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 first week of each month. Sam Schneider, Eddie Girvan and Bill Sturgis furnish photos. Reporters for this month' s Argus Eyes were: Tess Canja, Beulah Newman, Andy Argus, Eddie Girvan, Leola Kendrovics, Jim Meidrum, Art Parker, Jr. , Betty Shattuck, Babe Peterson, Vince Swickerath, Bill Sturgis.

Cover

The cover picture was furnished by Argus Eyes this month. No contest will be held for the May Issue. However, the possibilities for the June Issue are numerous. May 20th is the deadline - turn your entries in now!

The Dolans

Sitting Pretty

Reviewing Argus Progress

For the first time in three years we are experiencing a normal seasonal decline in camera sales. They compare favorably, however with sales a year ago, which reached an all time high for the season. The sales reports of comparable companies show a similar seasonal trend. If my feelings are correct, this is another indication of the approaching buyers market which we must meet with greater efficiency on our part and increased aggressiveness in our selling program. We will be prepared for this change from a sellers market to a buyers market with our new competitive products, an expanded sales program, and an intensive promotional campaign. In the months that follow, it will be increasingly important that we opérate efficiently and cut production costs so that we can pass on the savings to our customers in the form of reduced prices. We thereby can increase the demand for Argus products. RESCHEDULED MILITARY PRODUCTION EXTENDS CONTRACTS The latest development in our government contract program has been a rescheduling of military production which will reduce the monthly volume and extend the duration of the contracts. This has been a long-range advantage for us since it gives us a steady backlog of military production for a longer period of time. This general survey of our sales and military situation gives you some idea of the reasons for our less active military and commercial schedules at the present time. By temporarily limiting all production to a 40 hour work week, we have been able to meet the adjustments in commercial and military production with a minimum of lay-offs. Most of the people who are laid-off have already been reassigned elsewhere in the plants. Others will be rehired as soon as possible. PLANT II PRODUCTION AIDS DEFENSE We have been restricted heretofore in describing our defense program in any detail. Some of these restrictions have been lifted and I am able to report to you that the precisión telescopes being produced in Plant II are strategie parts of some of our country' s newest land and air defense weapons. The T-149, for example is one of the most complex and precise instruments used in the United States for directing the gun fire of self-propelled artillery. Our engineers who designed this product and our people in Plant II who are putting it together are to be congratulated for the excellent work they are doing. ANNUAL IMPROVEMENT FACTOR INCREASES PAY As some of you have already noticed in your paychecks, an annual improvement increase of 4? an hour has been added to your base ratethismonth. This allowance is a direct way of recognizing the company'sestimated annual increase in productivity. The more we can produce with the same amount of human effort, the more we increase our standard of living. We can all do our part in increasing productivity and making this Annual Improvement Factor possible by working together and accepting changes with a spirit of cooperation, and by replacing inefficiënt equipment, designing new and better tools, and improving our work methods to the best of our ability. PHOTO SHOW TAKES PLACE THIS MONTH The big event this month is the Photo Dealers Convention in Chicago April 13-17. From all indications, the Argus display will be outstanding. We feel sure that the announcement of our new products and the Argus spring advertising campaign will provide some of the showTs biggest surprises. FAMILY NIGHT DATE SET I am looking f orward to seeing you and your families at the fourth annual Family Night on May 8. Plans are well underway for an enjoyable evening. Special effort is being made to bring the highlights of the Argus convention display to Ann Arbor in time for the family night. Because so many local groups have shown an interest in our manufacturing procedures, we are planning a similar open house for the community on May 15.

Schedule Set For Annual Plant Vacation

The plant will be closed for two weeks commencing July 18 until August 3. During this period the annual inventory will be taken. Remember the dates - vacation time will soon be here!

Argus Promotions Announced

The appointment of Bob Shondell as Sales Representative of the Rocky Mountain Territory has been announced by Dudley J. Scholten, vice president in charge of sales and advertising. Shondell joined Argus in February 1952 as a Service Correspondent. During World War II, he served five years with the Army Air Forcé as a 2nd Lieutenant. He holds a B. A. Degree from the University of Michigan. Bob is married and has one child. The Shondell's will leave Ann Arbor April 22nd to make their home at Denver, Colorado. While in Denver, Bob will join Jack Hursch, Argus Regional Sales Manager. Norman L. Symons, newly appointed Director of Purchasing, succeeds William R. Patton, who has resigned

to accept a similar position in Pennsylvania. With Argus since 1947, Norm served as Assistant Director of Purchasing, prior to his promotion. During World War II, he spent four years with the Army Ordnance Department, achieving the rank of captain. Before his war service, Norm attended the University of Michigan. A native of Milan, he is mar ried and has two children. Robert F. McFarland, who joined Argus in 1940, was recently appointed Superintendent of Glass Processing. Prior to his promotion, Bob was foreman of the Blocking, Grinding, and Polishing Departments. From Carlton, Minnesota, McFarland is married and has three children.

