May 1945

SOULÉ SALUTE

VOL. 3, No. 4

SOULÉ STEEL PRODUCTS

Published Regularly by and for Soulé War Workers

MAY 1945

OLD TIMERS WITH SOULÉ STEEL

*This is the first of a series which will appear in the Salute to introduce to you those members of the Soulé family who are distinguished for their many years of service.*

FABBRI, 32-YEAR VETERAN

Topping all "long time with Soulé" records is Guiseppe (Joe) Fabbri, whose smiling face appears here. He looks so young and husky it's hard to believe he came to work for us on August 6, 1913. Think of it, 32 years ago! It's Joe's job to make cutting lists for the shear men, which he has been doing since 1923. A native of sunny Italy, Joe came to this country in 1912, became an American citizen in 1927.

THREE TIMES GRANDFATHER

Joe is married, has three children. Andrew and Rose are employed by Soulé and the elder daughter, Mary, is married, stays home and takes care of little Diane, aged three. The senior Fabbri also bounces two other grandchildren on his knee, Andy's little six-year-old Joan, and Dicky, who is five.

BROTHER OLD TIMER, TOO

Still another Fabbri in Soulé service, is Joe's brother, Bernardino (Barney) Fabbri. Watch for his story next month, as well as the other 25 to 30-year men.

Sash Worker in Seabees Uses Soulé-Built LCMs

A 21-gun salute to Soulé workers has just been fired by Paul Graham, all the way from the Marianas. Paul was in the San Francisco steel sash department before the big fracas started. Listen to what he has to say: "It's sure wonderful to read and see how Soulé is expanding and the marvelous job they have been doing and are doing in this war. I know you deserve those two pennants that wave above the building and I can only say that I wish I were there to have helped in the winning of them.

OLD "SNAKE EYES" FROM SOULÉ

"We have been unloading ships at sea with the use of none other than four Soulé Steel LCMs and some LCTs. Yes, our LCM we ride to work in is even a Soulé Steel, San Francisco product. We call it 'Snake Eyes' and it's sort of battered up, but you can't sink a Soulé product. I'm proud of them. I met Joe Bellina's brother or I should say am trying to find him. He's right close to me, but it's the work that keeps us from seeing each other.

"We use the LCMs for unloading small stuff. They hold an enormous weight. Their loading limit is 20 tons, but usually they pull away with 25 or 30. I hope you'll find this interesting for little did I know when I left Soulé Steel to come in the Seabees that I would be working with their product. I want you to know I am every bit proud of our Elsie-M and the fellows and gals who work and sweat to build them. Give them my heartiest 'well done.'

WANTS BACK IN SASH

"Give Fred my regards, and all the workers. You've done a tremendous and wonderful job on this paper. Keep sending it please, for I like to brag about it to the fellows in my tent. Hope you'll receive me back after this is over—right in the sash—with Teddy."

We know Paul would appreciate hearing from you, especially his former co-workers in the sash department in San Francisco. Here's his address:

P. D. Graham, S. K. 3 c 27th Spec. N. C. B Co. D, Plat. 3 F. P. O. San Francisco, California

WAR ISN'T OVER YET ### KEEP PITCHING

This is just a reminder list of some of the things you can do to speed war's end:

Buy War Bonds—make it a habit to save by using the payroll deduction plan.

Be a Blood Donor—plenty of blood plasma will be needed on the beachheads into Japan.

Plant a Victory Garden.

Help the Red Cross.

Save waste paper.

Save fats.

Join the Coast Guard Reserve.

Write V-Mail letters to friends in Service.

Be a Nurse's Aid.

Even though you aren't able to take part in such outside war activities as the above, you still can make an important contribution to Victory by being on the job every working day. The equipment you build at Soulé plants is essential—keep pitching.

**NEWS FLASH** — Soulé Steel Company, as we went to press, had just been awarded two more Navy contracts. The first one calls for the extension of more than 140 LCMs. The second is for constructing 300 LCMs and runs through March, 1946. These are in addition to contracts already on hand.

THIS MONTH'S COVER

The striking cover picture for this issue of the *Salute* is that of Mrs. Marge Whitehurst, a very attractive welder in the San Francisco plant. She's wearing the uniform of the Red Cross Motor Corps, in which she served many hundreds of hours before becoming a member of the Soulé Steel family.

Immediately after Pearl Harbor Day, Marge, feeling she wanted to actively do her part in the war effort, enrolled in the Red Cross. After passing her tests in First Aid and motor mechanics she was assigned to driving. Besides being on constant emergency call, Marge met incoming ships with the Red Cross Station Wagon and drove evacuees to hotels and other places of abode assigned to them. An interesting feature of her work was driving show troupes to various camps. She also drove blood donors to the Blood Bank. In addition to her services as a Red Cross worker, Marge is also a Blood Donor, having made to date six donations.

