

After Mr. P. H. Moore lost his wallet in the testing pool while a boat was being tested, the contents of the wallet took the form of confetti. Mr. Dawson was alarmed by the possibility of a man's falling in and being recovered in the form of hamburger . . . so he conceived the idea of placing a safety net around the perimeter of our testing pool. Shortly after the net was installed it saved one man from serious injury or death.

A second suggestion took the form of a sign board on which was painted a picture of a "Lighter."

A movable shield, placed so that it can cover all or a portion of the Lighter, indicates the degree of absenteeism for the day. Underneath appear the actual percentage for the month, day and year to date. The sign is hung where everyone sees it on his way in and out of the plant . . . a good reminder of the importance "presenteeism" plays in winning the war.

*Photo: Meet four of the San Francisco Associate Editors. Introducing, left to right, Paul Hyner, Art Eichorn, Joe Romero and Marian Sheehy.*

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An abundance of gold braid was present among Platform personnel: Lt. L. M. Staub; Lt. Commander C. M. Neuner; Captain D. L. Erwin; Mr. N. E. Dawson; Captain J. E. Johnson, Chaplain; Mr. W. J. Pike, Los Angeles Resident Inspector; Lt. V. W. Chippendale; and Mr. Paul Noll, Project Engineer for Consolidated Steel Corporation.

100th LIGHTER LAUNCHED IN LOS ANGELES *(Continued from page 1)*

Present to sponsor the occasion was a group of Navy dignitaries, a representative of Consolidated Steel Corporation, Union officials and the entire personnel of the Company.

They bowed their heads while Captain J. E. Johnson, Chaplain, U.S.N., delivered the invocation. Captain D. L. Erwin, U.S.N., in a short talk on Soule's part in the war effort, said, "Twenty-five years ago tomorrow we ended the war we thought would end all wars. Now we find ourselves in the position of either destroying or being destroyed. We must give the devil his due. We are fighting an efficient, well-trained enemy. Our responsibility is great in the months ahead and we must either deliver the goods or else. You men working here in the plant are fighting on the front line. When victory is won you will know you have done your full share."

Lt. Commander C. M. Neuner spoke of the obligation of the builder, saying there was a normal obligation that any contractor must fulfill in order to do his job right, "But our real obligation is to the men who use these Lighters. Watch every minute detail in the construction of these craft on the chance possibility that some slight defect might show itself in your earnest and understandable haste to speed things along."

Mr. N. E. Dawson, in the name of the Company, praised the entire organization for a job well done. Also he said he had made a firm deal with the weather man, which contract was carried out to the letter, that typical Los Angeles weather would prevail. Mr. Dawson presented Lieutenant W. C. Richards, whom he labeled "Boss of the Lot"; Lieutenant V. W. Chippendale, coordinator in SupShips' office; W. J. Pike, resident Navy inspector; Paul Noll, project engineer for tank lighters, Consolidated Steel Corporation; Jack Aaland, our genial plant superintendent; Val Simhauser, production engineer; John Gordon, a steward for Shopmen's Local No. 509.

The program was short and to the point and true to Navy practice right on schedule. Charlie LeFevre, assistant superintendent, acted as Master of Ceremonies and local color was provided by Bob Reno, our sales manager, who tickles a wicked piano keyboard, assisted by his baritone brother, Hartman, Receiving Department, who led the singing of "America" and "America the Beautiful." Last, but really first, by Mrs. William E. Wilburn, chosen by her husband who won the lottery in which the entire personnel of the plant participated to determine who should sponsor the Lighter. The lottery was conducted by four from the shop. Her husband's name was pulled from the hat on the lucky draw.

The program was arranged by committee consisting of Dick Cain, chairman, Jack Aaland, Bill Irwin, Ken Downs and Charlie Le Fevre. They did a swell job, particularly on the refreshments. (Ask Cliff Mayo for details as to how he did it.)

The ceremony was an exclusively employee-company affair, including everyone on the Los Angeles lot, also the boys from Torrance who came and returned by special truck. Incidentally, on this particular day Torrance was working on an important and rush order for Henry Kaiser's steel mill and after consuming their share of the refreshments they one and all returned to Torrance and completed the day's work so that Henry's steel mill would not have to shut down for lack of reinforcing bars the next morning.