Argus Family

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NIGHT y i 953 "pl - 7-9 p.m.

You Asked Andy

Just when I thought I was getting to be an old hand at this answer business, you folks almost put me on the spot with some red hot questions--plus one I frankly can't answer without more information. With all my digging, I couldn't find the work areas, referred to in one letter. Sounds like a trouble spot, but ol' Andy's hands are tied until you teil me where to look. Give me the word and F 11 get to work. Sorting and Inspecting The next question sounded simple enough but it took Cliff Olson, Art Danner, and Chuck Myers to get me an answer: " Why do product ion workers have to sort and inspect parts that are supposed to be inspected bef ore they are brought to the product ion workers? " The general answer is that quality of any part depends on the raw material, the tooiing, the operator, and the set-up man. The inspector checks the quality of the parts by testing samples. If the sample doesn't make the grade, he normally would send the lot back to the vendor or to the Argus Department where the parts were made to have them reworked. Where parts are needed to keep a line running, however, it's often necessary to send the parts immediately to the bench operators to be sorted.

Tve got a feeling Tve missed the boat with this answer. If I overlooked something, could you let me know where? Holiday Pay Bill Sturgis has been asked to take another look at the Saturday holiday pay policy for salariedpersonnel. Seems like last month' s answer to the question stirred up quite a discussion. Job Evaluation " Just what has been accomplished by this job evaluation plan?", was the next request. "Seems we have spent lots o f money to have someone tell us you are pay ing too much or not enough. " I dropped that one in Jim Brinkerhoff's lap. He pointed out that periodic job evaluation is the only way we can be sure that we're getting a fair day's wage for a fair day's work. As a result of the study, some serious discrepancies were corrected. But for the most part, Argus pay scales were found to compare very favorably with the best in this área, due to our continuing efforts to maintain fair wages. The cost for the study was quite nominal --adding up to less than a penny for each hour worked last year. Employee Meetings Bob Lewis' article back in February brought on this comment about the last employee' s meeting: " The not ice was not posted until 2:30 the day of the meeting. Why?" From what I could learn at this late date, the notice actually had been up close to a week. But a change from the date which had been announced in the Argus Eyes caused all sorts of confusión. Andy suggested larger signs to announce the date of the next meeting. Delia Burns is ordering 'em, and the girls in Personnel will see that they get on the bulletin boards at least a week in advance of the meeting. Suggestions Two notes this month were the type of ideas that could be considered for suggestion awards, so I turned them over to Art Parker, Jr. He's probably gotten in touch with you fellows by now. As for that suggestion I turned in last month, I got a letter from the committee, thanking me for the suggestion, and that was all. F 11 keep you posted. In the meantime, keep your questions rollin F 11 try todo better next month. Be hearing from you, Andy

Anniversaries

Gail Oakes-donn Nagel To Wed

The engagement of Gail Oakes to Donn Nagel of the Engineering Department has been announced by her parents. Mr. and Mrs. O. P. Oakes of Granger Avenue. Donn, who has been with Argus since May of 1951, is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Walter E. Nagel of Ludington. He served in the Merchant Marine and Air Force during World War II. Miss Oakes is attending Cleary Business College in Ypsilanti. No date has been set for the wedding.

Argus Produces Telescopes For New Gun

Two Argus produced telescopes, one of which was developed here, form a strategie part of the fire control system of the "Skysweeper" - the Army's newest automatic anti-aircraft gun. The "Skysweeper" used for low flying high speed planes is considered the finest of its type in the world. Almost entirely without human guidance, it can spot, track, aim, and fire 75mm shells on enemy aircraft and moving ground targets. The M62E2, a small elbow telescope, mounted permanently on the gun's radar system, aligns the radar mechanism with the gun and serves as an optical check on the radar. Argus engineers created the design of the T-155 a two-telescope unit, used as a sight for tracking ground targets. In the event of ground warfare, the gun barrel is lowered to the proper level, the two telescopes - one on each side of the barrel - are swung into position, and two operators, as a team, track the target through the T-155 sights. Both the M62E2 and the T-155 are completely sealed, impervious to moisture, extreme heat, cold, or pressure. These precisión telescopes are produced in the new Optical Plant in Plant II. Turn the page for a picture story of the new addition.