Heeding the call of "Man the Battle Stations," Marge became associated with us as a welder in a further effort to see a quick ending of the war. Her hobbies are swimming and horseback riding, but Red Cross work and welding leave little time for them now.

Mrs. Marge Whitehurst we salute you.

THE SOULÉ SALUTE

INTRODUCING THE *Expanded Metal Commodities*

Safe-T-Mesh, Shelf Mesh, Skywalk and Walkway Mesh Reach Big Market . . .

By Cecil Rouse

*Photo: Safe-T-Mesh*

I am Steelcrete Safe T Mesh, a diamond mesh fabric, expanded into flat sheets from a solid plate of steel. The plate is cut and drawn by a die-knife so that regular and even diamonds are formed with uniform strands, each row joined by successive uncut portions of metal. This process is like cold drawing and actually increases the strength of the steel. Do not confuse me with woven wire, as the bridge of each of my connecting diamonds is solid metal, and prevents me from raveling and rattling. I am light in weight or heavy, according to the task I have to perform.

I am called Safe T-Mesh because I am used for safety guards around machinery, conveyors and gears and because I also protect property from burglars by guarding windows, tool cribs, transformers, etc.

MANY WAR USES

In this war I have been used on board our heaviest battleships and our smallest PT boats and all types of merchant cargo vessels for:

Storage bins Shelving Bulkheads Baskets Cowl guards Life raft cradles Ratproofing Can storage Filter cartridges Gun platforms Bridges Gratings Shaft guards Deck drains Deck stowage Hose racks Shower floors Transformer guards Refrigerator equipment

Safe T-Mesh from our plants has been in the repair of cruisers, destroyers and other battlewagons returned from such recent famous naval engagements as the Battle of the Coral Sea, Midway and Leyte. It also has been used extensively in revamping smaller vessels to take advantage of the latest developments and experiences gained in landing operations.

My war use is not confined to seagoing vessels. I've been used to form emergency landing strips in practically all active theatres from the Aleutians to Guadalcanal. I've made roads, capable of bearing heavy tanks, in many muddy and sandy places, and am especially useful where approaches to pontoon bridges have to be built quickly.

I was born in the hills of West Virginia at the home of Consolidated Expanded Metals Companies, now known as Wheeling Corrugating Company. Soulé Steel Company adopted me August 27, 1924, and I am now available 24 hours a day at 1750 Army Street, San Francisco; 6200 Wilmington Avenue, Los Angeles, and 2727 N. W. 35th Avenue, Portland. My chief buyers are shipyards, ship repair companies,

*Photo: Shelf-Mesh*

ornamental iron shops and sheet metal shops.

MEET SHELF MESH

Meet Brother Shelf Mesh. He is a little fancier than I am because his ribs have been smoothed down, and he is used for trays, racks and shelves. I also have relatives called Skywalk and Walkway Mesh, who are husky brutes, and can take a lot of abuse from being walked on in walkways aboard ships, cat walks and gratings in industrial plants, gun bases, platforms for anti-aircraft guns, and all places where the going is tough. Yet we are all light in weight.

*Photo: Walkway Mesh*

Today, we're all largely in war work, but in a peacetime world we'll be back: guarding doors, windows and skylights; forming protection around belts, conveyors, machines, gears, flywheels and radiators; acting as partitions wherever strength, safety, visibility, ventilation, low cost and high salvage value are needed; built into shelves, trays, racks, lockers and baskets; fencing factories, estates, parks, and stadia; forming stairways, catwalks, laundry drying floors, walkways and platforms.

We expect to bring a flock of customers to Soulé Steel Company.

*Photo: STEELCRETE BULKHEADS — Expanded metal bulkheads enable ship's officers to inspect cargoes, permit free circulation of air.*

*Photo: WALKWAY SHIP BRIDGE — Easily installed, long lasting, maintenance nil, describes Walkway ship bridges.*

*Photo: Assembly line conveyor guard made of Safe-T-Mesh is low in first cost and is sufficiently resilient to avoid damage to articles falling from conveyor line above.*

*Photo: Safe-T-Mesh makes lightweight, easy-to-clean trash baskets, widely used by parks, cities and industry.*

*Photo: Safe-T-Mesh makes good parts bin partitions. It provides plenty of visibility, is light and well ventilated.*

*Photo: Machine guard made of expanded metal is easy to install, provides maximum safety plus high visibility of moving parts.*

*Photo: Expanded metal display rack is easy to clean, provides better ventilation and cooling for vegetables and fresh fruits.*

*Photo: Clothing storage bins in receiving department of big city hospital. Expanded metal makes it easier to find individual bundles.*

