SUMMER 1992. SALUTE FOR SPECIAL SACRIFICE. GEORGIA MAKES HISTORY! Elberton, Georgia, "the Granite Capital of the World," is a phrase that has been quoted and promoted for many years by this Association. If there was any doubt about this statement, the U.S. Bureau of Mines' most recent statistical report, based on 1991 production figures, should put it to rest. As reported on page five of this issue, the Bureau of Mines in a recent state by slate mining production summary, reports that "Georgia leads the nation in the volume of dimension granite produced." Complete details of the report can be found in the accompanying article but "the rest of the story" is equally important. Operating today in the Elberton Granite District arc 44 active quarries in various stages of devel­opment. More than 150 manufacturing plants turn the rough granite into completely finished memorials. Other businesses operate as suppliers of tools and equipment, transportation, and design that assist these quarriers and manufacturers. In all, a total of 220 separate companies are operating businesses in granite production or its allied services. These firms, through their continuous commitment to progress, are the ones really "making history" and arc the reason that Elberton justly deserves its claim of being the "GRANITE CAPITAL OF THE WORLD." Elberton Granite A Part of Georgia History. One of the most recent editions of Georgia History textbooks now includes facts about the Granite Industry located in the Elberton area. The Walsworth Publishing Company's 1992 edition titled 4th STAR - GEORGIA IN AMERICAN HISTORY explains the significance of the granite deposits located in the Piedmont region of the state and specifically Elbert County. The economic impact of Elberton's granite quarrying and manufacturing industry is explained as a vital part of Georgia's diversified manufacturing base. By any standard of measure, the people of the 4th Star State (Georgia being the fourth slate to ratify the Constitution) can be proud of this unique and valuable natural resource - Elberton Granite - and the Elberton Granite Industry. E.G.A. to Provide Veterans Memorial at New GEORGIA DOME. Member-firms of the ELBERTON GRANITE ASSOCIATION, INC. have agreed to contribute a 30-ft. high Veterans Granite Memorial to be placed at the main entrance of the newly-constructed GEORGIA DOME, the largest cable supported dome in the world, located in downtown Atlanta, Georgia. Describing this unprecedented donation of a granite monument, E.G.A. Executive Vice President Tom Robinson called it "the biggest public relations opportunity ever undertaken by the Elberton Granite Association." He stated that the impressive Granite Veterans Memorial will be viewed annually by hundreds of thousands of persons who attend events at the Dome including regular football games of the Atlanta Falcons, the annual Peach Bowl Game, Super Bowl XXVIII in 1994, and the multi-billion dollar 1996 Summer Olympics. Dedicated to Georgia Veterans Coupled with the adjacent World Congress Center, the new GEORGIA DOME will comprise the largest sports, entertainment and Convention Complex in the world. Seating 70,500 and being built by the State of Georgia at a total cost in excess of 200 million dollars, the unique DOME will feature an area dedicated to all Georgia Veterans of all wars. The Veterans Memorial Plaza, located at the main entrance to the DOME, will be site of the granite monument being provided by the E.G.A. firms. This area will be the focal point of the domed stadium; and the highly-visible Elberton Granite shaft will appear in promotional photographs of the DOME as well as other media coverage that will be seen by millions of per­sons each year. Memorial Facts The GEORGIA DOME Veterans Memo­rial Project is being sponsored and coordi­nated by the Elberton Granite Association. The design, shown in the sketch at right, features a 30-ft. tall shaft to be built in three sections with sandblasted inscrip­tions. Approximately 150 flame-finished granite pavers will be used in the area along with appropriate granite curbing. Specifications call for Elberton Blue Gray granite for the shaft, stipple finish with polished chamfered edges, tapered on all four sides. The dimensions are four feet square at the bottom, tapering up to one foot, two-and-a-half inches square at the top, and capped with eight polished fascets at the tip of the 30-foot shaft. The shaft will be fabricated in three sections and doweled together. Donations by Members E.G.A. member-firms are furnishing all granite materials; all fabricating including sawing, finishing, polishing and sandblasting; and all handling and transportation to the site in Atlanta. Participation was sought from any interested member; and the response "was overwhelming," according to Mr. Robinson. Dedication Date Although athletic and other events will begin