Farewell Party Honors Dolores Hoadley

A noon luncheon, held at the Elks Dining Room by friends of Dolores Hoadley, was a complete surprise to her. After five years of loyal service to Argus, Dolores resigned to move to California where she will make her home. Dolores has been active in many Argus events and was considered one of the top women bowlers. No doubt, she is now enjoying the California sunshine.

Plant Ii Addition Houses Government Optical Department

With the completion of the new $97,000 addition to the Plant II Optical Plant three months ago, preparations for increased defense and commercial production have begun. The new addition, built exclusively for filling long-range government contracts, is located on the second floor of Plant II. It covers 10,000 square feet and faces South Fifth Street. Space on the first floor which was formerly used for defense optical assembly has been remodeled for the production of projectors. The new addition, which houses facilities for the production of telescopes and fire control devices, is divided into a large assembly room, receiving and inspection rooms, and two offices. Because strict atmospheric control is needed for the specialized defense work, the entire area is conditioned and humidity-controlled. All rooms are painted scientifically determined eye-ease shades of green. Our present government production contracts are, to a great extent, an outgrowth of research and developmental contracts during and following World War II. Most of the companyTs recent expansión has been to meet defense needs. The original optical plant, a one story building erected in 1942, was devoted exclusively to government work. Expansión since then added a second'floor in 1944, an extensión to the ground floor last summer, and now a second flclor above the first-floor extensión. Argus employment has already been fcoosted over the 1300 mark by hiring for Government Optical Assembly (Department 22). Jim Lodwick is foreman of this new department.

Employees Enjoy Early Spring Dance

The first dance of the season sponsored by the Argus Recreation Club was held at the Legión March 7th. Many Argus employees and theirguests turned out to dance to the music of Bill Kline's Orchestra and enjoy a fine evening of entertainment. Aaron Otts, Bob McFarland, Eddie Girvan, Gladys Helek, Jean Welch, and Harry Rookes were the lucky winners of the hams given away as door prizes.

Argus Men In Service

Ron Fox, on Military Leave from the Camera Assembly Department, dropped in to see his friends while home on furlough recently from the Army Engineering Corps. , at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. Ron's Address is: Pvt. Ronald Fox, US55289156, Co. C 76thArmd,Med. Bn. CCA, 6th Armd. Div. Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Marty Metzger, stationed at Camp Atterbury, Indiana, also visited his fellow employees while on a three day pass. Bef ore entering the service, Marty was employed in the Optical Assembly Department. Marty' s address is: Pvt. Martin D. Metzger, US55341881 Co. G, 155th Inf . Regt. 31 Div. Camp Atterbury, Ind.

Lucille Miller, of the Machine Shop, has received word that her son Gerald R. Bruner stationed with the 60th Ordnance Group in Korea was awarded a special leave to Japan because of outstanding service performed. Gerald was informed by Lt. Col. Hubert D. Burke that he had been selected by his comrades as having "done the best job under the most difficult conditions for the longest period of time. His cheerful approach to each problem sets an admirable example to the men who work with him. When many feel the necessity of standing close to a stove, PFC Bruner has continued to apply himself diligently to the job at hand. "

LcluuUden.-1fate4. ViUt Plant Fred Schneider, stationed at the Grosse Ile Navy Base, is a frequent visitor at Argus. Before entering the Navy Fred was employed in the Paint Shop. Jim Yates who has been recuperating from a serious illness at the Army Hospital, Fort Knox, Kentucky, was ranted a furlough recently. Little Jimmie Jr. was born while his dad was home in February which explains his pop's proud smile!

Veterans Return To Argus

Congratulations

To Participate In Sprung Concert

SeveralArgus employees are members of the Lyra Male Chorus, a local civic organization worthy of our support. The vocal group makes it possible for deserving high school students to win voice scholarships to Interlochen Music Camp. Money to f inance these scholarships is obtained through their Spring Concerts, which this year are April 17 and 18, in the Pattengill Auditorium. This year an original musical skit "And Away We Go", has been written by the members to delight those who attend. Argus employees on the ticket committee are Jim Meidrum, Fred Hardin, and Bill Rippel.