TABLE OF USES OF EXPANDED METAL

GUIDE FOR SELECTION OF STEELCRETE SAFE-T-MESH

| Style Number* | Machine Guards | Window Guards | Partitions | Non-Skid Surfacing | Baskets | Filters and Air Cond. | All Types Floor Decking Reinforcing | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | 1/2" No. 18 | X | | | | | X | | | 1/2" No. 16 | X | | | | X | | | | 1/2" No. 13 | | X | | X | X | | | | 3/4" No. 16 | X | | | | X | | | | 3/4" No. 13 | X | X | | | | | | | 3/4" No. 10 | | X | X | X | X | | | | 3/4" No. 9 | X | X | X | X | X | | | | 1 1/2" No. 18 | | | | | | X | X | | 1 1/2" No. 16 | | | | | | | X | | 1 1/2" No. 13 | | | X | | | | | | 1 1/2" No. 10 | | X | X | | | | | | 1 1/2" No. 9 | | X | X | | X | | | | 2" No. 10 | | X | X | | | | X |

GUIDE TO THE SELECTION OF STEELCRETE SHELF MESH

| Style Number* | Baskets | Tool Cribs | Air Cond. Filters | Trays, Racks, Shelving | Machine Guards | Partitions | Window Guards | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | 1/2" No. 18-20 | | | | X | | | | | 1/2" No. 16-18 | X | | | X | | | | | 1/2" No. 13-15 | X | X | | X | X | | X | | 3/4" No. 16-18 | X | | X | X | | | | | 3/4" No. 14-16 | X | | | X | X | | X | | 3/4" No. 9-11 | X | X | | X | X | X | X | | 1 1/2" No. 16-18 | | | X | X | | | | | 1 1/2" No. 14-16 | X | | | X | | X | | | 1 1/2" No. 9-11 | X | | | X | | X | X |

*First number represents nominal width of openings in inches. Second number approximate gauge of plate before flattening. Third number approximate gauge of plate after flattening.

GUIDE TO THE SELECTION OF STEELCRETE EXPANDED METAL

| Types | Catwalks | Walkways | Stair Treads | Truck-Rad Guards | Safety Treads | |---|---|---|---|---|---| | Skywalk | X | | | X | | | Walkway | X | X | X | X | X | | 40-lb. Crating | X | X | X | | X |

If you're an architect, purchasing agent, engineer, or maintenance man, you will find this a handy reference sheet. Tear it out and file.

Payroll Sam says: *"Where Do You Stand in the 7th War Loan?"*

A Peek at the Creek

*By Peter F. Culcasi*

THREE-TIME LOSERS

Well—we have played three games of baseball against our worthy opponents of the plant and we at the Creek find . . . that we are still on the losing end . . . I have contended right along that the only reason the Plant plays with us "bums" from the Creek is that they are sure that they can beat us. How about that, Joe?

FIRPO WINS ON WELDING

The title for the "losingest" man in the world goes to Mario Villabla. I'll bet you he doesn't make any kind of a wager with Firpo on welding any more. There will be no shortage of liquor at Firpo's house, you can be sure of that, eh, Mario?

TAKE OFF GLASSES

The Creek nomination for the best player of the month goes to Al Williams—he is there when he shouldn't be there—of course we still can't hit Romero—not unless he takes those glasses off . . .

SIX-TIME PAPA

Congratulations to the Daniels—who became the proud parents of their sixth child. Fred is putting to actual working that which he has learned on the production line—bring them out to the ball game—we can use them . . .

FAREWELL TO IORIO

The farewell dinner given for Pat Iorio at Lucca Restaurant was indeed a huge success—I counted 34 present—and among the numerous presents received were an identification bracelet, fountain pen and writing portfolio. Yes, we at the Creek still know how . . . a swell gesture to a swell guy . . .

SHORTER AND SHORTER

Condolence to Marshall Rivera, who up to this time, held the title of the Soulé Company's shortest man, now has been dethroned. His new successor is Ock Lue. Don't take it so hard, Marshall—sidewalks won't always be that low to the ground.

EIGHT YC's LAUNCHED

In case any of you are interested in our progress down here—we have launched eight YC barges already and are pretty well along on the remainder. There is no charge for any additional information—in case you should get curious up there in the plant—which you won't. *(Editor's Note: We'll give you more dope on the YCs in the next issue, we hope.)*

GET WELL, JOE

To Joe Rogers, Naval Inspector at the yard, goes our sincerest wishes for a speedy recovery. Joe is at present at the Treasure Island Hospital, confined by an old illness. Hurry and get well, Joe, we miss you.

Thanks and Three Cheers

*By Marion Sheehy*

THANKS

To Rose, of the Cafeteria, who hustles like a little demon getting the breakfasts out in the morning.

To the boys who whistle at the girls, and make them feel young again.

For all generous contributions toward the Red Cross.

Our thanks to the boys at the Creek for trying to give us a little competition in the soft ball games.

To the *Salute* for using my articles, such as they are.