in August, 1992, when the DOME itself will be completed, officials are working toward a dedication of the Veterans Memorial Plaza and the Granite Veterans Monument on Veterans Day, November 11, 1992. This will be a landmark occasion for all Elberton Granite Association member-firms; and the ELBERTON GRANITEER will feature the completed memorial and dedication event in future issues. Shown above is the sketch of the 30-ft. tall Elberton Granite memorial being erected at the new GEORGIA DOME. The photo at the left is an overall view of the "largest cable supported domed stadium in the world," nearing completion in downtown Atlanta and scheduled for opening in August, 1992. ANOTHER JOINT VENTURE- Childs & Childs, Keystone Purchase Carolina Quarries. Otis Childs, President of CHILDS & CHILDS GRANITE COMPANY, INC., and Tom Oglesby, President of KEYSTONE MEMORIALS, INC., announced that their companies have purchased quarrying interests in both North and South Car­olina. They said that the joint venture includes the acquisition of the "Collins Durax Pink Granite" Quarry at Salisbury, North Carolina, and the "Coral Gray" and "St. Albans Pink Granite" quarries at Kershaw, South Carolina. The quarries were formerly owned by the Matthews Bronze Corporation. A new company, Carolina Quarries, Inc., has been formed to operate the facilities. Tom Oglesby is President of Carolina Quarries, Inc.; Otis Childs is Vice President; and Robin Childs is Secretary-Treasurer. Dave Marple, who operated the facilities for Matthews Bronze, has been named Carolina Quarries General Manager and will continue to be in charge of both the quarries and a large bases for bronze memorials plant al Salisbury. Popular Granite Otis Childs said that the "Collins Durax Pink Granite" is "one of the most popular granites in the U.S." He added that the long-established quarry is approximately two acres in size and 100 ft. deep. It is equipped with three stationary derricks and two mobile cranes. The quarry site includes 242 acres - allowing ample room for expansion. Both of the Kershaw quarries have approximately one-acre openings. The "Coral Gray" facility is equipped with one stationary derrick and a mobile crane, and the "St. Albans Pink" Quarry has two derricks and a mobile crane. The quarries are approximately one-half mile apart. The Matthews Corporation formerly sold; St. Albans Pink Granite" as "Sunrise Pink." Granites from all three quarries are popular for both monumental and base under bronze use. The base production plant at Salisbury includes approximately 40,000 sq. ft. of work area and is completely equipped with base production lines featuring diamond coring and drilling equipment and two German-built diamond block saws. Assures Supply Mr. Oglesby commented that the recent purchase "assures a continuing supply of granite blocks for U.S. monumental manufacturers." He added that the new owners plan expansion of the Kershaw quarries. The Childs family and Mr. Oglesby also jointly own Caprice Blue Quarry, Inc., Southern Mausoleums, Inc., and Pennsylvania Granite Corporation. Salisbury, North Carolina Collins-Durex Pink Quarry. Kershaw, South Carolina Congaree Grey Quarry, St. Albans Pink Quarry. Georgia Leads Nation In Dimension Granite Production. According to the STATE MINERAL SUMMARIES 1992, published by the U.S. Bureau of Mines, the state of Georgia leads the United States in the volume of granite dimension stone. Statistics released recently by the U.S. Bureau of Mines, Department of the Interior, indicate that Elberton's designation as Granite Capital is well-supported. Georgia's dimension granite production is centered in the Elberton Granite District that encompasses five counties. Elbert, Oglethorpe, Madison, Green and Wilkes counties all contain quarries operated by E.G.A. member-firms. E.G.A. members operate 44 quarries in this area and produce approximately 2 million cubic feet of saleable granite annually. Mineral Report The Bureau of Mines report for 1991 states that "Georgia led the Nation in the volume of granite dimension stone. Dimension stone was the only other mineral commodity (other than barite) to increase in value over 1990. The esti­mated quantity produced in the state increased 11 .5% to 164,000 short tons, while its estimated value increased to $262.4 million." Georgia ranks 6th in the U.S. in the total value of minerals produced but ranks 3rd in the value of industrial minerals. Approximately 8,400 workers were employed in Georgia's mining industry at the encl of August 1991. Adequate Reserves Geologists studying the Elberton area have determined that there is a continuous mass of granite that is approximately 35 miles long and averages 6 miles wide. The depth of the deposit is estimated to be between 2 to 3 miles. This deposit would be enough granite to completely fill the Rose Bowl almost two million times. With only 44 