Argus Eyes

Argus Eyes is published for 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. Doris Walle of the Personnel department makes sure that news is gathered and that pictures are obtained and arranged in readable fashion for publication the last week of each month. Sam Schneider, Eddie Girvan and Bill Sturgis furnish photos. Reporters for this month' s Argus Eyes were: Babe Peterson, Jim Meidrum, Andy Argus, Bill Fike, Del Maple, Fran Watterworth, and Arnold Macdonald.

Gettin' Girvan's Goat

What's this, a Grecian wearing kilts? This will be a blow Eddie, but Andy Kokinakes used to wear skirts too. He brought this picture to prove it. Andy maintains that the Greeks tossed aside their toga' s and switched to kilts bef ore Scotland ever heard of them. Eddie, however, is not convinced Andy has correct information so he left for Scotland orí July 15 to do a little research work on the subject.

Mailing "stuffers"

The mailing " stuf f er s" attached on pages 6 and 7 of this issue are currently being mailed by our dealers to their customers. This is just one of the ways by which our Advertising Department is promoting ARGUS products.

Reviewing Argus Progress

I have always been a strong believer in people being familiar with the affairs of the Company they work for. This column is devoted to that cause and I try to keep you posted on what is going on at Argus. Some months ago the "Andy Argus Question Box" was created. This was done with the thought in mind that many of you who have questions about Argus are reluctant to ask anyone the answers. The question box provides an opportunity for questions to be asked without the need for a per son disclosing his identity. All questions received are answered. I am pleased with this expression of concern for our mutual interests. This letter is so important "Andy Argus" called for a complete answer from me. The letter and my reply follows: Dear Andy: I would like to have my letter appear in the next issue of Argus Eyes headed as follows: ' 'Will we ever get out of the rut that led us very close to bankrupt cy in 1949?' '' I certainly believe that our present policy of high advert ising in a consumer ' s market, expanding beyond need, vnnecessary remodeling, spending in general with the idea that we are beating tie U.S. Government out of a few tax dollars should be drast ically cur tailed immediately . I would like to ask the Management how long can we continue to opérate on borrowed money? Do our meager profits justify a $3, 000 , 000 loan? I f so, how would we pay the interest alone if business took a sudden slump? My advice is put Argus in the black bef ore we slap each other on the back for the fine job we have done. Andy, you have done a fine job in the past. Please do not lose your nerve while digging up the facts for me. The Watchful Eye Dear Watchful Eye: I will attempt to answer your letter by commenting upon each individual thought that you expressed. High Advertís ing in a Consumer' s -By COnsumer'S market I assume that you mean a seller's market where there is more demand than there is supply of cameras. Actually, we are not in a sellerTs market; the industry in general has cameras in free supply. Argus is one of the few camera companies unable to catch up with the demand for its products. We attribute a considerable part of our success in increasing our sales to the advertising campaign that we have had in effect in recent years. It's significant to note that our sales for the year 1950 were a little over $5,000,000 and this yearTs sales are over $9,000,000. These sales figures do not include military production. The advertising program has had the effect of making the American Buy ing Public more conscious of Argus products. We are told constantly by dealers that more and more people come into their stores and ask for Argus cameras and projectors. The importance of advertising in good and bad years is demonstrated by the Atwater Kent remember their famous and popular radios? Fifteen years ago they were in such demand the Company honestly believed they didn't "need" advertising. In short order their sales declined, and today they are completely out of the consumer' s market. This lesson is being heeded by Argus' management. We are working on the principie that the best way to assure the security of our jobs is to build strong consumer' s demand by advertising during both good and bad times. Expandiné Beyond Need -- The only expansión we have made has been the addition to our Optical Plant. Argus could not have handled the contracts the Government wished us to fulfill without these additional facilities. In addition, the Government urgently desired increased optical facilities in this part of the country as part of the overall security program. We were able to help the Army Ordnance achieve this objective. The Military contracts which we have been awarded, and the special depreciation allowances which the Government gives all manufacturers of military materials, make the cost of the plant expansión a sound business investment as well as a contribution to national defense. Most of the equipment that went into this addition, and new equipment in other parts of our plant, is owned by the U. S. Government. When heavy military production stops, if there is some part of the equipment we feel is useful to us in our commercial work, we will buy it from the Government at second-hand prices.