THREE CHEERS

For Pat Iorio, who has entered the service. May you have all the luck in the world, Pasquale.

Val Romero Normile made a sweet mess up in the cafeteria the other day when he sugared his corned beef and cabbage by mistake.

Ed and Ken are about the busiest little fellows in all of Soulé. They can be seen in flashes all over the shop. Tell us where you get all the energy, fellows. Is it Wheaties?

SOULÉ

A LOOK AT LOS ANGELES

*By N. E. Dawson*

ENTWISTLE RESTING

Dick Entwistle is taking a rest. The dean of reinforcing steel placing superintendents of Southern California has long deserved relief from his arduous tasks. During the many long years that Dick has faithfully served our company, competitors have battled us, independent smart young placers have tried to "show us how," but there is not substitute for competence, and the Soulé placing organization has today no peer. No single factor has so aided the sales force in landing big contracts as the outstanding reputation of Dick Entwistle's efficient placing service. We are sure a lay-off for a few months will put Dick back in fighting trim and we look forward to his return. Meantime his duties have been taken over by his able lieutenant, Earl Holcomb, who enjoys an enviable reputation among the contracting fraternity.

KINGSBURY NOW LT. COL.

To us he is known as "Bill." To many of his school-day friends at Cal Tech he was known as "Steve." But now all of us can proudly call him Lieutenant Colonel William Stephen Kingsbury, U.S.A. Colonel Kingsbury is now in Germany assisting in the final reduction of the super-race, attached to a regiment of engineers. In 1930 Bill was an engineer in the California State Highway Department, when he recognized the greater opportunities open to him in the Soulé Steel Company, and joined our organization. After a year in San Francisco, he was transferred to Los Angeles, where he had charge of the Reinforcing Steel Department, until 1943, when he obtained a captain's commission in the Army. Not so long afterward, while in England, he became a major, and now he is just two steps from being a general.

NOONER BACK

Welcome home to H. B. Nooner, after two years away, now again on our payroll. Nooner for many years was in charge of all of our field erection, except reinforcing steel. He started 'way back in the late '20s setting "pans," and as our line was enlarged to include steel joists, steel stud frames and windows and doors, Nooner took on these added responsibilities. Ill health forced him to return to Arizona, where in years past he rode the range. We do not know whether the steel business holds more attraction than the great open spaces, but anyhow, Nooner is back looking fit and trim.

THE SOULÉ SALUTE

LÉ NEWS

SPORT EXPERTS VIEW BIG GAME ### SOFTBALL SOFTIES *By Joe Romero*

This is just about what it amounted to. The big league game between the Warehouse Maulers and the Islais Creek Swampers. I don't care to reveal the score, "why add insult to injury"? Softies? Well, you would suppose that these big, strong-heart shipbuilders could take anything. But all the sore muscles and aches and pains that were displayed around the plant the following day only led me to believe that if a tiny little ball could do that, then these strapping fellows can't be so big.

If this game was an example of a real get-together and know your fellow-worker and good honest sportsmanship, then I, for one, will yell for more of these games—the sooner the better.

*P.S. To you fellows down at the Creek, you were champs in defeat.*

THE CREEK WON *By Peter F. Culcasi*

Well, we finally gave in and accepted the insistent challenges made by our friends at our main plant to a softball game. Yes—we, the "holy terrors of Islais Creek," came out on the losing end, 28-20. Woe is us, or is our face red? But of course we didn't expect to win, really. How could we harbor such a thought after constantly hearing of the plant's mighty aggregation of famous baseball names. Names like, Romero, Crane, Drococo, Peters, DeMartini.

Now that the game has been played, I can truthfully say that no one at the scene would have missed the fun for any amount of money. To quote a bystander, "It's sure a swell thing when a bunch of guys can get together in the friendly spirit of good fellowship and enjoy themselves in good, clean fun." That's exactly how we at the Creek felt even though we almost won.

Getting back to the scene of the accident, I would venture to say that we could have won had we been more settled in our playing positions and had we thought of paying off the umpire before the game. In fact, Fairbanks had his Terrors challenge the Glamour Boys to a return game any place or time they may so desire. All we needed was a little practice (I think). Now we are ready to play the N. Y. Yankees. Yes, the Creek won—a moral victory.

| Plant | Creek | |---|---| | J. Romero………p | E. Allegrezza……p | | P. DeMartini……2b | R. Martin………p | | C. Peters………1b | A. Varni………c | | C. Drococo………c | P. Culcasi………1b | | L. Crane………3b | A. Rooney………2b | | A. Williams……ss | E. Ferguson……3b | | G. Irish………rf | E. Papini………rf | | | J. Fairbanks……ss | | | J. Baioni………cf | | | P. Iorio………rf |

(Ed. Note: We could only seven men on the plant team. Could it be they won because they had fewer men to make errors? Or did Barnaby and Superman play the other two positions?)

