Front Page
Reviewing Argus Progress
Now that the vacation period is over and weTre headlong into the f all and Christmas business, I
think that this is a good time to review just how some of our products are doing. POPULARITY OF
PRODUCTS CONTINÚES More and more people are buying our C-4 cameras, and one of our major
problems is to keep up with the demand. Those of you who are concerned with the manufacture and
assembly of C-4 parts know what I mean since you are putting forth extra effort to meet the
requirements of our Sales Department. Also encouraging is the continued popularity of the C-3.
Schedule increases in it and several other products were necessary during the past few weeks in
order to meet our forecasted fall sales. These expected sales, and the production increases
necessary to meet them, mean that jobs have been made available for everyone on lay-off in spite of
substantial reductions in our military production over the past several months. SEASONAL
UNEMPLOYMENT ELIMINATED For the last several years we have eliminated a great deal of seasonal
unemployment by working overtime during the fall rush period when possible, rather than adding extra
people. This policy is being continued this year. In addition, several new products are in the
development and tooiing stages which will broaden our product line, help us maintain our competitive
position in the industry, and hold employment variations to a minimum. OPERATIONS IN GERMANY
CONTINUE I am frequently asked how our operations are going in Germany. As many of you know, we have
received the official papers establishing Argus Cameras, G.m.b.H. in Stuttgart, Germany. Bruce
Pester of our Engineering Department was there in the spring to work with Bill Patton in getting
this operation started. It is coming along as we have expected, although no products are being
manufactured yet for the world trade. Roy Moore, our engineer working on the Speedmail machine, has
been busy at Oberuhldingan in Germany with the manufacture of this product. We are very encouraged
about the development of this machine, and we feel that it will be a real addition to our line of
products.
Rob Wilson Makes Three Television Appearances
Rob Wilson, Manager of the Sales Service División, made a personal appearance on WJBK-TV's
"Girl Talk" program August 10. He also appeared August 24 on "Picture That!"
WBTV, Charlotte, N.C.; and again on August 27 on WFGC-TV, Greenville, N.C., on a photography show.
Below, Rob explains the features of the Super 75 to Pat Rousseau on "Girl Talk." The
picture was taken by George Milroy, Sales, with an Argus EF Camera.
About The Cover
Bob Patterson, Purchasing won a $25 savings bond for this picture of his two nephews. Bob used an
Argus C-3 Camera, F. 5.6, at a 5Oth of a second with Plus X Film.
Camera Club To Meet With Greater Detroit Council
All Argus employees and their wives or husbands are invited to the meeting of the Greater Detroit
Camera Club which will be held in our cafeteria on September 16. Exhibition and judging of color
slides made by the best amateur photographers in the Detroit área will be a part of the
evening program. Free refreshments will be served. Following are some of the advantages to be
derived from a $5 membership in the Argus Camera Club: 1. Participation in the functions of the
Greater Detroit Camera Club Council (there is always something doing) ! 2. Affiliationwiththe
Photographic Society of America. 3. Seeing and hearing the interesting programs and speakers that
are secured from Eastman Kodak, Ansco, Weston, and the Greater Detroit Council. 4. Free use of the
dark room facilities her e at the plant. (We have everything, thanks to Argus!) 5. Photographic
accessories and magazines at a liberal discount. 6. Working with others interested in this exciting
hobby. A $5 membership now runs to October 1, 1956. Interested persons please see Gerry Space, Ed
Sayer, or Russ Trombly. Watch the Camera Club Bulletin Board for further announcements of coming
events.
In Memoriam
Our sincere sympathy is extended to the families of Joe Brahm and Al Tessmer. Joseph A. Brahm
passed away August 16, 1955. With Argus since April of 1939 until retir - ing July 31, 1955, Joe was
employed in the Tool Room as Tool Crib-Stockroom Attendant. Albert J. Tessmer died August 9, 1955.
Al had been with Argus since July of 1942 until his recent retir ement July 31, 1955. He was Tool
Crib Attendant in the Machine Shop.