Photo: Severino Tolentino is a Los Angeles Bond-a-Week-Man. Severino worked for Dick Entwistle at the Fontana Steel Plant, then served a hitch in the Army and now is in the paint gang. He has two brothers in the armed forces.

Photo: Eugene McGee, Leaderman on L. A. Sub Assemblies, has been with us for over a year now. His time at home is spent watching the progress of his young son who arrived September 16, 1943.

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CHOOSING A SPONSOR

A very necessary ingredient to the success of a launching is the sponsor. Here's how she was selected for the land-launching of the "Elsie-M."

The names of every employee at the Los Angeles Plant were put into a hat. A committee of four reliable men and true . . . specifically, John Gordon, George Blankenship, Homer Taylor and Everett Mack . . . were chosen to draw the lucky name.

If the name of one of the office girls was selected, she would be the sponsor. Should a man's name be drawn, he would name wife, sister, daughter or one of the office girls to do the honors.

One . . . two . . . three . . . names were drawn. The fourth member of the committee reached into the hat. This was the deciding name . . . and the name was William E. Wilburn.

Mr. Wilburn didn't hesitate a second in choosing his wife, Mrs. Alice M. Wilburn. She handled her part of the ceremony as gracefully as if this were her 100th participation.

Mr. and Mrs. Wilburn then went to "Earl Carrol's" as dinner guests of the company and reported a good show and a pleasant evening.

Photo: The launching ceremony added new significance to Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, recited as part of the program by N. E. Dawson.

Photo: No, this is not a politician "viewing with alarm." It's Charles Le Fevre doing a masterful job as Master of Ceremonies.

DO YOU KNOW?

* That if you and twelve others stay away from your jobs that the Personnel Department has to hire thirteen people to be here and to stand by just to do the work you were supposed to do? * This means that the Personnel Department has to call in people from other parts of the country because there isn't a stand-by force of workers available here at home. * Do you realize that every new person that comes to San Francisco, Los Angeles, Portland or Torrance for war work will be a competitor of yours for the job that will be created after the war is won?

BUY WAR BONDS

* That a Security Officer of the Navy makes a check on the plant and one of his "checks" is for good housekeeping? The plant has undergone a thorough cleaning and it is asked that all "hands" co-operate to keep it in good order. * That there is a column in the SOULÉ SALUTE where the employees and management can give their views free expression? Why not give it a whirl?

COWARD! By AL FIRPO

In the November issue of the SALUTE there appeared an article about Blackie, the capricious cat of Islais Creek Yard.

Blackie was referred to as a "guardian against saboteurs" and was recommended for a post on the Security Staff. He has since been dishonorably discharged due to "cowardice in the face of enemy action."

It seems Blackie had a mouse cornered and when the mouse made a counter-attack, Blackie turned and ran!

Excuses on Blackie's part were not necessary as over indulgences were evident.

Photo: The crowd gathers for after-ceremony refreshments.

* * * * * Soule' Salute * * * * * * * * *

HERSHEY B. PORTER REPORTING

The shipyards at Wilmington and San Pedro have nothing on Soulé; in fact, it may be just the opposite. Anyone can launch a boat with water and ways, but I saw one launched without either. To some of you this may seem quite commonplace, but to me it was a brand new experience.

I refer to the launching of the "U.S.S. Elsie-M"—Soulé's 100th Lighter to be delivered to the Navy out of the Los Angeles plant. The completion of 100 of these landing boats called for a celebration, and rightly so, as they will prove to be a highly contributing factor in bringing this war to an end.

I'm a comparative newcomer here at Soulé, but during the short two months since I came, I've seen production stepped up and the output increased weekly. To you older employees, who remember when it took days and days to turn out one boat, it must be especially gratifying to see a jumble of framework start on its way at one end of the building, and hardly stop rolling until it emerges from the other end, a completed and seagoing landing barge. To me, the celebration was in honor of the ones who started them rolling and the combined efforts of all to keep them rolling.

All in all, the ceremonies were very concise and appropriate. Upon receiving her bath of champagne, the "Elsie-M" moved slowly forward, down the drive and into the street, which was much to my surprise as I was not aware that there was a truck hooked on to her forward end and concealed behind the Personnel Building. It looked as though she were moving forward under her own power.

Next came the refreshments. Those doing the serving saw plenty of action for the next few minutes. I wondered at the time, how many points it took, or rather, what sort of priority must be had to be able to satisfy over 400 men who had just finished work and were hot and tired. The supply was more than adequate. I made three round trips myself and might have gone back for fourths, but by that time I was feeling pretty guilty.