San Francisco Girls Form Bowling Team

*Photo: "Dizzy Debs" — that's what the girls from the San Francisco plant and office call the bowling team they are entering in the Women's Handicap League at the Downtown Bowl. Shown here are four of the team's five regulars (left to right), Virginia Aveggio, Emma Kochart, Rena Scagliola and Ethel Rudman. The other regular is Inez Drococo, whose husband Charlie works in our reinforcing department. Team substitute is Rose Fabbri. Rena Scagliola is captain. The team will bowl every Monday night for 14 weeks. (Ed. Note: May you have lots of strikes and no splits.)*

BILL SENDS PHOTO

*Photo: Bill Bjorkquist, member of Frank Kullmer's staff of engineers, now taking pre-flight training at Iowa City, sent us this picture of himself in answer to a request published in the March Salute. His address is:*

Av. Cad. G. W. Bjorkquist Batt. 1A, E2—Room 206 Hillcrest U. S. N. Pre-Flight Iowa City, Iowa

★ ★ ★

DID YOU KNOW? *By Joe Romero*

**MAKES NAME CHANGE**

That Harry Rivera, of the Bowling Riveras, has changed the name of a very lovely Miss Eleanor Caruso to Mrs. H. Rivera? Congratulations to you both. This marriage makes brother Louie a hermit.

**DRAFTED, ROBBED, BURNED OUT**

That Bob Moore, who does the shipping for the sash department, received his induction papers one day, then hurried home to get things straightened out, went out that night, was held up and robbed of all his money, returned home to find his house on fire? And you think you have troubles.

**VICTORY VEGETABLES**

That Charles Drococo has also joined the Army of Farmers at Soule? Seems he bought himself a good size lot, and already has it plowed and harrowed. A few rows of spuds, some onions, a few squash. Who knows? That man yelling "vegetables" out in front of the house could be Charlie.

**PASSES CIGARS**

That Eugene Ricardo is staying up late at night now, since the arrival of Eugene, Jr? Weight, six pounds, one ounce. I wonder where he got the cigars. I will be in the market for some myself real soon.

**KEEPS FOOT UP**

That John Scagliola was injured, and was taken to the Franklin Hospital with a fractured instep? The doctor said he would have to keep his foot up high, so Johnny was on the sixth floor.

**LEMKE PAPA**

John Lemke, of the maintenance department, is the papa of a baby girl. She was born to Mrs. Lemke on Friday, April 20, in San Francisco. Name is unknown at this writing.

MAY 1945

7

Los Angeles gets second star FOR "E" FLAG

To E. B. McClure, Vice President at our Los Angeles office, recently came this letter:

"It is a pleasure to inform you that the Navy Board for Production Awards has granted the Los Angeles 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 your plant have continued to maintain the high standards they set for themselves when they were originally granted the Army-Navy "E" Award. 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."

Contragulations, Los Angeles!

Capt. Erwin on Sea Duty Hears Soule LCMs Praised

Our Supervisor of Shipbuilding for nearly two years, Captain D. L. Erwin, now on sea-duty, after a stay at Terminal Island, writes from "somewhere at sea" an interesting comment about Soulé LCMs. His letter is quoted in full below, the under-scoring being our own:

"I have just received your kind letter of March 5th and hasten to inform you of the change in my status.

The *Rodman's* delivery date was set back so far that I have been assigned this command and am en route to the forward area. The *Crescent City* is the ex-*Deloshams*, built in 1940 for the South American trade. She is a good ship and while not quite so imposing as one of the big APs, I'll get more action in her.

As to "Yarns of a Kentucky Admiral," may I suggest that you address it to the "Prospective Commanding Officer," U.S.S. *Admiral Hugh Rodman*, c/o Commander 12th Naval District, San Francisco. I am sure that the ship will prize it highly.

*I have seen many Soulé LCM(3)s lately and hear only praise of them. I'll be seeing more soon. This "amphibious" Navy is amazing and it is thrilling to be a part of it.'*

☆ ☆ ☆

L. A. MEN IN PRINT

E. B. McClure and R. W. Reno, both of the Los Angeles plant, broke into print recently when *California*, Magazine of the Pacific, asked them to prepare a special article, "Reinforcing Steel," for its iron and steel progress issue. Nice going!

Los Angeles Plant Ladies

Here are the gals Charles LeFevre told you about in the April issue under the headline, "L.A. Plant Spruces Up." They work on Quonset Hut windows. Left to right (back row), Wilma Sparks, Mary Delmotoff, Betty Harwood, Sadie Roberts, Ruby Reeves, Norma Jordan, Oma Christenson, Patricia Moyer, Sue Hammond, Betty Brucher. (Front row) Marie Mazzioti, Hazel Northrip, Katherine Newman, Cecile Stoner, Ida Lawrence, Rosella Carr, Wilma Wells, Oleta Terry, Lucille Whitmill. And more have joined us since this picture was taken. Later on we hope to have pictures of them at work.