As a matter of actual f act, rather than being expanded in our facilities we are very short of space; practically every department in the plant needs more room. The interesting thing about this is that it is caused by our very high volume of commercial work and not our military production. I am sure that any of you who have been in the Machine Shop, Press Room, Paint Shop, Shipping Room and other departments have observed the over-crowded conditions. A good example is the Assembly Department, which is filled to capacity but in which we must plan for the assembly of a completely new camera within the next nine months. If our current rate of business should continue, we will be forced to créate additional space; however, under the circumstances we are being very cautious so that we do not find ourselves burdened with a big new plant in the event of a sudden slump. Unnecessary Remodeiing -- The largest remodeling job that we have done has been in the re-arrangement of the departments in the Optical Plant to intégrate the operation of the new addition. As part of the Army Ordnance program, the costs of this part of remodeling were cover ed by certain military contracts. We now have one of the finest optical plants in the country, and in addition to serving the purpose of Army Ordnance in the event of emergency, it also puts us in a very strong commercial position for the future. Remodeling that has been done in the old building has been the lobby and improving the conditions in other departments such as Purchasing, Receiving, Inspection and Accounting. Currently, the Personnel Department and the Cafeteria are being remodeled. This type of remodeling is done to make better working conditions and more efficiënt operations which will enable us ultimately to save money. Any business that stands still and is not constantly making improvements will sooner or later f all by the wayside. Spending in General with the Idea that We are Beating the U. S. Government out of a few Tax Dollars -- Whenever we have the oppörtunity to spend money on a project that will be of benefit to us in the future, we are doing so. The object is not to "beat the Government out of tax money, " but rather is a constructive plan to put ourselves in the best possible operating condition. Some of the spending that you apparently refer to is the painting of our entire shop, fixing the roof, general repair to our buildings and other expenses of this type. It should be kept in mind that a lot of this work was long overdue and badly needed. A good illustration of our problem is the boiler in the old plant. It was a high pressure boiler that was over forty years old and was a constant hazard from the standpoint of safety. Failure of the unit could stop our operations without warning. During the year, as you no doubt observed, it was replaced with two low pressure boilers which are safer, more efficiënt and will avoid shut-downs since we can opérate in an emergency on one unit. If we did not accomplish these things during a period of prosperity, such as at present, we would be doing a great disservice to our employees and to our stockholders. How Long Can We Continue to Opérate on Dorrowed Money ?-- Y OU ask this question as though we were using borrowed money to pay expenses, as would be the case of a person living bevond his income. This is not true. In connection with our Government contracts we are following the practices of other companies producing Military goods by f inancing the cost of this work by the use of a V-loan. We have two-and-a-half million dollars available of which we are currently using one -and -a -half million dollars to finance our work on Government contracts. The money to repay this loan is assured us under the terms of the contracts, even if the work should be cancelled bef ore it is completed. For example, when we take a contract from the Government we have to buy materials and pay you to work on those mater ials. Both take immediate cash, which becomes tied up until the finished units are shipped and Uncle Sam pays his bilis. At present we have about two-and-a-half million dollars invested in Government work. One-and-a-half million dollars is provided by our Government loan and the other million comes out of our own funds. When the contracts are completed Argus will have a million dollars more in cash, which is presently tied up in Government work, and the loan will be repaid in f uil. Do Our Meager Profits Justify a $3,000,000 Loan? - First the loan ÍS not three million dollars, but rather the one-and-a-half million dollar Government loan that I mentioned above and a half million dollar mortgage loan on the building addition, which is being repaid over a ten year period just as y our own home loan. (continued on page 12)

You Asked Andy

No rest for the weary! Andy got five hot questions this month. Since I always try to get someone else to do my work, Bob Lewis answered one. He took so much space, ril have to wait until next month to answer the other four. I got Jim Brinkerhoff to dig into the two on salar ied sick leave. He says it isn't as serious as the two letters indicated and there will be a complete answer next month. You two should trip him up in the next week or so to give him all the details. I am going to sleep and fish the next two weeks. Be seeing you,

