Strong Future Is Keynote At Annual Dinner
Santa will again ring in the Christmas season at the annual Children's Christmas Party. The party
will be held in Slauson Auditorium, on Saturday afternoon, December 15. This years party will
feature Ed Johnson's Marionettes in a play called "Neptunes Kingdom." Freckles is the name
of the hero of "Neptune's Kingdom." He is a 12 year oíd grandsonof a lighthouse
keeper. He often wished he could see the bottom of the ocean. One day while Freckles was fishing Gee
Whizzer, the gremelin, happened to swim too close and got himself caught by the tail. As a result
Freckles and Gee Whizzer became acquainted.and Gee Whizzer took his new friend to the bottom of the
sea for a visit. While on theocean's floor Freckles and Gee Whizzer became separated from one
another and Freckles did not know how to get back to the lighthouse. He made friends with many of
the undersea creatures and they led him to the throne of King Neptune who, it was thought, would
help him.
Poor Frecklesl Not only had he been turned into a fish, but he was lost and friendless. After a
while he also became terribly hungry . He spied a delicious looking worm, and being a mere fish did
not realize that it was a baited hook. He grabbed the worm and was quickly dragged to the surf ace.
All was not as bad as it may seem, ho wever, for the fisherman turned out to be Freckles'
grandfather. As soon as he reached the surface, Freckles became once again a little boy. Neptune,
however, decreed that inasmuchas Freckles had come to hiskingdom he must remain there and be one of
his subjects. He changed our hero into a tuna fish. Here is a surprise for the kiddies - Applesauce
will be back again this year. The highlight of the kids festivities, as it has been for the last
three years, will be the arrival of Santa Claus. He will have gifts for the children, Candy will
also be distributed. If you haven 't left the ñames and ages of your children in the
Personnel Office, please do so as early as possible.
At thelargest CompanyDinner in Argus history, over 700 employees received a report of extremely
favorable current operationsand future outlook from President, Bob Lewis. Marking the 2Oth
anniversary of Argus, Mr. Lewis said that the Company has achieved a very solid position in the
photographic industry. He pointed out that the name ARGUS has agrowing value each year and that it
is highly respected by dealers and customers all over the world. Argus facilities, too, are growing,
and according to Mr. Lewis, "the completion of our new addition gives us one of the finest and
certainly the most modern optical plant s in the country." Tribute to Employee Efforts In
reporting on the highly satisfactory state of current operations, Mr. Lewis also reflected on the
many problems which faced the Company as little as two years a go. Reviewing the recent growth, he
said, -You should all be proud of your accomplishments since our first Company Dinner in 1949."
Profit Sharing at $1,000,000 Reporting on the Profit Sharing Fund, Mr. Lewis, said that the fund had
now reached the astronomical figure of one million dollars, including the 1950-51 contributions
which were the largest in history. He also pointed out that the 3 year waiting period was
established at theorigin of the plan and could not now bechanged. Howeverjin considering this
factor, it was indicated that most plans of this type pay off fully only at age 65, whereas the
Argus fund pays completely after 23 years of employment or at age 60 or when disabled. On this
subject, Mr. Lewis said, MIt is not so important when you get in, as when you get paid.w From this
point of view, the 3 year waiting period does not make the profit sharing plan any less desirable.
(Continued on page 7)
Argus Eyes
Argus Eyes is published f or the employees of Argus Cameras, Inc. and their families. It is
intended to be a means of friendly communication between them, and to provide a reliable source of
information concerning the company's business. Beverly Bullis of the Personnel department makes sure
that news is gathered and that pictures are obtained and arranged in readable fashion for
publication about the lOth of each month. Charles A. Barker, "Jimmy" to all, is Art
Director and Art Consultant. The profiles are done by Harry Rookes. Sam Schneider of the
Photographic Department furnishes pictures. Reporters for this month 's Argus Eyes were: Jim
Meidrum, Babe Peterson, Jim Rohrbaugh, Art Parker, Jr., Joe Brahm, Bill Sturgis, and Bill
Patton.