Bates Returns From Strategic Air Command
Many people at Argus saw the movie "Strategie Air Command." The type of overseas
operation with airbourne refueling as was illustrated in the movie is very similar to the
experiences that Harry Bates, Engineering, had while serving in the Strategie Air Command. Harry,
who has recently returned to Argus, was a captain in the Air Force and was stationed at Lockbourne
Air Base in Columbus, Ohio. He piloted B-47 Jet Bombers in Florida, Kansas, and overseas in England
and several other places. On one mission Harry flew from Columbus, Ohio to Oxford, England in seven
hours refueling once while airbourne. Missions 14 to 16 hours long required refueling twice.
Congratulations to you, Harry, for your fine work serving your country not only in wartime for four
years but also for two and a half years during peacetime.
You Asked Andy
I guess everyone rested up his writin! arm during vacation because I got a big handful of letters
this time.
Well, Fm ready for you because I rested up my writinT arm, too! Selection of Keymen: "On
what basis is a Keyman chosen?" The Keyman group is composed of all salaried employees in Pay
Class 12 and above, supervisory employees in salaried Pay Class 11, and certain individuals who have
historically been members of the group. Profit Sharing Maximum Contribution ""When the
profit sharing fund began, the contributions to the fund we re to represent the value of the
contributing member to the prosperity of the company. That is, those workers making $4000 or more. .
.were to share in the profits equally, while those making under $1+000 were to share in the profits
in various degrees, measured by their contributions. Since that time, due to inf lationary wage
increases alone, a large share of those workers. . .have now risen to the position of sharing
equally. . . Because the company contribution to the (Profit Sharing) fund is considered as
additional earnings by most members of the fund, the maximum amount of member contribution should be
tied to the wage increases in such a marmer that the same ratio of sharing the profits be maintained
as when the fund was set up. In other words, the maximum amount allowed to be contributed should be
increased to offset the wage increases or the wage increases should not be allowed as a base for
contribution to the fund. Has anyone considered this problem?" Torn Spitier helped me with this
one. This problem has been considered but to change the provisions of the Profit Sharing Fund
requires approval of all members . Mr . Spitier stated that he would bring this up at the next
meeting of the Management Committee for their consideration and recommendations as f ar as future
amendments are concerned. Tool and Die Making in Job Shops ". . .Please show us, as we are
Profit Sharing members, how you save the cost of $5000 on a die being done in job shops when the
same job could be done at no extra cost to Argus only by having the work done in our tooi room. . .
I think in most cases you getamuch better job done In your own shop by men that are interested in
their jobs, knowing they will have to service them. I believe every man should have two or three
jobs at his bench so in tie-ups he could altérnate back and forth. . . At our annual banquet
you have mentioned team spirit and team play is the motto to our success. . ." Back to Torn
Spitier for this answer. As in other areas of the plant, the construction of tools and dies is bid
for by our own Tool Room as well as outside job shops. When the work can be performed considerably
cheapèr outside, it is only logical to have the tools built there. Working our Tool Room
overtime to build dies that can be obtained less expensively outside is not the answer. We are
interested in team spirit and do try to keep the Tool Room schedule to 100% capacity. However, it is
not always possible or practical to have two and three jobs lined up anead for each tooi maker. Use
for the Brewery Building "This noon I was peering into the old brewery building and an idea
carne to me. Why couldn't this building be used for the press room, tooi and die room, gage room,
and jig bore and jig grinding room and the upper floors for designing? This would relieve the
congested areas in other buildings and would be utilizing this old building at a minimum cost. .
." I talked to Jim Thompson about this one. This is what he told me. Plans are already in
process for the utilization of the brewery with minimum change. According to present plans, the
building will be used for process storage, the Service Department, and some Maintenance facilities.
The changeover right now is in the engineering specifications stage. Preparations are now being made
for installation of proper plumbing and piping. It is hopedthat the building will be ready for use
by October 1, but no definite date has been set. (Continued on page 11)
Fellow Workers Honor Retiring Argu Sites Brahm, Dixon, Tessmer, Sleezer
August 1 saw the retirement of four Argusites who have given many years of service to the
Company. Hetirements were celebrated in various departments with much gaiety, much good-will, and
much cake and coffee. Friends of the retirees in each of their departments contributed toward
thoughtful gifts for them. Mr. Lewis attended the parties and Bill Betke, Argus Recreation Club
President, was on hand to present the retiree with alifetime membership to the Club. Ed Sleezer,
Carpenter Shop Many Argusites will miss the bright blue eyes and impressive figure of Ed Sleezer.