Service Notes

Clifford Swanson, of camera assembly, now serving with the 40th Infantry División in Korea recently sent the following letter to Mrs. Radford: "Dear Mrs. Radford: "It certainly is wonderful to be able to purchase a camera from you in this manner. You have no idea how difficult it is to purchase an Argus Camera in the Far East. PXTs and other stores receive their quota monthly and as soon as they are placed in the show cases the service men scoop them up. In a matter of minutes all those cameras are sold. Her e in this unit, the most popular camera is the Argus C-3. So you can see why it is so difficult to purchase an Argus product overseas. "Enjoy reading the Argus Eyes when it arrivés here. So glad to hear that the company is doing so well. MHope to be back at Argus very shortly. Say helio to all my friends. As ever,

Independence Lake Leased For Employees

The east shoreline of Independence Lake was recently leased by the Company as a recreation center for the employees of Argus and their families. Consisting of a 150 acre tract, which lies about eight miles northwest of Ann Arbor, it boasts a fine bathing beach, two heavily wooded áreas, picnic tables, swings, bathhouse, cooking area, restroom facilities and ten row boats. Improvements Planned Future plans for the "Argus Family Site" include enlargement of the existing facilities, a baseball diamond and barbeque pits, plus possibilities of developing a camping site and constructing a clubhouse. Guard Appointed

Wilfred Bonnewell has been engaged to act in the capacity of life guard and overseer of the site. To gain admittance, it is necessary to be a member of the Argus Recreation Club. Membership cards may be purchased f rom the Personnel Department. Club Sponsors Picnic The Clean Up Picnic sponsored by the Recreation Club was a great success with many members turning out with rakes and shovels to clear debris from the area. The bathhouse was given a new coat of paint by one crew of workers, while another crew busied themselves spraying an insecticide. The picnic tables were repair ed and plans to build additional tables discussed. Our new family site has been received with much enthusiasm by all and offers an excellent opportunity to relax with your Argus Recreation Club Representative or the Personnel Department.

The industrious boys shown in the picture on the left are Herman Bauer, Al Sannes, Don Koch and Ozzie Hoeft. All the buildings on the Argus Family Site were repaired and repainted. In addition to the painting of the buildings, the brush wielders, including Lefty Schlenker, Jim Brinkerhof f, Smoky Azary, and Walter Back, were also covered with paint in the process. Lefty Schlenker, chief of the putty department, forgot (he says) to bring the material needed for plugging the knot holes in the bathhouse. Thanks boys for a job well done. The bathhouse looks fine!

Harry DeBruyne, driver, and Roy Carlson, spray er, ably manned the disinfectant fog truck shown on the right. Co-owners of the truck, Harry and Roy offered their services to the Recreation Club and plan to spray the área weekly for a period of three weeks ?.nd then at longer intervals as needed. Picnickers quickly scattered to the right and left when MOld Smokey" came swiftly down the trail with several youngsters following behind cheering. The fog lifted and the workers all went back to their chores while others swam in our new lake and still others consumed their picnic lunches.

Slogan Contest Winners Announced

Four Argus employees displayed big smiles on July 2 when the announcement was made that they were the winners of the Slogan Contest judged by the company's advertising agency, Young and Rubicam, Inc. From the 320 slogams submitted in the contest, five were selected for which $100 each was paid. Jim Rohrbaugh, Assistant Foreman of the Service Department, had two winning slogans and was presented a check for $200. Wilma Simmons, Bench Operator in the Paint Shop; Leonard Motsinger, Night Supervisor of the Centering Department; and Mei Hayes, Chemical Engineer, were each awarded $100. Congratulations to the winners for submitting the top entries.

Argus: For the amateur who wants professional res'ults Argus: Setting the Standard for fine American Cameras.

Amateur to professional, " Argus all the way. M

Argus President Heads Photo Group

The National Association of Photographic Manufacturers recently elected Robert E. Lewis as president of the association. Inaddressing the group, Mr. Lewis predicted ampie photographic and optical equipment for civilians unless the world situation worsens. He stated there has been a tremendous growth of amateur photography. At the present time 30,000,000 families, or approximately 70 per cent of the population, owned at least one camera and last yeartookl, 500,000, 000 pictures. Of these families, 12,000,000 owned flash bulb attachments and used 300,000,000 bulbs. Personal users accounted for 35 per cent of the industry' s dollar volume while the remaining 65 per cent was divided among such essential users as industry, science, education and the press. Although the industry is currently supplying the armed forces with gun scopes, cameras and other equipment, Mr. Lewis stated that with the exception of minor shortages the civilian photographic market will be well supplied.