quarries scattered across this 210 square mile area at the present time, it is obvious that the Elberton Granite District has the resources to remain a major supplier to the U.S. market for many years to come. The State Mineral Summaries 1992 is pub fished by the U.S. Bureau of Mines, Department of the Interior. "Elberton Produces More Granite Monuments Than Any Other City In The World." Elberton Granite Facts Make Georgia History. The most recent edition of Georgia History textbooks, published by Walsworth Publishing Co., Inc., includes facts about the Elberton Granite District. Volume 1, covering Georgia's history to 1860, and also Volume 11, from 1860 to the Present, cite the importance of the Elberton Granite deposit to the state in terms of economic development. This new textbook for Georgia's middle school level students titled, 4th STAR: GEORGIA IN AMERICAN HISTORY blends Georgia's history and development with that of American History. Natural Resource In Volume I the authors present Georgia geographically and identify natural resources in each of the various regions of the state. In Georgia's Piedmont Region, where Elbert County is located, the reader is introduced to the abundance of granite as the text explains; "In the area around Elbert County in the eastern Piedmont, granite is quarried for making cemetery memorial stones. There are more than 35 granite quarries within 20 miles of Elberton." A full color photo of an active granite quarry is identified by the following: "Granite is the most important type of stone quarried in Georgia. Large deposits of granite are located in the Piedmont." Industry Recognized Volume II of 4th STAR in a section identified as "Modern Georgia, Economics" identifies the granite manufacturing industry as a vital part of the state's diversified economic base. The granite industry is centered in Elbert County. Often called the 'Granite Capital of the World,' Elberton produces about one­third of all granite monuments in the United States." Another full color photo is identified as follows: "Georgia's granite industry is centered in Elbert County. Elberton is often called the “Granite Capital of the World.” E.G.A. Membership at All-Time High The membership of the Elberton Granite Association, Inc., long the nation's largest organization of granite quarriers and monument manufacturers, now stands at an all-time high of 141 members. The 101 voting members represent a significant milestone in the 40-year history of the Association. Another significant benchmark is that approximately 25 percent of the membership have been members for more than 30 years. The record E.C.A. membership means more support and participation in the various programs and benefits assisting members and also more support for the customers of E.C.A. member-firms. The following stories introduce the latest members to GRANITEER readers. MOTES MONUMENT SALES, INC. - Voting Member. MOTES MONUME T SALES, INC., is owned and operated by Nelson L. Motes. It has monument manufacturing facilities on the Hartwell Highway approximately eight miles north of Elberton. The firm, completely equipped for monument finishing operations, has a 15,125-sq. ft. plant. Major machinery includes a diamond block saw, four bridge cranes, and an automatic polishing system. In addition to producing monuments, the firm also manufactures items such as countertops and other specialty work. Different Granite The company markets "Berkeley Blue," "Jet Black,'' "Swedish Red," "Blue Pearl," "Emerald Pearl," "Impala Black," "Morning Rose," "Ebony Mist," "Kershaw Pink," "Chapel Rose," and "Salisbury Pink" granites. The Plant Foreman is Jimmy Cureton and the Office Manager is Yvonne Hobbs. Nelson entered the Granite Industry immediately after graduation from Elbert County High School and is skilled in all phases of monument manufacturing. He began his career as an owner by leasing a small facility and in 1976 he built his plant at its present location. He has steadily expanded the operation since then. His wife, Gaston, assists him in the management of the company. NELSON MOTES. VERIBEST BLUE QUARRIES, INC. - Voting Member. VERIBEST BLUE QUARRIES, INC., operates the "Veribest Medium Blue Granite" Quarry near the Veribest Community in Oglethorpe County approximately 15 miles southwest of Elberton. The company is owned by Randy Peppers and Marvin Higginbotham, both well known quarrymen. This new E.G.A. member is truly a family operation. Randy Peppers, President, is Marvin's son-in-law and Vicki, Randy's wife, assists in the daily supervision of quarrying operations. Marvin Higginbotham, Vice President, and his wife, Charlotte, also own and operate Moon Rock Granite Quarries, an E.G.A. member since 1984. The quarry site now operated as Veribest Quarry has been worked periodically over the past 1 5 years. The new owners have developed an opening approximately 