New Advertising Manager
The Company's new Advertising Director is Arnold MacDonald. Amold is a man of considerable
advertising experience, having come to Argus f rom the International Silver Company, of Meridan,
Connecticut, where he spent ten years in the Advertising Department. The new advertising director is
a native of North Scituate, Rhode Island. He is a gradúate of Brown University, in
Providence, Rhode Island. A veteran of four years service in the Navy, he spent three years as a
line officer on escort vessels in the Pacific. Incidentally, Arnold's bachelor days are nearing an
end. He plans to be married December 22.
Reviewing Argus Progress
I certainly enjoyed seeing the fine turnout for the Annual Dinner. It is hard to realize the
number of people who are now members of the Argus family until almost all are seated in one room. I
welcomed the opportunity of reviewing the highlights of the last several years activities as well as
discussing our future opportunities. It was a source of great satisfaction to present watches to our
twenty year people. Because of the highly seasonal operations of the Company during its early years
and the lack of clear records, it may be possible that several people were overlooked. A careful
review of the records will be made. My feeling is that service award presentations can be made under
more liberal interpretation than purely the establishment of seniority records. If, under such
interpretation, additional people qualify, they will receive a service award at our next Annual
Dinner. It would be an excellent idea for everyone with long service to check his seniority date. We
will look into any discrepancies brought to our attention. There is nothing that gives more pleasure
than the recognition of long service. People with long service are the backbone of a growing
company. Further Material Cuts Possible The National Production Authority has been talking of
further reductions in the use of aluminum and brass. The National Association of Photographic Manuf
acturers , of which Argus is a member, is doing its utmost to convince the NP A of the importance to
the country of the precisión optical industry. We have been successful thus far and are
hopeful that any further reduction in materials will not be drastic . Even if there is a substantial
material cut, it would not have a sudden effect because we have a reasonable amount of material in
process in addition to the current allotment. The material shortage for commercial production is
counterbalanced somewhat by the increase ingovernment production. Production for the M-18 is just
getting under way. The M-18 is a gunsight used on a multiple gun antiaircraft vehicle. The M-19 tank
periscope is just now being readied for production. Moves into the new plant are almost completed.
The Glass Blocking Department is the next major move. Folio wing
that, the centering department can be moved. Commercial Sales Near Record High There has been a
tremendous demand for the C3 and 75. The acceptance of the Argus name in consumer circles is proof
of the tremendous influence exerted by advertising. During October, for the first time in many
years, the monthly shipments were over $1,000,000 and 90% of this was in commercial business. We are
currently collecting the necessary data for the preparation of the petition for certain changes in
wage rate classificationsand improvements in benefits. This petition will have to be approved by
both the Wage and Salary Stabilization Boards. We have proposed these changes in line with the Argus
policy of keeping pace with area wages and benefits. I am a firm believer in good pay, good working
conditions and the recognition of the individual. The foundation of success of any company is the
spirit shown within its group in meeting the multitude of daily problems. We have a fine spirit here
at Argus. With it we can all look forward to secure and prosperous employment.
Ask Andy Argus
Hi Gang-
It's me again, your old supersnooper friend Andy. I've been back in Argus Eyes the last two
issues with some behind the scènes stories on money business. Next month ril be back with
another look at an Argus activity. But thafs easy--rm looking for some tough assignments. Answers
are my hobby. I just love to dig them out. If you've got a question-anything you don't understand or
agree with at -just let me know andwatch me go. To make it easy, I'm putting up an "Ask Andy
Argus w box at the main entrance to each plant. A11 you have to do is jot down your question and
drop it in the box. Then ril go to work and come up with the straight dope you want. From here on
in, you don't have to say TH be xx#'- if I can understand why they do that," all you have to do
is Ask Andy Argus and watch this column in the next issue.