The "why" Of Vacations

If your nose is close to the grindstone rough, And y ou hold it down the re long enough, In time you'll say, MThereTs no such thing As brooks that babble and birds that sing. " These three will all your world compose - Just y ou, the stone, and your darned old nose.

Wedding March

Jeanette McCollough, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph McCollough, Ypsilanti, became the bride of Fred Schneider, son of Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas Schneider, Ypsilanti, on Tuesday, June 25. The young couple spoke their wedding vows in the Episcopalian Church in Dexter, Michigan. Af ter the ceremony, Fred and Jeanette took a honeymoon trip to Niágara Falls, New York, Pennsylvania and Ohio. The newlyweds have made their home at 15 Short Oak Street in Ypsilanti. Fred is employed here as a spray painter in the Paint Shop.

Chapel Rites Unite Patricia Whitchurch And Donald Dufek

Patricia A. Whitchurch,daughter of Mr. Frank E. Whitchurch, 1120 Martin Place, Ann Arbor, became the bride of Donald E. Dufek, son of Mrs. Edward Dufek of Chicago, Illinois in an

impressive ceremony June 21, at St. Mary's Chapel, Ann Arbor. Following the wedding

ception held at the Michigan Union, Pat and Don spent a week honeymooning at Bangor Lodge , in C anada .

The new Mr. and Mrs. Dufek are now making their home at 715 Forest, Ann Arbor . Pat is employed as an invoice clerk in the Service Department.

Patricia Yek Sets Nuptial Date

Mr. and Mrs. Emil Yek, of

this city, recently announced the engagement of their daughter Patricia A. to Walter M. Strickland, also of Ann Arbor. The Zion Lutheran Church will be the setting for their August 30 rites.

Pat and Walt plan to tour the eastern states on their wedding trip.

Jeanette Collins To Wed In November

Mr. and Mrs. Malcolm Collins of Washington Heights recently announced the engagement of their daughter Jeanette to Darwood Moore, son of Mr. and Mrs. C. Edward Moor e, of Ypsilanti. Jeanette is an assembier in the optical assembly department of Argus, while Darwood is a final inspector in the optical assembly department. The young couple has set November 1 for their wedding date.

The Obituary Of 64785

On the fifteenth of May 1952, the last of the "21" cameras were shipped. Number 64785 was the last one made. It represented the last of atempestuous line of cameras. The "21" was much like the little girl with the curl in the middle of her forehead. When they were good they were very good and when they were bad they were horrid. Each "21" wasan individual and each had its own particular idiosyncrasies. To work on the "21" was not so much a job as an experience. To prepare a "21" to fire can best be compared to attempting to make a mousetrap go off inside a bubble without breaking the bubble. But one thing can be affirmed, the "21" could take good, very good, pictures. Accuracy of the shutter speeds could be challenged by none. The markfinder aiming device was envied by allcompetitors and esteemed by all owners. One advantage not generally known was the efficiency of the shutter; an advantage retained in the "C-4." In simple terms shutter efficiency means that the amount of time that it takes the shutter to reach full opening and the amount of timenecessary to close from full shutter opening, is negligible. The pictures shown here show the last "21" being made, packed and shipped. In spite of the fact that sales were never excessive on the "21," it was a good camera and provided the basis for its successor the "C-4."

Argus Hobbies Flower Enthusiast

Well known as a horticulturist, Arthur Christ of the Maintenance Department finds much enjoyment in his green house located four miles east of Ypsilanti. At one time, by cross-breeding, Art developed over 200 seedling varieties of cut flowers With the assistance of his two sons, Bob and Chuck, he planted 10,000 plants for his commercial cut flower production this year. For the past four years Mr. Christ has held the position of Secretary of the Southeastern Michigan Florists Association and possesses ribbons awarded from flower shows in Detroit, Toledo, Chicago and Cleveland. Last year he received the Tri-Color Ribbon, the highest award presented at the Michigan State Dahlia Society Show at Lansing. These deserving awards were recently on display in the Lobby of Plant I, as well as several lovely arrangements of dahlias. His fields of dahlias in bloom are a magnificent sight to behold and Mr. Christ has extended an invitation to all his friends at Argus to visit them this fall at 49850 Mott Road, Belleville, Michigan.

