The first day of spring is one
thing, and the first spring day is
another. The difference between
them is sometimes as great as a
month.
—Henry Van Dyke
Tir«$lon«
God grants liberty only to those
who love it, and are always ready to
guard and defend it.
—Daniel Webster
GASTONIA
VOLUME IV
GASTONIA, N. C., APRIL 25, 1955
NUMBER 8
W
n
OPEN HOUSE VISITORS WILL SEE THIS—Most recent ad-
vancement in tire cord engineering is the development by Firestone
giant electronically-controlled cord-tensioning and gum-dipping
equipment that will make tires safer, stronger and longer wearing.
^ factory in itself, the Gastonia unit contains a chemical mixing
Section, giant gas-fired, multiple heat-treating towers, and bank after
of huge, individually powered tension rolls. Specially designed
Firestone, it is the first cord-treating factory of its kind in the
'''orld. The unit is so high that, besides the ground level, three
other levels of platforms, connected with steps and ship’s ladders,
necessary to make different areas accessible to operators. The
operators in the picture, top to bottom, are: Harold Hovis, Walter
^te and John Bridges.
Anniversary Program Complete
if ^ ^
Plant Tours, Entertainment, Barbecue Among Features
Of Celebration, May 3 - 7
The welcome mat is out to the general public and employees to attend the Open House
program, May 3-7, which will celebrate the completion of 20 years’ progress at the Firestone
plant in Gastonia. During the anniversary schedule, more than 14,000 persons are expected
to see various operations and displays in the 5-floor plant here. Planned tours, open to schools,
civic groups, the general public and employees have been arranged.
Outstanding on the program will be the honoring of 100 employees who will have com
pleted 20 years’ service here during the months of April, May and June. At this event the
evening of May 5, watches and service pins will be awarded.
Many special visitors are expect- O
ed to tour the plant during Open
House week. Invitations have gone
out to Governor Hodges, the state
commissioner of labor; other state,
county and city officials, and a
number of leaders in textile indus
try. Also expected are Company
officials from Akron, Ohio.
* * *
THE CELEBRATION will be
climaxed May 7 with a barbecue
and entertainment lasting five
hours in the Company parking lot
on Firestone Boulevard, between
Franklin and Second avenues. This
event is intended for employees and
their families. Those attending will
be served between 11 a. m., and
4 p. m. Three prizes will be given
through ticket drawings at the
barbecue. These will be in the form
of gift certificates which can be
presented for merchandise at the
Firestone service store. The mer
chandise selected will go to the
winners at the employee’s regular
discount rate. The prizes are; First
Here Are Firestone^s Ideal Athletes^ For 1954
I
i
m
ISt
I
'THESE EMPLOYEES, representing all three shifts at the plant, were honored as “Ideal Athletes”
J 1954 at the 19th All-Sports Banquet here, April 9. They were elected by fellow employees, by secret
.^“ot in late February. Interest, attitude, participation and cooperation were factors considered in selec-
the “Ideal Athletes.” Top row, from left: Betty Hanna, Payton Lewis, John Owens, Mary Johnson,
^ottom row, from left: Eula Dunlevey, Robert Nash, Jean Bell and Belon Hanna. Belon Hanna is the
of Betty Hanna. See Sports Banquet story and more pictures on page 4.
$100; Second—$50; Third—$25.
A lineup of entertainment has
been announced for the barbecue
program. It includes the Gastonia
High School band, the Rambling
Rebels Drum and Bugle Corps of
Gaston American Legion Post No.
23; tumbling performers from Val-
dese; acrobats and tap dancers;
“The Greasy Four” quartet com
posed of employees; and Pan Han
dle Pete, well-known one-man band
from Asheville.
A square dance at 8 p. m.. May
7 will feature the Carolina Play
Boys band. A total of six prizes
from Firestone stores will be a-
warded to the three best dancing
couples. Prizes are: First—Rod and
reel (man), Set of dishes (woman);
(Continued on Page 4)
Camera Records Egg-Hunt Scenes
Some 300 youngsters, sons and daughters of Firestone employees,
revived once more the age-old custom of searching for gaily colored
Easter eggs, in the hidden recesses of the Rail Park, Friday, Ap»'il 9.
The, camera recorded these scenes during the late afternoon event
which was arranged by the Recreation Department.
“SHALL WE QUIT NOW
AND GO HOME?” Cousins
Bobby Pence and Jeff Honeycutt
appeared satisfied with their
success early in the hunt.
“LES’ REST.” Don (Jrant fig
ured he'd found enough for one
day and took time out to rest a
spell, while munching on one of
(he candy variety.
“HOW’S THIS — SILVER!”
Gene Horton and Roger Booth
each uncovered silver-colored
eggs, most precious find for
youngsters in their age class.
“LOOKS LIKE PURE GOLD.”
Nancy Jacobs was proud of the
golden egg, prized treasure of
the search.