Improved Benefits And Some Rate Adjustments Are Proposed
As announced at the Annual Argus Dinner by Mr. R. E. Lewis, changes in several wage rate
classifications to conform to changes in the área, and substantial changes in benefits will
be petitioned for before the Wage and Salary Stabilization Boards. These proposals are in keeping
with the Argus policy of maintaining wages and benefits equal to or better than those offered by
other companies in this área. The Company is anxious to put these improvements into operation
immediately.but must wait for approval by the Wage and Salary Stabilization Board. Every effort will
be made to gain this approval in the shortest possible time. Highlights of the proposals are
outlined below: Increased Guarantee for Incentive Jobs For all incentive production employees who
have completed a ninety (90) day proba tionary period, the Company will guarantee their earnings
average not to f all below 70 minutes when averaged over each two (2) week pay period. Selected Rate
Increases Where Allowable In line with our Argus policy of maintaining hourly base rates at
área levéis, the área rates will again be studied. We will petition for
increases for those Argus jobs in which there has been a rate change. Two and One Half Time for
Holidays Worked In the event it is necessaryfor an employee to workon a paid holiday (New Years,
Memorial Day, July Fourth, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas), he will be compensated at one and
one half times his earned rate for those hours worked in addition to receiving his regular holiday
pay. Increased in Pay A minimum of four (4) hours pay will be granted to employees who report for
work and who have not been notified not to report for work except where the lack of work results
from causes beyond the control of the Company. The Company may place these employees for whom work
is not available on any jobs during the minimum period. New Call-in Pay Feature Should it be
necessary to cali an employee in to work following his regularly scheduled shift hours without prior
notice, the Company will guarantee a minimum of two (2) hours pay. Extra Vacation for Old Timers The
proposed vacation plan will be based on the June i to June i vacation year. For employees with nine
(9) months to five years service on June i, as indicated in the published seniority records,
vacation pay will be 2% of total straight time earnings during the twelve months ending June I. For
employees with from five (5) to fifteen (15) years service, 4% will be paid and for employees with
fifteen (15) and more years service 6% will be paid. The "yearly straight time earnings"
means straight time hourly earned rate (including incentive pay for incentive employees) for all
hours worked, including overtime hours, during the year. Salaried Vacation Plan The proposed
vacation plan for salaried employees will include a three week paid vacation for those employees
with 15 or more years service. More Liberal Group Insurance An improved group insurance plan will be
announced at a later date.
Two Argus Men Go To Europe To Develop New Supply Sources
In order to stretch our limited supply of critical materials, N. L. Symons and Jan Van Den Broek
have left for Europe to check onforeign sources for camera parts. They are calling on part
manufacturers in Germany and Switzerland who can make components that are now purchased in this
country. Norm and Van should make a good team. Norm will investiga te these companies from a
Purchasing Agent's point of view. Van will supply his engineering skill in answering questions on
tolerances and dimensions. They should ably represent Argus Cameras and will be in an excellent
position to find out what is available from those potential vendors. Under the present N.P.A.
regulations on brass, aluminum and steel, no allotments are required on complete parts imported into
this country. If they are successful, it will mean we can make more cameras and projectors from our
reduced allotments. We received the following post-card from Norm: Dear Gang - Jutf a note to let
you know all is well in Germany. Trip is successful sofar. Things moveslowly overhere but still hope
to be home by 1225. Will know the early part of December. Going to Munich next week; following week
to Switzerland. Will drop you a card from there. Sincerely, Norm It certainly sounds like he's
working hard at his assignment, but who wouldn't when he knows everyone at Argus will be rea ding
his postcards!
Thank You
aI would, in this way, like to express my thanks and appreciation for all the acts of kindness
shown me during my stay
in the hospital."