Fran Watterworth--bill Sturgis

Celebrate Birthdays

The month of June brought two birthdays to the Personnel Department prompting the staff to hold a picnic at Fritz Park to celébrate the events. Hot dogs and all the essentials were ready to be eaten and everyone was hungry. However, there was a delay in plans when Bill Sturgis, una war e of it all, decided he had to try out his new golf clubs - a birthday present - immediately after work. Fran Watterworth also gave the picnickers difficulty by insisting her husband, Mac, had taken her to the wrong picnic. Not until they were shown the cake, reading "Fritz and Bill" did they realize the group was off er ing them their best wishes.

Employees Register For Fall Election

An interest in good citizenship was evident when over 100 Argus employees who had not yet registered for the coming election did so with Mr. Harry Nichols of the City Hall. Through the use of a portable table, Mr. Nichols, assisted by Bill Sturgis, was able to contact all the employees in Plant I and Plant n and received a

very iine response to this most important matter. The primary election will be held August 5th. Whatever your choice may be, let us all exercise our right to vote.

Citation Awarded Argus Cameras, Incorporated

For distinguished achievement in annual reporting, Argus Cameras, Incorporated received a Merit Award issued by the "Financial World," American investment and business weekly. The f inancial statement of the company was judged as among the most modern of the 5,000 annual reports examined during 1952.

In Memoriam

Elsie Ostrander and Arthur Gerstier Succumb Our sincere sympathy to the families of Elsie Ostrander and Arthur Gerstier. Elsie had been with Argus since April of 1944. She was employed in the camera assembly department. Art came to Argus in March 1932 and at the time of his death was employed in the inspection department.

Thank You

We wish to thank the employees and management of Argus for their many kind expressions of sympathy during our recent bereavement. Mrs. Arthur E. Gerstier Mr. & Mrs. Arthur A. Gerstier Mr. & Mrs. Jacob Kooperman

Several Hundred Employees

Enjoy Annual Shindig

Argus Women's Golf League Formed

The women of Argus have always feit that the men have had an edge on the women, so f ar as sports activities have been concerned. This year they decided there should be a change in that matter. Two meetings were held in the cafeteria for those women who were interested in golf. Art Parker, Jr. and Joe Dobransky met with the group each time and offered their able assistánce in getting them started. A committee composed of Pat Dufek, Betty Shattuck, Lois Brooks, Kathryn Del Prete, Virginia Gregg, and Fran Watterworth, Chairman, was named to carry on the activities of the group. Wednesday afternoon, July 16, saw the first real tangible efforts of the girls when they met down by the stadium. There were nearly forty women present to get their "first lesson." To the majority of the group this was quite an experience as they had never played before and didn't know a "brassie" f rom a "putter. " Bill Courtright, Herb Pfabe, Chuck McClune, Bill Doyle and Alex Azary are to be credited with giving of their time and effort to act as instructors to the group. They explained the basic fundamentals of the game and the use of the various clubs, as well as the proper grip of a club. Each girl was also given an opportunity to hold and swing a club and hit a few balls. After vacation the girls plan to play every Wednesday evening, at Huron Hills. The men better watch out as the women may take them for a few games next year!