LOS ANGELES LIGHTER LAUNCHERS

*Photo: Frank is in the pipe fitting crew and started to work for Soulé Steel Company in 1924. If you are driving around California after the war and happen to be in Blythe or Lone Pine, look for an auto court operated by Frank, for that is what he plans to do.*

*Photo: He has been with the company for two years and is now Leaderman on the fabrication of Ramps for L.C.M.'s. Phil had his own ornamental iron shop before the war and come the end, he plans to start up again.*

*Photo: Leaderman Fitter and has been with the company since 1940. Ed is No. 1 bachelor in the L. A. Plant, says he never could decide which he likes best—Brunettes, Blonds or Red Heads. Oh, yes—he also likes books.*

*Photo: He has been doing layout work on L.C.M.'s for several years with a perfect record for attendance. He is also the shop steward of Local 509 for welders.*

*Photo: He would rather attend a fight than be mixed up in one. He has been with us for a little over a year now and is a Leaderman in the chipping and scaling gang.*

*Photo: Has been working in the shop for about a year with no absentee marks against him. He is a fitter on keels and also interested in safety measures.*

San Francisco

Our heartiest congratulations to Johnny & Florence Viale, who recently bought a home out in Garden Home. We are anxiously watching the $500 set aside for contingencies.

Los Angeles

Recent letters from Bill Kingsbury indicate he is still in England and is now a MAJOR. Congratulations.

> It is with sincere regret we announce the death of Mrs. Frederick H. Rowan who passed away Thursday morning, December 16th. > Our deepest sympathy goes to Ray and his family.

As this goes to press, workmen are starting to erect the new L. A. cafeteria building which will also house a complete First Aid Unit. It is hoped that by the time this is published and being read we all will have had our first hot lunch with the satisfaction that is the aim of this service.

Mr. Davis who has the concession to operate the cafeteria has promised us good substantial food and as much variety as possible. This is just another feature to improve the conditions at the Soulé Los Angeles Plant and make it a pleasant place to work. We hope it will be sufficiently patronized to justify its continuation.

Alex Partnoff had to revise his Withholding Exemption Certificate the other day on account of because Mrs. Partnoff presented him with an 8-pound, 4-ounce boy November 11th last.

GADGET MAN By JOE ROMERO

There is a fellow in the Lighter Department of the San Francisco Plant that could easily become known as a "Gadget Man." We refer to Louis Rivera, in charge of fitting up the sides for lighters.

There is no problem too great for Louis. When one does appear, he steps back from his work, sizes up the situation and Presto! . . . a new gadget to take care of the problem appears.

Strung up all along the wall of this department are many of these "handy gadgets." All janitors are under instructions to consult Rivera before throwing queer bits of steel, with arms going this way and that way, into the scrap barrel.

San Francisco

Those of us who were here at the time of Pearl Harbor will remember the colorful propaganda posters that were created by Victor Abel. To prove he still does artistic work, Vic sent this picture with a recent letter. Very nice work, Vic. Hope we get more of your pictures. (See cartoon on page 12.)

Victor is a P.F.C. at an Army Base at Grand Island, Nebraska. He writes: ". . . I want to thank all of you for sending me the SALUTE each month. You have no idea what it means to a fellow. I open my foot locker, pick up a copy and start through from cover to back. The articles and pictures all bring back memories. I'd sure give a million dollars to be able to put on my leather apron and help turn out some good old steel sash. I found out one thing: it takes a war to make a fellow realize and appreciate what he had before this darn mess started. We take everything for granted, it takes only a short while in the service to make a man change his tune. Will you wish the best to all my pals for me?

*Photo: Charlie Hoss and his "Mules" are responsible in a large way for the winning of the coveted Army-Navy "E." Charlie, as Superintendent of Construction, sees to the transporting of the ways and launching of the L.C.M.'s.*

Cecil Rouse and Fred Kappelman are "fighting the war by proxy." Besides being blood donors, buying war bonds and doing Civilian Defense work, they have just joined the Coast Guard Volunteer Port Security Force!

(Continued on page 8)

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*Photo: "If that fat is from your doughnuts, it will sure finish the Nazis." Drawn for Office of War Information*

Portland

We wish to extend birthday greetings to Gilbert Broten whose new year begins January 14th, and Leonard Ferguson who celebrates January 22nd.