Suggestion Plan

Has April

Anniversary

With The Women Golfers

April marks the thirdanniversary of the Argus Suggestion Plan. Although suggestion plans in one form or another have been in existence at Argus for ten to fifteen years, the new more liberal plan is just three years old this month. Over the last year the amount of cash paid out more than doubled that of the previous year. All indications point to this third year as being the best on record. Nineteen company employees received awards totaling $213.98. Terry KirkpatrickT s idea of rebuilding the elevator door on the north side of Plant I to include a safety interlock ws adopted and he was awarded $25. Windy Hansen received $18.98 for suggestingtheuse of a special wrench to be used in repair of the M-19 scope eye cells. Three awards, totaling $30 were paid Elroy Abeldt for bettermethods to salvage government glass. $10 awards were paid to Roy Lyons, Orveil Harrison, Eleanor Logan, Jack Danner, Paul Myers, Art Wilner, Duane Churchill, Bruce Pester, Alva Beckley, Laura Tomshack, Herman Wiederhoff , Torn Doll, Bennie Koernke, and Tess Canja.

With spring just around the corner, the Women's Golf League had its first meeting of the year. Fran Watterworth, acting as temporary chairman, conducted the election of officers for the coming year. Elected were: Katie Del Prete, Chairman; Marjie Yokoyama, Treasurer; and Betty Shattuck, Secretary. NEWCOMERS WELCOMED Any girls who are interested in playing and have not been contact ed may get in touch with any of the officers, or Fran Watterworth. The girls hope to pattern their league af ter the men's league as much as possible. In fact, they hope to be able to cali on some of the men for help. The golf instructions received from the men last year proved to be most helpful. The women are determinedto make this year their year of golf and have entered into the swing of it with much enthusiasm. With continued coopera - tion the first Women's Golf League should prove to be very successful.

Dixie Shop Bowling Team

Sports Review

OP The leagues will open y their seasonatthe Huron Hills course on April 28. Bill Doyle has done a very competent job on the organizing and scheduling of the leagues and reports it is quite possible we shall have more entries this year than in the past. Chairman Herb Pfabe has been working overtime withhis Rules Committee and will post the rules prior to opening night. He has ordered a PGA Golfing Rules Handbook for each league member and it is suggested we familiarize ourselves with these rules. Chairmen Jim Brinkerhoff, Prize Committee, andKenKaufman, Special Events, have met and are working out the arrangements for the year. It is naturally too early to piek out the favorites, but it is going to be tougher this year with more competition. Pfabe and Schlenker will be on the spot again. This combina - tion has walked off with the league title each of the two years, and have taken the Grand Title in the championship play-offs. The fine sportsmanship displayed has made the golf leagues one of the most successful efforts of the Argus Recreation Club. There is every reas on to expect the same kind of conduct this year.

Batter Up Players Needed The Argus Recreation Club

again this year is sponsoring an Argus Softball Team. It is hoped that all employees will make an honest effort to give us the kind of team that we should be able to field if all available personnel would lend their talents to the Argus entry. In the past, many of the better players have been lured to play with other city teams. The Recreation Club has been most generous and feels the best possible team should be entered in the league. The Argus team will feel the loss of some of its outstanding talent f rom last year's good team. Replacements are needed for Don Hinz, Johnny Kokinakes, and Jimmy Yates who have entered the service. There should be ampie ability to assure Argus a strong representative in the League.