*Photo: A group of women in two rows, the back row standing and the front row standing in front of a curtained backdrop, dressed in 1940s attire.*

Work and Worship V-E Day Theme

As the *Salute* went to press this notice appeared on all plant bulletin boards:

"The Navy Department, Supervisor of Shipbuilding, has notified this Company that should developments in Europe make possible an official announcement of Victory, *the observance theme should be work and worship.*

"The task ahead is formidable and demands our all-out efforts. We must defeat another powerful, ruthless, resourceful adversary. We still must produce and deliver vast quantities of equipment as indicated by the recent additional contracts received by this Company.

"After Germany is beaten, our soldiers, sailors and marines will still be falling before enemy bullets somewhere in the Pacific. Until Japan is beaten, any celebration is not fitting. Our contracts for landing craft and barges must go out on schedule. *Stay on the job and finish the job.*"

VOICE OF SAN FRANCISCO OFFICE TALKS FOR PUBLICATION

*By Claire Davis*

What do you have that belongs to you that other people use more than you do? Quick as a flash our telephone operator answered, "My name (Norine M. Moffett) and my telephone number." As you know, Valencia 4141 is the telephone number of Soulé Steel Company at San Francisco, and the young lady who takes care of your calls has some interesting things to tell.

FAMOUS CALLS

*(There haven't been any, she says. Everything is more or less routine at Soulé although once in a while someone will call and ask her to save him one-half dozen cup cakes, or please pick up his laundry today.)*

But in her time, Norine Moffett has talked with such faraway places as Paris and Honolulu. It's a job where you have travel, romance and adventure without ever having to leave the board. While working in the California Building at the 1939 Fair on Treasure Island she often made calls for Governor Olson, received a scroll from the Governor when she finished her work on the Island. At one time Norine worked in Jack Dempsey's hotel in L. A. "The Champ" told her that she was the only person who had the courage to stand up and tell him she was for Tunney. She has also talked with many screen celebrities.

OPERATOR'S PRINCIPAL HEADACHE

Everyone thinks he is the most important. She has about 100 persons yelling at her at the same time. She handles 12 trunks with 68 locals, and it's going like mad all the time. She has to have the wisdom of a sage, be a mother confessor, walking information bureau, be a detective when they play hide-and-seek, has to give out change for the cig machine, then hand out matches after they've gotten their cigs. Her mind has to be keyed to the nth degree of alertness. So much so that she'll awake in the middle of the night to find herself plugging in calls, and also answers "Soulé Steel" when picking up her own phone in the evenings.

1500 CALLS DAILY

Chewing gum? Listening to calls? There's no time for that. On an ordinary day Norine handles better than 1500 calls. That's better than three a minute all day long. Besides, this busy operator gets so tired of listening to people she is glad to close the key. One advantage though, the operator can call people anything she likes just so long as she remembers to close the key in time. But with it all, Norine says she wouldn't trade her experience for a million dollars.

OUTSIDE INTERESTS

She's a fight fan, football enthusiast, likes polo, and loves to go dancing. She's too busy working to participate actively in sports though. Commutes daily from Oakland.

The romance in her life? Norine says, "I've been looking for fifteen years for a man who can support me in the manner to which I wish to become accustomed. When I see him I'll grab him."

MEMBERS OF FAMILY IN SERVICE

There is a 21-year-old nephew in the Field Artillery who is in the big push in Germany. Also, there is a brother-in-law with the engineers in Northern Burma, who holds the distinction of having been made a second lieutenant right on the field.

Introducing SAN FRANCISCO SALUTE EDITORIAL STAFF

Here are the boys and gals who help make the *Salute* possible. Left to right, associate editors Claire Davis, Joe Romero of "Did You Know?" fame, Emma Koc-hart, Paul Hyner, San Francisco Editor Fred W. Kappelman, associate editors Marion Sheehy, Elaine Bradshaw and Peter F. Culcasi, father of "A Peek at the Creek."

These folks turn in the newsy notes and feature stories about the San Francisco factory that make the *Salute* a true mirror of Soulé plant life. You can help by tipping them off to newsworthy events and interesting feature stories.

WHAT MAKES NEWS

Well, plenty of things. Here are a few: engagements and marriages of your fellow workers; unusual records of individuals—such as good safety records (no lost time for steen months), high-score bowling games, 5 and 10-time blood donors; unusual war bond purchases (such as buying them with pennies or dimes saved over a long period); hobbies and outside activities of you and your fellow workers—especially honors received, such as election to club or lodge offices, rescue medals, writing an article for some outside publication, promotion in the Coast Guard Reserve; letters and news from employees or relatives of employees in the Armed Services. If you have news, pass it on to one of the folks shown above—or join the editorial staff yourself. Fred Kappelman says, "The more editors, the more news."