Don't know whether to extend congratulations or condolences to William Boothe. Because his birthday is December 23rd, he probably considered its proximity to Christmas a major catastrophe. We hope, however, that in later years it has merely increased the festive spirit in the Boothe family come Christmas time.

As we enter into the new year, your Portland Editor wishes each and every reader of the SALUTE the greatest happiness and prosperity in the New Year. To those who have left the Soulé family to enter the armed forces of our country, my sincere hope that the war may come to a speedy end and that they may soon return safely to their families and friends.

We were greatly pleased to receive a letter from Gene Edmondson, who was recently inducted into the Navy. He says he had better "chow" at home in spite of the rationing, and the bugler rolls them out of bed at an unearthly hour, 4:00 a.m. On Sunday, they are allowed to sleep in till 5:30 a.m. That makes us feel as if we, at home, have nothing at all to complain about. He gives his address as: Gene R. Edmonson, A.S. c/o 992-43 Camp Scott U.S.T.S. Farragut, Idaho.

☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Soule' Salute ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

San Francisco Vim and Vigor Routine Keeps You ... ## Healthy! ## Wealthy! ## Wise!

WHY VITAMINS? What next? I never took a pill in my life, why now? All right here's why! It has been reliably rumored that some of our regular food has been rationed and some of us are a wee bit short of points, also some other items have become a little scarce. So what? We grin and eat what we have. Yes, we do but we might be a little short on Vitamins. So Vitamins— We are working harder and longer hours and we need more Vitamins and we might not be getting them. So Vitamins— We don't want to be sick or lose any time off the job and we know Vitamins help keep us well. So Vitamins— The Company buys large quantities in order to get the volume price and sells them to us at cost. So Vitamins— Aircraft Vitamins are manufactured under the best possible conditions and delivered to us in the best form for convenient use—all under a medical director. So Vitamins— Everyone wants to be doubly sure he is doing all he can to keep fit. So Vitamins— See the nurse at the First Aid Station or the guard at the main gate for your bottle of Vitamins. Only $1.00 per bottle, a two months' supply. So Vitamins—

*Photo: The ice-cream and cake part of the recent Army-Navy "E" ceremonies appealed most to Miss Patricia Ann Peters, 2, of San Francisco. Daddy Charles J. Peters of the Outfitting Department looks on proudly.*

*These protect precious eyesight.*

ONE MILLION DOLLARS Would you take any amount of money for your eyes? Of course not. Our eyes are the most valued possession we have. You know, that is exactly the way every-one working at Soulé feels from our president, Edward Soulé, straight across to the newest helper. That is why we were all fitted with goggles the other day. These goggles were selected because they are comfortable, correct and give a maximum amount of protection from flash and foreign flying particles. These medium calobar armour plate lenses will save many of us from painful accidents if we wear them. The Company has invested many hundreds of dollars to give us this protection at no cost to us. If the goggles are damaged in any way take them to the First Aid Station for correction or repair. Mr. McWilliamson, Safety Engineer, for the American Optical Company, recommended these goggles so we know we have the best. However, Mac points out that the goggles were not designed to protect the seat of your pants and in your pocket they won't save your eyes. Take care of your goggles—wear them—and they will take care of your eyes.

YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE CRAZY- TO TAKE CHANCES... ... BUT IT HELPS! NATIONAL SAFETY COUNCIL

FIRST AID STATION We've really got something there? Have you been over to the First Aid Station to see for yourself? Go over and look on your way home some night. Notice how white and clean everything is, also look at all the equipment to take care of us just in case. Miss Vera Seitz is our registered nurse in charge and she can patch you up in nothing flat. We asked Miss Seitz the other day how she liked Soulé, here is her answer, "A swell bunch of people to work with. The men and women in the plant all have one concern and that is to get back on the job in a hurry and that makes First Aid work more pleasant." If you have a cut, scratch, bruise or any kind of an accident see your foreman for a pass to the First Aid Station immediately. A few moments of prompt professional care will save a lot of grief later. Also if you have a headache, sore throat, temperature or just feel low in general check with the nurse. She might save you a sick spell. BE SAFE, NOT SORRY!

Definition: A conference is group of men who individually can do nothing, but as a group can meet and decide that nothing can be done.