100-ft. long and 80-ft. wide. A 90-ton capacity mobile crane is used to extract blocks and load them on the trucks of Veribest's monument manufacturing customers. Mr. Peppers said that a major expansion is planned and over­burden has already been cleared from a MARVIN HIGGINBOTHAM 100 x 36-ft. area. He said plans call for additional development of another area approximately 80 x 36-ft. A new quarry opening is anticipated approximately RANDY PEPPERS one-fourth of a mile from the present location. "Veribest Blue" is considered to be a medium to dark blue granite said Mr. Peppers. PALMETTO QUARRIES, INC. -Voting Member. Two Elberton Granite Industry veterans, Keith Harper and Doug Smith, are the joint owners of PALMETTO QUARRIES, INC. The new quarry is located in Oglethorpe County approximately 18 miles south of Elberton. Keith and his father, Horace Harper, operate Harper's "Enterprise Blue" Quarry, an E.G.A. member since 1978, which is adjacent to the new Palmetto development. Both Keith and Doug have experience in manufacturing procedures as well as first­hand knowledge of quarrying operations. The "Palmetto Blue Granite" Quarry is approximately 140-ft. long, 14-ft. wide, and 70-ft. deep. It yields medium blue granite which is sold in block form to monument manufacturers. The new Palmetto owners said they have a plentiful supply of blocks. The facility is equipped with a mobile crane and an oxygen burning channeling system was recently purchased. John Oldham is Foreman. DOUG SMITH, left, and KEITH HARPER. OGLETHORPE QUARRIES, INC. -Voting Member. OGLETHORPE QUARRIES, INC. is a recently-formed company operating a quarry development off Highway 72 near the Broad River in Oglethorpe County approximately 13 miles west of Elberton. The company is owned by three new­comers to the Granite Industry, Gerald Carey, of Royston, Georgia, President of the firm; Paul Martin, Vice President, of Athens, and Jack Dunagan, Treasurer, also of Athens. Mr. Carey, who owns a fire protection sprinkler business, is owner of the quarry property. Jack Dunagan and Paul Martin are associates in Martin Mechanical Contractors, an Athens-based firm owned by Mr. Martin. Mr. Dunagan oversees daily operations at the quarry. The new development is on a 210-acre tract where approximately six acres have been cleared of forestation. Clearing began last July and a key block has already been quarried. Overburden has been stripped from an area 15O x 300 ft. A mobile crane is expediting the development. Mr. Dunagan said the granite ranges from dark to light blue in color. A 360 sq. ft., all-purpose building has also been constructed at the site. Charles Moon is Quarry Superintendent. BURTON MONUMENT COMPANY, INC. -Voting Member. Garland Burton, a well-known Elberton Granite Industry craftsman, is the owner of BURTON MONUMENT COMPANY, INC., a custom sawing, polishing, and monument finishing firm located on the Hartwell Highway near Clark's Junction approximately three miles north of Elberton. The plant has approximately 5,736-sq. ft. of work area and is equipped with two bridge cranes. The firm recently added 60-ft. of crane runway adjacent to the plant to facilitate the unloading of granite blocks. Mr. Burton says that although the company manufactures monuments and custom saws and polishes slabs, the firm also custom-produces slant/markers and curbing. Burton Monument is equipped with diamond block saws with 7-ft., 6-in., and 5-ft., 4-in. diameter blades. After graduation from Elberton High School, Mr. Burton began working in the Granite Industry as a Stonecutter. He became a Journeyman Stonecutter and joined one of Elberton's larger quarrying and monument manufacturing firms - later becoming Foreman. He founded his own company 11 years ago and has steadily expanded it since then. Garland and his wife, Jerri, who assists with the business's bookkeeping, have two sons, Ricky and Johnny. Garland, a Mason and Shriner, is Worshipful Master of the Philomethea Masonic Lodge in Elberton. He is also Chief of the Centerville Volunteer Fire Department and a member of the Elbert County Saddle Club and the Eliam Methodist Church. GARLAND BURTON. Downtown Display. Manufactured by L & M GRANITE COMPANY, INC. "Elberton Dark Blue Granite'' Manufactured by WORLEY MONUMENT COMPANY, INC. "African Sable Granite" Manufactured by QUALITY MONUMENT SALES, INC. "Quality Blue Granite" Manufactured by SOUTHERN MAUSOLEUMS, INC. "French Creek Black Granite" E.G.A. Outdoor Display by Members of the Elberton Granite Association, Inc. The new exhibition of monuments in the E.G.A. Outdoor Display provides an interesting selection of memorial shapes, colors of granites, and combinations of finishes. The elegant bench-type RHODES monument is a pre-need design for the family of QUALITY MONUMENT SALES, INC., President Alvin "Butch" Rhodes; CLARK by L & M GRANITE COMPANY, INC., uses combination