Ed, who is an unbelievable 72 years of age, has worked in the Carpenter Shop for 22 years- since
1933. Before that, Ed worked for many years for the furniture company which occupied our Plant I
building before the forming of International Industries. Ed and his wife Carrie are at home at 521
South Seventh Street where Ed is catching up on his reading and just plain relaxing. Bill Dixon,
Maintenance Bill Dixon came to Argus in 1941. He retired this year with 14 years of service in the
Maintenance Department. A joint party was given in the Carpenter Shop for Bill and Ed Sleezer. Bill
was presented with a jacket and Ed with a piece of luggage. Each of them cut a cake and helped serve
it to co-workers attending the party. Bill and his wife, Viola, are now living at 9095 Forest Street
in Whitmore Lake. Joe Brahm, Tool Room Joe Brahm worked as a Tool Crib or Stockroom Attendant at
Argus for 16 years. Tool Room pais gave 60-year-old Joe a piece of luggage at a party in his honor.
JoeTs wife, Gladys, who worked in Camera Assembly for 10 years, resigned from the Company when
husband Joe retired. Farewell party for Gladys was held in the Cafeteria (f ar right).
Al Tessmer, Machine Shop Al Tessmer retired from Argus at the age of 69 with 13 years of service
behind him. He started at Argus in 1942 as a tooi and die sweeper in the Tool Room . He was a tooi
crib attendant in the Machine Shop bef ore he retired. Machine Shop pais took some time off the job
to honor Al with cake and coffee bef ore he left.
Rain Fails To Daunt Fun-lovers At Recreation Club Family Picnic
Anniversaries Boom As 40 Mark Years Of Service
Carriage Trade
A boy, John Thomas, was born June 14 to Alice Alt, C-4 Camera Assembly, and Glen Alt, Production
Control. John weighed 7 lbs., 4 oz. Robert Cuny, Engineering, has a new son, Kevin Stuart. Kevin was
born August 11, weighing 4 lbs., 6 oz . He has an older brother Steven, who is two years oíd.
Richard Sarns, Engineering, has a new son, Steven William, born July 5. He weighed in at 9 lbs.,
11-12 oz. He has a brother David, 1-12 years oíd. Donald George was born August 13 to Betty
Livingston, Tabulating. Donald weighed in at 8 lbs., 3 oz. A daughter, Barbara Lynn, was born August
16 to Jack Daziens, Sales. Barbara weighed 6 lbs., 11 oz.
Sports Review
We are proud of the showing the softball team made in the District Tournament. Although they lost
in the final game, we all think they are champions . A special thanks goes to Joe OTDonnell for
afine job of managing and we hope to see him out there again next year . Congratulations to all
members of the team and a special mention to the players who did not have the opportunity to play as
much as they would have liked but finished the season out. MEN'S GOLF LEAGUE Saturday, August 6 saw
many Argus golf enthusiasts at the MenTs Golf Outing at Plymouth Country Club. Bill Courtright shot
low gross of 35, which is two under par. Don Dempsey took high honor s for low net and Dick Towner
placed second. The chipping contest was won by Willis Van Dyke and the putting contest by Ray Clark.
Ralph Parsons showed his versatility on the golf course by winning a prize for the highest score on
a hole and another prize for the lowest score on another hole. This man has talent! League members
would like to express appreciation to the members of the Special Events Committee, Torn Heermans,
Ctyick McClune, Bob Nickels and Neil Navarre for doing a fine job in planning the Outing. Season
winners of the leagues are as follows: Tuesday - 3:30 League - Ted Adams - Ed Selent 5:00 League -
Jim Brinkerhoff - Joe Detweiler Wednesday - 3:30 League - Don Crump - Babe Peter son 5:00 League -
Bob Barsantee, Jr. - Bill Ambrazevich The winners of each league will have a playoff to establish
the league grand champions. No playoff date has been set as y et. The Argus Open will be held as
soon as the leagues are finished and will close September 9. Low net for 36 holes will establish the
winner of the Open. Trophies for first, second and third place winners will be awarded. WOMEN'S GOLF
LEAGUE The Women's Golf League is nearing the end of the season with only a few more rounds to be
played. The league will close the last of August and the Outing will be held September 7. Jerry
Space, Treasurer and Leona Smith, Golf Chairman, are in charge of the prizes for the season's play.