WHAT'S YOUR HOBBY?

Hobby stories make interesting reading. A hobby is more than just stamp collecting or collecting firearms, or just "collecting." For *Salute* purposes, it's any outside activity that's stimulating, inspiring and satisfying. It may be whittling, woodworking, photography, Boy Scout work, gardening, amateur radio, writing to servicemen, fancywork, bowling, flying, poker or any one of a hundred other activities. If you know of a fellow worker with an interesting hobby, let Fred know—or maybe you have a hobby. Let's have it for the *Salute*.

MAY 1945

9

MEET SAN FRANCISCO LCM CREW -- By PAUL HYNER

*Photo: Hi Gang! Waving at you from the catwalk of one of our LCMs is a group of welders you'd have to search a long time to equal. Experts in their line, and oldtimers at Soulé . . . Tony Shustoff, our famous upside-down welder of a few issues back . . . Frank Dick, whose slow, soft drawl marks him as from away down yonder, Tennessee in fact . . . Estel Franklin, Salinas boy and one-time welder leaderman at the Richmond yards, Estel was pushing rods before the war began and has continued on through . . . Louie Crane, a well known figure and twelve-year veteran at Soulé Steel, Louie loves sports as player and spectator, with baseball as his favorite . . . Al Brush, another veteran; retiring, quiet spoken Al has a host of friends at Soulé.*

*Photo: Caught on the job (left to right) are Welder John "Hack" Hackley, Nicholas Durenberger and Ed Murphy. Hack could go into politics and get the votes of all the gang who work with him. He has the elusive gift of securing, in a quiet way, everyone's friendship. Hack heads for the swimming hole, off the job. As a young man, he was a potential aqua champ, and it's still his sport hobby. . . Nick "Ex-Bachelor" Durenberger may be considering the bliss of wedded life. Nick took his vows two days prior to this picture, hence the dreamy expression. . . Ed Murphy, more popularly called just "Moiph" is another ex-athlete . . . Ed slapped a mean handball around a few years back, in 1926. In an exhibition game, he knocked over the state champion of that time.*

*Photo: Here we come upon a group laying in the "Inner Shell Plate," largest single structural unit of the LCMs. Walter Ridings hails from "Noth Carolina, Suh," and since coming out to the West Coast he has worked his way up in the shipbuilding trade, scaler to buffer to grinder to chipper to burner. Pretty Belle Martinson is Carmen Fantucchio's tacker-welder. Belle, some little time ago, married the shipfitter she had worked for in another yard, which only goes to show that romance can blossom even amid the bedlam of chipping guns, grinders, and sledge hammers. Carmen Fantucchio is a San Jose boy . . . and that's a lot of boy. Carmen still resides in the Garden City and commutes each day.*

*Photo: Three of our welding cuties peeking out at you from their "fox-holes," presided over by Leaderman Gene Licardo. (Left) Edna Van Leyuan, who can be justifiably proud of her family's record in this war. Edna has her war job and husband, father and brothers all serve their country. . . (Center) Connie "Jeanie" Buterbaugh is all the way from Pennsylvania, by way of Buffalo, New York. An active miss, she's all for roller skating, dancing or swimming after a hard day of burning up welding rods. . . (Right) Connie Caravantes, an old timer. . . If longevity is hereditary, Connie can look forward to an exceedingly ripe old age. Connie's Grand-pappy, now residing in San Jose, is a lad of 108 . . . yes, we mean it, he is now enjoying his 108th year. We can imagine him looking at some of these kids of 64 and 70 with contempt. . . Gene Licardo, the lone gentleman of the group, is also an Eastermer by birth . . . five days after the picture above was snapped, Gene put in an excited call to his folks across the nation . . . yes indeed, a six-pound boy.*

10

THE SOULÉ SALUTE

SOULE SALUTE

Vol. 3 No. 4

Published Regularly by and for Soulé War Workers

**Staff:**

Managing Editor....George Cobb Los Angeles Editor....R. W. Reno Portland Editor....Les Poole San Francisco Editor, Fred Kappelman Art Editor....Arlo Israelson

**Associate Editors:**

*Los Angeles* Eddie Dugan Dorothy Smith E. G. Irwin Charlie LeFevre

*San Francisco* Claire Davis Joe Romero Paul Hyner Marion Sheehy Emma Kochart Elaine Bradshaw Peter F. Culcasi

*Portland* *Torrance* John Vaile A. M. Dowell

ROUSE TWICE A VICTIM

The March *Salute* reported Cecil F. Rouse, expanded metal salesman, as "Osclerosis Victim." This month it's "Hydrophobia." It is no joke to be a victim of these painful illnesses, but now that you have fully recovered, Mr. Rouse, may we ask that you contract something easier to spell next time, as our medical vocabulary is extremely limited.