finishes and hand-crafted flutes to distinguish this classic design; BRICKLEY by MAJESTIC GRANITE COMPANY illustrates the bright, reflective polish possible with the firm's new red granite imported from India; the striking columnar-style SNELLINGS design by SOUTHERN GRANITE COMPANY, INC., features examples of turned products from the firm's new computerized turning equipment; the PATTERSON mausoleum is a pre-assembled, all polished two-crypt model from SOUTHERN MAUSOLEUMS, INC.; the TAYLOR design from WORLEY MONUMENT COMPANY, INC., illustrates the high degree of contrast possible with etched carvings using the firm's new granite imported from Africa; and RICHARDS incorporates contemporary lines of design and the old-world craftsmanship available from KEYSTONE MEMORIALS, INC. The Outdoor Display was established as a community relations project by E.G.A. in 1970 to showcase the granite, the craftsmanship and design capabilities of the E.G.A. member-firms. Manufactured by SOUTHERN GRANITE COMPANY, INC. "Southern Blue Granite" Manufactured by KEYSTONE MEMORIALS, INC. "Keystone Blue Granite" Manufactured by MAJESTIC GRANITE COMPANY "Unique Red Granite" E.G.A. MEMBER SPOTLIGHT-(Ed. Note -The GRANITEER regularly spotlights member-firms in order to acquaint readers with the various Elberton Granite companies and their personnel and to lead to a better understanding and appreciation of these member-firms who bring you this magazine and innumerable other services from the "Granite Capital of the World.") Oglesby Granite Owner Applies Sales Expertise In Company Operation. LANIER ''BOOTS" OGLESBY and PAULA BRADFORD. The Oglesby Granite Sales monument manufacturing plant is on the Hartwell Highway near Elberton. This computerized, twin-head automatic polishing line is typical of the Oglesby Granite Sales plant and equipment modernization. "Sales and selling -that's where it's at!" So says Lanier "Boots" Oglesby, owner of OGLESBY GRANITE SALES, INC., and one of Elberton's most successful young granite manufacturers. "I would never discount production and quality - you have to stand behind your product -but in order to need production, you first have to sell it."Mr. Oglesby speaks with authority, for he was a Granite Industry Sales Representative for years before he purchased his own monument manufacturing facility on the Hartwell Highway one mile north of Elberton. ''Good service and keeping your customers happy are the keys in this business," he acids, noting that he is on a first-name basis with most of his clients. "Many of them are my personal friends; I spend the night at their house when I'm on the road. We feel very fortunate to pretty much keep the same customer base." In addition to having a keen understanding of the sales aspects of the monument industry, Boots has a progressive businessman's insight into trends and developments in the industry. "You have to keep up with what is going on and where your business is headed," he surmises. Purchased In 1988 Boots purchased his monument finish­ing plant from the Fred Herndon family in 1988 after serving as Sales Manager at the firm for 10 years. The plant includes approximately 14,850-sq. ft. of work area. It is equipped with four bridge cranes; a twin-head, gantry-type automatic polisher; a computer-operated, combination profile grinder-shaping saw; a computerized diamond block saw with a 7-ft., 6-in. blade; a 5-ft. diamond saw; and a smaller shaping saw. "We plan to computerize as many plant operations as possible, including the addition of more sawing equipment," said Mr. Oglesby. He added that computers are also planned for the firm's office and bookkeeping functions. Company Trucks Deliver Oglesby Granite operates two tractor­trailer units and a 10-wheel truck to assure prompt deliveries. The firm's primary customer base is in the Southwestern and Southeastern U.S. However, the company's sales territory reaches as far north as Canada. In fact, Oglesby Granite was one of the first Elberton companies to establish a Canadian market for finished Elberton Granite Memorials. The company sells "Elberton Blue," "Salisbury Pink," "French Creek Black," and "Autumn Rose" granites. Key personnel includes Plant Foreman Terry McGarity, a master granite carver who excels in specialty work; and Paula Bradford who has 21 years of Granite Industry office experience and is proficient in computer operations. A native of Elbert County, Boots is the son of Joe Oglesby, a Granite Industry craftsman. He graduated from Bowman High School, served in the U .5. Army, and attended North Georgia Technical School at Clarksville where he studied masonry. He established a granite freight hauling company and later became a monument company Sales Representative, serving mostly western states. He joined Herndon Granite Company in 1978 and ten years later purchased the firm. He is an avid golfer and a