Gert Thompson and Helen Chapman are handling the picnic department. The League hopes that next year
it will have enough members interested in golf to be able to have team play. NOTICE: All persons
interested in a Mixed Two-Ball Foursome sometime in September, please contact Kathryn DelPrete, Ext.
309. MEN'S NIGHT SHIFT GOLF LEAGUE Two weeks y et for the four team league. September 1 ends it.
Torn Mitchell and Jake Milliken are on top so f ar with 94 points. Bob Wood and Nick Bandrofchak are
second with 82 points. Torn Loy and Gene Rohde are sitting in third position and Armond Start and
Billy Baker are f ourth . The winners of the league are more than anxious to play the day shift
representatives for the team championship . Although only eight players showed interest this year,
they have all enjoyed the season and have seen many fancy shots on the greens. A special outing is
planned for the night league at the end of the season. BOWLING It won't be long bef ore the bowling
season will be underway. LetTs make this a big year. All persons who are interested in bowling and
are not already on a team, contact the following persons: Days - Men - Jesse Cope Women - Liz
Clapham Nights - - Torn Mitchell
Classified_ad
OCTOBER IS COMMUNITY CHEST AND RED CROSS MONTH lOth through 24th
Ladies Bowling League Opens September 14
Elizabeth Clapham, President of the Argus Ladies Bowling League, has announced a new schedule for
the women bowlers . Instead of bowling at 9:00 P.M. on Fridays, as last year, the six teams will be
bowling at 6:45 every Wednesday night at the Ann Arbor Recreation Bowling Alley on Huron Street,
starting September 14. At the organizational meeting scheduled for September 7, teams will be set up
officially, rules and policies will be discussed, as well as weekly f ees. Anyone interested in
bowling, either as a regular or a sub, is asked to contact Liz. Gerry Space, Sales, President of the
Hurón Lañes Ladies Bowling League reports that their league will open its season this
year on September 14 at 6:45 P.M.
(Continued f rom page 3) Membership in the Profit Sharing Fund "Same of our new Profit
Sharing members have not been with Argus three years until after August 1 ... How come? Has this
date been changed?" The following is quoted from the Profit Sharing Retirement Fund Agreement
revised May 19, 1950. "Persons who have been in the employ of the Corporation for a continuous
term of at least three (3) full fiscal years, except that an extra grace period up to and including
August 31st of the third fiscal year will be allowed those new members who began employment with the
Corporation during the month of August, may participate in the benefits of this mutual undertaking
and shall be entitledto full membership as "Profit Sharing Members." Replies to
Suggestions In regard to the letter that questioned the promptness of notification as to whether or
not a suggestion has been adopted under the Employee Suggestion Plan, the matter has been referred
to Art Parker, Jr., in the Suggestion Plan Office, and I will have an answer for you
next month.
Argus Eyes
Published monthly for the employees of Argus Cameras, Inc. and their families. Editor - Millie
Haynie REPORTERS: Machine Shop - DOROTHY LIXEY, Camera Assembly - RUTH O' HAR E, Pur chas ing -
DOLORES HELZERMAN, Lens Processing - BETTY SHATTUCK, Maintenance - EMIL JOHNSON, Optical
Assembly-Inspection, JEAN FITZGERALD, Engineering - JIM MELDRUM, Standards - VIRGINIA BIRNEY,
Production Planning - PATT DUCHARME, Tool Room - BILL FIKE, Shipping - HILDA WHITE, Accounting -
BEULAH NEWMAN, Service - TOM KENTES, Night Shift - GEORGE NAVARRE and LEO WIEDERHOFT. Feature
writers: Robert Lewis, Andy Argus, Don Crump Photoprinting: Jan Gala
Crowd Gathers At German Park For Beer Picnic