700 Employees Enjoy Company Dinner
Argus Employees Adopt Wounded Korean Vets
Early this fall a letter was received f rom Mrs. Elna Soderwall of Oakland, California who has
been visiting wounded Marine Korean veterans in one of the amputee wards at Oak Knoll Naval
Hospital, Oakland , California . This letter requested help in securing a tripod for Jim Huntington,
a Marine triple amputee, who is the proud owner of anArgusC-4 Camera. Mrs. Soderwall feit that a
tripod would help Jim steady the camera, since his physical disability makes it difficult for him to
take good pictures . Personnel in the Sales, Accounting, Purchasing and Administration offices were
contacted and asked if they wished to contribute to a fund to secure the tripod for Jim. The amount
needed was substantially over-subscribed by this small group. As a result, a supply of color film
and flash bulbs was sent Jim along with the tripod, and a Christmas gift is to be sent to him. Dear
Friends, I can never express my appreciation to you and your associates for your immediate and
warm-hearted response to my letter about Jim Huntington. You have no idea what your generosity will
mean to Jim and the boys in Ward 42-B. I wrote you strictly on the spur of the moment, and as soon
as the letter was posted I was assailed by doubts as to the propriety of such a request. So I was
completely overwhelmed by your interest and marvelous generosity. Your letter was too wonderful to
keep to myself . Everyone I showed it to found it inspiring and it brought tears to the eyes of
many. The manager of the Emporium in San Francisco, where I am employed, thought that the letter
should be sent to the newspapers. I know that it would have been an inspiration to everyone-
-however I was afraid to publish it for fea r it might make you the target of endless requests. When
your letter arrived last Monday I phoned to the hospital only to find that Jim had left the day
before for a thirty day leave. The ward nurse promised to forward the packages to his home in
Eugene, Oregon. However, when I went out there on my day off the following Friday I found that they
had been so busy with new amputees flown in from Korea that they hadn't attended to it. I spent two
hours at the base post office locating the tripod, and finally got it forwarded to Jim. I know he
will enjoy using it at home. He has just gotten his artificial legs, and finds it very difficult to
hold a camera steady. The films and flash bulbs were evidently in the "small package"
room where such mail for the boys on leave is kept. I couldn't get any action there so I'm afraid
it will have to wait there until he returns. I wrote him the good news as soon as I heard f rom you,
so I am sure he is looking forward to using them with a great deal of pleasure. A number of boys in
that ward are interested in photography. When we were out there today one legless youngster was
taking flash shots with a C-3. Several of the patients make color transparencies, and I learned that
the ward doctor and one of the nurses has a very fine collection of them. However they have no
projector. The nurses and corpsmen thought it would be wonderful if the boys could have a projector
which belonged not to the U.S. Navy, but to the ward. The doctors and nurses encourage the boys in
any activity that will aid in their rehabilitation, and photography is highly rated. The boys in the
amputee wards are there for a long, long time, so any gift to that ward is of real valué. Jim
carne into the hospital the first of this year, and I am told that he still has about eight months
more there. Since you showed such an interest in Jim and his ward you might like to hear a little
about the hospital and what we are trying to do there. It is an enormous place. There are probably a
hundred and twenty-five or thirty buildings, most of them on steephill sides. We are a middleaged
couple with grown children. It occurred to us about a year ago that there must be many boys out here
who were far away f rom home with no reía ti ves or friends to visit them. If we could meet
them and become their friends, then they would have someone. So I baked plenty of cookies, and out
we went. Now I am known as "The Cookie Lady." The cookies are useful in getting
acquainted. Sometimes a boy wants to talk and sometimes he doesn't. When they do we stay and listen.