Men's Tuesday Golf League

Sports Review

With only four weeks remaining in the schedule of the Tuesday group, there is only a six point spread between the top ten teams. Fraser-Rossbach Lead League This duo started out rather slowly, but have been gather ing speed in the past few rounds. However, the means by which they were able to take over the lead could also lead to their downfall. Fraser and Rossbach now have gotten their averages down to the point where the spot that they will be giving in the last four rounds could be the margin by which they might be defeated. Second Place Tie Tied for second place are the combines of Tirb-Pfister and Betke-Koch. The former team started out in great fashion but then ran into a snag that for the time retarded their march to the top of the heap. Elmer is now getting his tremendous power under control and should be a tough opponent in these last matches. The combine of Bill Betke-Don Koch has been a distinct surprise in the title chase. This team is carrying a rather high handicap, but has been consistently winning the close matches without doing too much damage to their averages. Detweiler-Brinkerhoff Follow Close behind these teams is the dangerous combine of Joe Detweiler and Jim Brinkerhoff. This pair has consistently been one of the keenest competitive teams in the league, and now in the last few weeks when the blue chips will be riding with each shot, it can be certain that the pressure will not make either of these "blow" any points. Two Combines Hold Fourth Spot Only four points out of the lead are the combines of Dobransky-Howe and Bill Doyle-George Calado. Joe and Moe had been joint leaders of the league when they collided with the red hot team of Turner-Soderholm. Jack and Eric really lowered the boom, and when the smoke of the battle had cleared the team of Turner-Soderholm had snatched all six points from their highly respected opponents. The team of Bill Doyle and George Calado had been leading the leagues for the greater part of the schedule and only a bad break to this team caused them the lead. This bad break also showed the true sportsmanship of this team. BilPs partner, Charlie Stotts, was taken ill and it was necessary for Bill to get subs to fill in. It was discovered that the averages of the subs had not been figured correctly and with no hesitation Bill forfeited enough points to take his team out of the lead. Three Teams Six Points From Lead Six points from the lead are the teams of Bob Isaacson-Ralph Parsons, who was last yearTs Argus Open Champion and smooth swinging Willie VanDykeand Jack Grimston who playing each shot as if the championship rode on it. The third team in this group is Torn Heermans, one of the longest hitters in either league, and his "inside-out" hook playing partner Maynard Wellman. THURSDAY GOLF LEAGUE COMMANDED BY CHAMPS The team of Pfabe and Schlenker have taken over such a commanding lead of the Thursday Golf League that only a complete reversal could keep this team from repeating last year's performance. This duo deserves all the plaudits of the two leagues for their brilliant play this year and last. They have gained 56 points while losing only 10. In a handicap league this is nothing short of sensational. Shattuck-McClune Mild Threat John and Cnuck are playing the kind of golf that should merit their being at the top of the standings, but with Schlenk and Herb taking all opponents in easy fashion, the efforts of the challengers seem to be for naught. Chapman-Patton Also Threatened Carlos and Bill threatened for awhile but the pace was just too much and in the past weeks this entry has faded to an also ran.

Softball

Despite the fact that our Argus softball team has met with a few reversals, they are waging a terrific battle with Michigan Gas for the leadership in the American División of the Recreational League. Af ter twelve games, the Argus team has come through with eight victories This record throws our entry into a deadlock for the divisional leadership. With only five games remaining of the regular schedule, the Argus nine has an excellent chance of reaching the play-offs for the championship of the Recreational League. PLAYERS EXCEL The success that the team has enjoyed this year has been due to the hustle and determined play of all the players. In the past few weeks the pitching burden has been carried by Eddie Jones. Eddie seems to thrive on the heavy work, and has been much more effective in each of his last starts. John Kokinakes has returned to his backstop position after recovering from an ankle injury which side-lined him for a couple of games. Johnnie, however, is being drafted into Service, and his loss will deal a severe jolt to the teamTs chances of annexing the league title this year. Eddie Kline, who did a very commendable job of catching during Johnnie' s injury, will be Manager Neustadt's choice to again take over the catching duties. FIELDERS BEST IN LEAGUE The Argus infield has been doing a very acceptable job with the work of Jimmy Yates being outstanding. "Skooter" McKinney, Gil Jaeger, Jerry Patterson, Lloyd Aberle, and Hal Thompson have all measured up very well. In the most part, however, it has been the Argus outfield that has stamped itself as the best in the entire league. In addition to an excellent job of fielding andthrowing, Bill Allen and Don Hinz have becometwoofthe most feared batters in their división. All year long Bill and Don (the former powerful running fullback of Ann Arbor High) have been "leveling" and have supplied the extra base punch that is so vitally important in the winning of games. The support given the team is appreciated by all the players. Argus can be proud of its 1952 softball team.