SLEEP WALKER

In order that our readers may be acquainted with the details of Cec's last illness, this is what happened. On Sunday morning Cec sleepwalked into the bathroom, reached for the toothpaste, spread it lavishly on his brush. After about a minute's vigorous brushing, it came like a flash that something was awfully wrong.

"Water," he cried weakly. Mrs. Rouse promptly obliged with a glass of water, which Cec gargled. As the thick suds came out of his mouth the family realized that it was hydrophobia. Not until they had started to rush the foaming Rouse to the emergency hospital did the victim glance down at the tube clutched in his hand. You've guessed, it was shaving cream. But we bet you didn't know it was Colgate's.

*Photo: Three of our neighbors from the fabricating bay next door; working here on an inner shell unit we discover (left to right), Ettore Galantino, Ray Carlson and Archie Wren. Ettore is an ex-grocer, Sunny Italy was his birthplace, but S. F. his adopted home now for 25 years... Ray Carlson looks a wee bit stern here but in fact is the most jovial of souls... 20 years of orchestra drumming for Ray. Every so often during the lunch period, he picks up a couple of welding rods and it sounds like Gene Krupa had wandered off his beat... Archie Wren, a real native Californian, by Jove, used to be a garage man. On the infrequent occasions when he talks about the war, he speaks with authority; Arch was one of the first over in 1917.*

*Photo: No, this isn't the Gas House Gang! It's our Double-Bottom Gang, the boys who start things rolling. Most of these fellows have been doing this particular job from the first Soulé Lighter, which was naturally a bit of a problem child, up until the present time, when they roll them off like hotcakes... (left to right) Johnny Zavershnik is the official weather prophet and his consistency is amazing... when he predicts rain the boys get out their swimming suits... Henri "Frenchy" Baron, ex-restauranteur, and Johnny's partner in laying the bottom plates for almost three years now... Don Kaudsen, another papa, and aren't the welding leadersmen doing great these days?... A baby daughter for Don... Tony "The Egg and Skeg Man" Schlagl. In addition to his official duties as skeg putter-inner, Tony has recently become the proprietor of three laying hens. Tony says his girls are co-operating very nicely... Hans Muhlmann, our super-burner, Burlington is home to Hans; he completed his education at San Mateo Hi, where, he says, he majored in football and basketball... Here he is; Herman Schmuacher, popular leaderman of the gang. Herman is justly proud of the absentee record in his section... when one of the boys is away it's an event. In the picture above Herman seems to be possessing what is sometimes referred to as "a beautiful shiner." However, we'll give Herman the benefit of the doubt, call it a photographic error... George McDonald, the last of the group... George is responsible for the fore-deck of the bottoms... George enjoys his work, but on a particularly hot day his thoughts wend back a few years to his former profession... George worked for a brewery.*

CREEK FIRST AID CREW ORGANIZED

*By Elaine Bradshaw*

To handle such accident cases as may occur at the Islais Creek Yard, Gus Ahrens, San Francisco safety committee chairman, has organized a special Creek first aid crew under the competent leadership of Peter Culcasi.

Culcasi has excellent background and training for this capacity, having been on the San Francisco police force and, of course, trained accordingly. The members of this crew are: Pat Iorio, Clarence Sea-lund, Camille Boux and Jack Fairbanks. They've been training to handle any emergency. An alarm system has been worked out and already has proved very, very efficient by enabling the first aid crew to get to an injured workman almost immediately.

TWO AMBULANCES

Another facility has been added to insure the quickest possible expert aid in case of accident; an ambulance is now stationed permanently at Islais Creek Yard and another at 1750 Army Street Plant.

TEDFORD VISITS PLANT

Lt. W. A. "Bill" Tedford, San Francisco office member now in the U. S. Navy, recently visited the plant to "chew the fat" with the old gang. Bill helped invade the Philippines and had high praise for Soulé-built LCMs.

MAY 1945

11

Steelcrete Speeds Tanks

Here expanded metal helps U. S. Army tanks gain sure footing at a crossing in Europe. Steelcrete has gained precious victory-making hours on emergency runways, roads and bridgeheads on fronts in Europe, North Africa, Aleutians, South Pacific and elsewhere.

Expanded Metal Ramp

Getting up the bank is sometimes tougher than crossing the river. Here Steelcrete comes to the rescue, gives footing to jeeps as they go from rubber pontoon to river bank.

Steelcrete Makes Quick Road to Victory

Soft sand like this could easily stall a mechanized column, but Steelcrete keeps wheels and men rolling toward victory. Many an allied bridgehead has been paved with Steelcrete, distributed throughout the Western States by Soulé Steel Company.

SOULÉ STEEL COMPANY