Sometimes a boy needs to get something off his chest--or he wants to talk about -his girl friend--or
his wife and baby. All too often there is a wife or fiancee who has lost interest after a boy has
been maimed. There are many boys who have been shot through the neck and are completely paralyzed
who need a great deal of encouragement. We have had the joy of seeing some of these make remarkable
recoveries, and the sorrow of watching others lose the battle for life. They have become very dear
to us and it is good to know that we have been able
to help them. We started with just one ward of about thirty-five boys, but we have followed them
as they were transferred to other wards, until now we visit about eight wards. I go out on Friday,
my only day off, and on Sundays we both go. In order to reach as many boys as possible we separate
and go to different buildings. Jim Huntington and his ward "belong" to my husband although
I go up there with him as often as possible. The paraplegics are my boys. They are so pitifully
helplessthat it is heartbreaking. Many of them can move only their eyes. We feel so privileged to be
able to help them. The Red Cross and Gray Ladies do a wonderful job out there, but we have found
that the boys also appreciate having a friend that is not a part of a charitable organization. If I
were not working I would spend every afternoon at the hospital. However my job helps to pay for
treats for the boys. They never ask for anything, but by keeping our ears open we learn of all sorts
of things they want--such as grapes or fresh tomatoes in the middleof winter. We find them! One
six-foot marine who weighed 104 pounds was unable to eat, and was sending all his trays back
untouched. One day he said that he could eat if he could have a peanut butterand banana sandwich. It
sounded pretty repulsive to us, but we brought them by the dozens until his appetite returned and he
was able to eat the food that he needed. Today we were told that they are expecting two hundred new
amputees by hospital plañe from Korea, Land mines were responsible for most of these. Now
that the cold season has rolled around again in Korea I dread to think of the frostbite and gangrene
amputations that will result. It is hard to say which group of the woundedis the most
heart-breaking--boys without arms or legs, men as helpless as babies from complete paralysis--or big
six-foot "psychos" who have reverted to baby talk. Well, I didn't intend to make this
letter so long. When anyone shows the slightest interest in Oak Knoll Hospital I am off on the
subject nearest tomy heart. Perhaps the p'ejojle here have become calloused due to the fact that
there are so many military hospitals in the vicinity. Since 1941 we have seen ambulances tearing
from ships and airports with the wounded. We are used to the sight of boys without arms or legs--or
faces. Maybe that is why every one says "I think it's
COMPANY DINNER (Continued f rom page 1) New Wage and Benefits Announced As a highlight of the
report, Mr. Lewis reaffirmed the Company 's po licy of keeping pace with the area in all job
benefits, and announced a liberal plan of impr.ovements, permission for which is being requested f
rom the government (details on page 3). Speaking of plans for the future, Mr Lewis indicated that we
are doing everything possible to prepare ourselves to be competitive with other companies, and are
doing a good job of getting ready for the end of the sellers' market sometime in the future. As to
the months ahead, the report stated that demand for our civilian goods is far in excess of our
ability to produce under material restrictions. Substitute materials and new supply sources are
being prepared to avoid any difficulty from additional restrictions which may take place. In
addition, the increasing rate of production on defense work will offset any civilian cut back. All
indications are that the Argus wheels will keep moving as fast as ever. Mr. Lewis concluded his
address on an optimistic note, stating, ttBy the Company followingthe policyof paying goodwages,
providing good benefits and working conditions, and employees doing a conscientious job, we are
bound to be successful-and a successful company means good secure jobs."
wonderful of you folks to go out there so much - I must bake some cookies one of these
days," and promptly forgets all about it. It may surprise you to know that you people are the
first ones who have ever done anything more than say "Poor boys." No words can express our
gratitude for your kindness and interest in these Marines who went out as perfect physical specimens
and returned to face life as mangled remains. May God bless you richly for your goodness. Sincerely,
Elna W. Soderwall P.S. Should you send another package it would be better to register it. Wouldn't
you like to aadopt" an amputee ward at the hospital and send something to these boys at
Christmas time? When you come to work tomorrow you will find containers in the cafetería and
at other strategically located points around the plant marked "Oak Knoll Naval Hospital
Fund." You may make whatever contribution you desire at that time.
Model Planes Exhibited
A model airplane which can climb 2000 feet per minute was displayed in the hobby case recently .