Argus Field Day August 8th

Chairman John Shattuck of the Special Events Committee has announced that the Argus Field Day will be held at the Plymouth Golf Cour se on August 8th. The program planned for this yearTs event should compare favorably well with the gala af f air that was enjoyed last year. All league members are advised to put a big red circle around the date of August 8.

REVIEWING ARGUS PROGRESS - continued from page 3 - Secondly, our profits could hardly be described as "meager. " For the past three years our net profits, after taxes, have been at all time high. The Government loan enables us to handle Government contracts on which we make a profit. As I mentioned above, when we no longer perform work on Government contracts the loan will automatically be paid off from funds paid us by the Government and there will be no further interest to pay. My Aüvice is to Put Argvs in the Black -- ArgUS ÍS most definitely in the black and is in better condition profit-wise and financially than it has ever been bef ore in its history. In the past three years approximately one -and-ahalf million dollars has been added to the value of the Company. Although our earnings during the three years, including the one now ending, will be approximately $1, 300,000, the dividends paid out to the Stockholders have been $23 1,800 in this time. The balance of the earnings have been retained in the business to strengthen the Company by providing better facilities and more working capital. The thought occurs to me that you may be thinking of the f act that the earnings for the first six months of this year were less than the first six months of the year bef ore. This was true, but all indications are that our total earnings for the entire year now ending will be higher than last year. This is a healthy situation for all of us. For the Stockholders it means a Company that is more valuable and for the employees it meáns a Company that has greater strength and stability for the providing of jobs now and in the future. Getting back tO your original question, ''Will we ever get out of the rut that led us very close to bankmptcy in 1949?" --In my opinión we have not been in that rut for three years and the very fact that the Company was in difficulty at that time makes it more likely that Argus will avoid the conditions that brought about the situation. All of us are very conscious of what took place, and that very consciousness is a constant reminder to stay out of the "rut" that you spoke of. Piense do not Lose your Nerve While Digging up the Facts for me-When "Andy Argus," or the Company, can't answer any question with complete honesty there will be something wrong. Please do not ever hesitate to bring up any questions that are on your mind. Even though I have made an attempt to answer all of your questions in a clear form, it is possible that I may not have answered them to your complete satisfaction. Other Argus people may have similar questions and would like to hear further answers to your questions and their own. In order to accomplish this, I would like to get together with you and any other people who would be interested in discussing our affairs on August 6, at 3:30 p.m., in the Cafeteria. I appreciate your writing this letter to "Andy Argus" and I hope that you and others will do so frequently. Robert E. Lewis President

Between The Deadlines

Vera Palmer, the vivacious little red-head in inspection, decided to just stay home and care for her son and two daughters. She and her friends got together for a farewell luncheon at the Mayflower Restaurant bef ore she left on July 18. Amy Jacobs, of the Engineering Department, is anxiously awaiting the arrival oí a new little Jacobs . She stopped in for a visit recently - we were very happy to see her again. Two Weeks of Relaxation Arvid Andresen is going to Europe for a wonderful visit through Italy, Germany, Denmark and Sweden. Eddie Girvan left for Scotland on July 15 to visit his relatives and friends. Vern Davis will motor to Florida in August. Steve Jardno spent his recent vacation "roughing it" in his new home. Rube Koch has been at the lake working on his cottage. Rube picked a good time to go--when it was the hottest.

Young Californians To Visit Grandpa

Cynthia and Robert Travis are the grandchildren of Harold Sweet, Tool Room. This picture was taken with an Argus 40, which was a birthday gift to Cynthia f rom her Grandpa. The Travis children, who live in Long Beach California, plan to visit their gr andpar ent s, in Ann Arbor, sometime in August.

Argus Cameras, Inc.

ANN ARBOR. MICHIGAN Return Postage Guara nteed

Stc 56t, P. L. a R. U. S. POSTAGE P A I D Aitn Aitxw, Mickifêii PfmH No. 59t

ÏÏilffiQï .Cray 3üo Uaple

Cameras To Be Loaned To Employees

Ther e are several cameras, C3's, 75!s and 40Ts, available in the Personnel Department for Argus employees to borrow. The cameras will be loaned for one week intervals. A $2 deposit, which must be made when the camera is loaned, will be given back to the employee when the camera is returned.