*Photo: The family learns from Roy Fisher, foreman of San Francisco's Sheet Metal Department, the bows and whys of his work. Watching are 2-year-old "Butch," Mrs. Fisher, Lillian, 8, Malvin, 7, and sister-in-law Emma Grgurich.*

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About Our People

(Continued from page 6) In order to release Coast Guardsmen for sea duty, the Coast Guard has organized a national Coast Guard Volunteer Port Security Force. They are accepting for enrollment men between twenty-five and sixty-five who will serve to protect the piers and ships in harbor from fire and sabotage. They serve without any compensation a minimum of twelve hours a week after a short, but thorough training course.

When volunteers complete training and qualify on the pistol range, they are uniformed and assigned to duty at hours when they can serve.

Photo: The lady pictured has a mighty important pair of bands . . . they deliver pay checks to San Francisco workers regularly. She is Ray Martin . . . yes, that's right, RAY Martin. You gotta see Ray to get your pay.

Fast-thinking Louis Rivera rescued a blond jeep driver from a possible serious accident the other day. Nice going, Louis. It's nice to have Safety Committee Members who think as fast as you.

Rattle Prattle: Because the stork swung down to his house, Angelo Pardini swung down from the crane he operates to pass out super-duper cigars! William Reinheimer went through the same "cigar-to-you-pride-and-joy-to-me" exercises. Congratulations to both of you, gentlemen.

There's been a change made . . . in the lunch hour. To give the cafeteria time to catch their breath between noon hours, there is now a fifteen-minute interval between lunch shifts.

That stack of construction commotion going on over by the corner of the cafeteria building will some day blossom forth into a brand new, full fledged cafeteria.

We have it by carrier pigeon that Clinton Roe, an erstwhile Soule accountant, and a meanwhile associate of Uncle Sam, Incorporated, is a member of an Ambulance Company stationed in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee.

Clint writes that maneuvers are conducted like actual warfare . . . which means valuable experience.

He extends congratulations on our winning the Army-Navy "E" and urges us to keep up the good work. With best wishes to all at Soule Steel, he signs off.

What certain green-sweatered young man about the Reinforcing Department is doing his share to solve the manpower shortage? He expects another ration book to be added to his family soon.

Was that a bear we saw the other day, or was it a water buffalo? Answer: Nope. It was a gorgeous new fur coat sported by a very popular young lady formerly of the payroll department. It really dangled on that frame!

WANTED Are you a photographer? If so, contact the San Francisco Editor, Corner Kappleman if you would like a post on the SALUTE as a staff cameraman. Due to Navy regulations, it is necessary to have all pictures taken in the plant cleared through Navy Intelligence, so the job's both interesting and important.

Photo: Paymaster George Kolb smiles blandly. You'd never suspect a guy with a smile like that could make all those deductions on every San Francisco pay check and still be happy. But here he is . . . smiling!

TRAPPER DELUXE It seems we have a "bring-em-back-alive-Frank Buck" in the Maintenance Department in San Francisco. This trapper has been catching rats in the plant with such finesse that nary a scar is put on the varmit.

We can all appreciate the man's talent as a trapper, but can a certain robust gentleman in the tool room? Upon opening his car to go home the other night, he found several of the furry beasts trying to make off with it. One had the radio going and another was keeping time with the horn!

LIGHTERS..Can You Top This? By AL FIRPO

Clarence Fix, Superintendent of Islais Creek Yard, found he had so many good burners that a contest was started to see who burned the most footage.

A "Burner Footage Record" chart was set up. It was a board 2 1/2 feet wide and 5 feet tall. Near the bottom was a painting of two soldiers firing a cannon. The projectile was painted red and moved upward on a string as the percentage of burning in lineal increased.

The largest single score for any one day was 300 feet, made by Alphonso Arana who ultimately finished the week with a score of 911 1/2 feet. He was acclaimed winner with appropriate speeches and presented with a box of cigars (good ones) as a prize. Joe Pedoni came in as a close second.

What do you think of that score, Lighter Department? Can you top it? Remember—just hand burning and on miscellaneous work.

Photo: He's a "Beeg" fellow, this Frank Passentino . . . and a mighty efficient driver. Frank drives the truck that takes L.C.M.'s from the yard to the launching ways in San Francisco. He hasn't had an accident since he started trucking the L.C.M.'s. Maybe it's because he is used to handling the baby buggy with his twins in it.