PAINT SHOP LEADS With only four weeks remaining of the 1952-53 Argus bowling season, Bill Fraser is now busy dusting off a spot on his already crowded mantel where he will place this yearTs bowling trophy. BilPs Paint Shop team has a comfortable seven game edge over the challenging Planning entry, and only a complete collapse in these final weeks can keep the leaders from marking up another of their impressive championships. Since the league was first started here at Argus, this team has dominated the play each year, and has now won the title in all but three years. This remarkable record leaves no doubt as to their superiority over the other members of the league. At the start of each bowling season the other entries have hopes of knocking the painters from the top spot, but the script is the same at each of the annual banquets. The president of the league repeats the familiar "I now present this trophy to the winners and still championship Paint Shop Five. " Perhaps next year this team should change its name to the Yankees. Their habits are much the same. PLANNERS IN SECOND SPOT While the first place spot is well anchored, the fight for the place positions is still a battle royal. The Planning team is now holding the runnerup spot, but have to worry themselves over a couple of persistent challengers. The Planning entry made a sensational spurt to reach the top, but this all out effort seems to have taken something from the team and their record has not been too impressive. Maurie Howe, who is having the best year of his bowling career, seems to be the cog that will either make or break the team's effort to salvage second place money. Right on the heels of the Planners is the pesky Demon team which is surprising the entire league. When the "Oscars" are passed out this year, this team should win hands down as the one that has given the most impressive performance of the year. Also pressing, and still confident of taking second place is the Machine Shop. The machine shoppers were the scourge of the league for the first half of the season, and the members are certain that they will come through in the final four weeks to take over second place in the final standings. BANQUET TO BE HELD Plans are now being made for the banquet which will bring to an end this very successful season. The officers of the league have not yet made the final arrangements, but the membership is assured that this year's gala event will compare favorably with those that have been held in the past. Notices will be posted when arrangements are completed. MEN'S NIGHT SHIFT BOWLING LEAGUE LUCKY STRIKES HOLD LEAD Nick Bandrofchak's Lucky Strikes have the situation well in hand, and it is only a question of time before they will mathematically cinch the bunting of the league. Winning the title will climax an uphill battle by the Strikers that carried this team from a spot down in the standings to the top of the heap. PRESS ROOM FOLLOWS Ken Hubbell had fired up his Press Room team for a final effort to catch the free-wheeling leaders, but ran into a snag when the Paint Shop five took them over the hurdles for four points. This disaster all but assured Nick's team of the championship. Up to this reversal Ken's team was well on its way to overtaking the leaders and had cut the deficit to a mere two points. Getting this big assist from the Painters, Nick's team calmly polished off the Hot Shots for three points giving them the cushion that they could possibly need in the concluding weeks of the schedule. BRAVIS AVERAGES 175 The league only has eight teams, but it is such a well-balanced combina - tion of entries that at one time or another during the schedule each of the teams has been in contention for the league lead. While the league has enjoyed a very close race for the league leadership, Joe Bravis has had little competition in repeating as the individual Champion in the high average department. Joe is carrying a very good 175, and is at least ten pins higher than his closest challenger.

Between The Deadlines

Several tiny new corners have been added to the rapidly growing Argus family. Congratulations to the parents and welcome to the little folks. The guys and gals with new little deductions are: Bob Shankland - Grinding son, Patrick, 2-4-53 Paul Gibson - Maintenance son, Johnny, 1-31-53 Bob Camilleri - Shipping son, Jimmy, 1-30-53 Harry Link - Grinding daughter, Suzanne Elaine, 1-26-53 Colleen Komorowski - Government Optical Assembly son, Thomas, 1-15-53 Harold Nabb - Polishing daughter, Suzanne Kaye, 1-23-53 Mildred Jones - Accounting son, Lawrence, 2-8-53 Dorothy Breining - Camera Assembly, daughter, Judy Ann, 2-7-53 Bill Lamb - Standards son, William, 12-15-52 Geraldine and Clyde Riley Jerry - Machine Shop Clyde - Maintenance daughter, Roxann Kay, 2-17-53 Marcella Woodard - Paint Shop, son, Walter Michael, 3-10-53 Bill Rippel - Engineering daughter, Deborah Lee, 3-22-53 (Mom, Marión, is formerly of Service.)

Vacationer

Arnold Loree of the Maintenance Department spent a wonderf ui two weeks at Phoenix, Arizona during March. Arnie visited the Silver Bell Mine at Aquavica, Arizona, and brought back many interesting samples of silver ore.

Hi Paul!

Argus Cameras, Inc.

4P ■ IL. 1 P

ANN ARBOR. MICHIGAN Return Post age Guaranteed

Donald Crump 1309 Miller Avenue Arm Arbor, Michigan

Stc 561, P. L. R. U. S. POSTAGE P A I D Ann Aibor, Michiftn PfmH No. 59Í

Basketball Season Closes

The basketball season carne to an end in March. Despite the f act that the Argus entry did not enjoy a winning season the members deserve credit for the spirit displayed throughout the season. Pitted against some of Ann Arbor's and the University of Michigan s most talented players, our Argus team gave it allthey had in each encounter. At the end of the season Coach Al Terry had some new talent which gave promise of a stronger representative in the Basketball League next year. With the Argus team at the close of play were Bill Frakes, Dale Perin, Hal Thompson, Art Preston, Arch Kennedy, Bill Lucas, George Bock, and Ray Gregory.