The builder, Clarence Korwin of the Standards and Methods Department,has been constructing these
little planes since he was seven years oíd. More recently he has been concentrating on power
models, and now has a collection of twenty-three model engines.ranging from a "small one of one
twelfth horsepower and a displacement of .045 cubic inch, to an engine of one and three quarters
horsepower with a .60 cubic inch displacement. Also displayed in the case was a basic model airplane
kit, several engines, and a partially completed wing. The wing is a portion of a current project,
the building of a radio controlled model plane. Clarence expects if all goes well this plane will be
completed in the spring. He estimates that a model with a wing this size will take some 400 hours to
complete. He is receiving assistance in the radio mechanisms from f ello w worker Alex Azary. Korwin
's special field is f ree flight models. These are models which climb for a standard number of
seconds, usually fifteen, then, with the motor cut, soar slowly back to the ground. The small model
in the picture, which has thespeedy rate of climb, has stayed aloft for times up to twelve minutes.
Another type of plane, flown for speed, is controlled by the operator by means of wires to the
plane. Clarence has constructed one of this type which f lew 143 miles an hour, powered by a
"souped" up one and three quarter horsepower motor. Clarence generally starts with a
Standard model kit, then makes adapta tions in
the design to suit his own particular preference. He is also an avid sports car enthusiast.
Between The Deadlines
Argus bow and arrow hunters made a better showing than the rifle enthusiasts while deer hunting
this year. Maybe it's the way theyplay the game. Forexample, on learning that Clint Harris had
bagged a deer, Bill Wetzel immediately checked the location of the fallen deer so he could try out
that spot the next day. As luck would have it--Bill returnedto camp with a deer next morning. Bill
also reserved this spot for the 1952 season. Turkey for Thanksgiving was assured at Carolyn Cole's
house this year. Carolyn won three of the birds one evening playing bingo. Herb Pfabe won one, too,
in a nother ra f f Ie. Uncle Sam sent his greetings to two Service Department families. Chuck Murphy
and Betty Denton's husband, Paul, reported for their pre-induction physical Friday, November 16.
Christmas bells will be ringing wedding bella for Bill Rippel, Engineering, and Marión Reed,
Service Department. They plan to be married Christmas Day at her home in Summxt, New Jersey; then
have a nice trip driving to Bill's home in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Sounds like a nice Christmas
vacation, doesn't it? Ozzie Hoeft is eating venisonburgers these days. He brought back an eight
pointer. George Berkimer is also a happy hunter because he carne home with his deer too. Bud Farrell
journeyed north well equipped, but didn't bag anything.
Spouts Highlights
A f ter completing the first round of the 1951-52 schedule, the Argus bowling is developing into
adog-fight for the league leadership. As of this date, Quality Control and Paint Shop are the
leaders with identical records of 31 wins while losing 17. Following closely on the heels of the
leaders is the Ten Pins Five with a record of 30 and 18. The closeness of the race can be gained
from a glance at the league standings at this time. There is only a seven game spread between the
league leaders and the team that is now ineighth place. In this kind of league race the standings
are scrambled after the results are posted after each Friday night's bowling. It has been some years
since we have had so many teams in a contending position after this many weeks of bowling. Perhaps
the reason for the torrid race this season is due to the fact that all of the entries have an added
incentive to be at the top of the heap when the schedule is completed. Besides the monetary gain for
the team winning the title, there are the individual awards to be given to the members of the
winning team and the trophy which will have the names of the winning team engraved upon it. The
individual awards as well as the trophy will be given in the same manner as the golfing awards were
made last summer. To show that the interest in bowling at Argus is very much in evidence,the
afternoon shift has organized a six team league which is bowling at the Twentieth Century bowling
alleys on Saturday afternoons. The race in this league is just as hot as the Friday night league,
and the rivalries are building up rapidly. Congratulations tothe members of both leagues for
maintaining the Argus bowling leagues as the best of any industrial plant in Ann Arbor.
Argus Cameras, Inc.
ANN ARBOR. MICHIGAN Return Post age Guara nteed Dona ld Crümp 1309 Killer Avemte Ana Arbor,
litcbigaa
Sc 562, P. L. R. U. S. POSTAGE PAID Ann Arbor, Michigan Pcrmit No. 598
Anniversaries