member of the Elberton Country Club, the Elks Club, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and attends St. Albans Episcopal Church. He and his wife, Carole, have three children. Tennessee County Honors Veterans With Yeargin & Childs Memorial. One of the most impressive veterans memorials produced in Elberton recently was by YEARGIN & CHILDS GRANITE COMPANY, INC., to honor the men and women of Sumner County, Tennessee, who served in World War I, World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. Those killed in action are identified on five large inscription columns. The massive monument also honors all those who served in the military in peacetime. It is on the grounds of the Sumner County Administration Building at Gallatin, Tennessee. From GRANITEER The Sumner County Veterans Committee, a coalition of seven local veterans organizations and headed by Dr. Sam Creed, Executive Secretary, selected the design from a Spring 1989 ELBERTON GRANITEER. The memorial is a replica of a similar design contained in the E.G.A. LOAN REFERENCE NOTEBOOK OF WAR MEMORIALS, commemorating veterans in Wooster, Ohio. That monument was also produced by Yeargin & Childs. Financing for the Sumner County Veterans Memorial was obtained through donations, fund raisers, and city and county governments. 11 Pieces The memorial was fabricated from 11 pieces of steeled-finish "Elberton Blue Granite." It is 11-ft. long and 10-ft., 6-in. high. The 7- ft. high columns are on a base and sub-base and are topped by a four-piece cap doweled together and pre-assembled as a single unit. This granite tribute was erected by Elberton granite installation expert Milford Higginbotham, according to Yeargin & Childs President Carl Yeargin. The Veteran's Memorial is the centerpiece of a "Circle of Heroes Tribute" an area designated for future memorials. The entire site is surrounded by trees donated by veterans or their families. ORLANDO SITE OF STONEXPO '93. STONEXPO, a trade show featuring the latest in stone working machinery and supplies from around the world, will be held March 18-20, 1993 in Orlando, Florida. The Orange County Convention Center will be the site of the exhibit and the Orlando Marriott on International Drive will be the headquarters hotel. This exhibit is a cooperative effort begun in 1987 by suppliers of equipment and various North American stone associations. Its purpose is to provide a convenient and economical opportunity, for those in the North American stone industry, to keep up with the latest in stone working technology without having to travel to various European shows. The ELBERTON GRANITE ASSOCIATION, INC. is one of ten stone industry groups from the U.S. and Canada that sponsors STONEXPO. E.G.A. Members Nine E.G.A. Associate member-firms participated as exhibitors in STONEXPO '91 held in Jacksonville, Florida. These E.G.A. members supply tools and machinery to the North American markets from their base of operations in Elberton. Many of these firms displayed actual pieces of equipment and demonstrated their operation to the delight of the convention participants. Approxi­mately 40 representatives from 33 E.G.A. firms attended STONEXPO '91. Three E.G.A. member-firms are represented on the StonExpo Federation Board of Trustees. New In '93 For the first time, STONEXPO '93 will permit the display of stone. All past shows have been limited to exhibits of quarrying and fabricating machinery and related tools and supplies. Mike Wiston, President of StonExpo Federation said, "The addition of commercial stone displays to our show enables us to offer a complete package of stone industry products and services. We are the only trade show in North America devoted exclusively to the entire stone trade and the people who work with this unique natural product." Those interested in more information about attending or exhibiting at STONEXPO '93 should contact StonExpo Federation, 1601 West Fifth Avenue #105, Columbus, Ohio 43212. E.G.A. Training Institute "A Continuation of Success" Regardless of how long you have been in business, this course gives you an in-depth view of how you can improve your bottom line." Quote From 1991 Institute Trainee. Officials of the Elberton Granite Association, Inc., which are sponsoring the ELBERTON GRANITE TRAINING INSTITUTE for the twelfth consecutive year beginning in August, say that a major factor in the continuing interest and response is diversification and modification of subject content. E.G.A. Executive Vice President Tom Robinson, CM, who was Institute Director for 11 of the 12 years, stressed that there "has been an evolution and updating in many aspects of the Institute to keep abreast of changes and progress in the Monument Industry and society in general. This includes having successful former students to return as instructors bringing fresh ideas and experiences." Member Support "Of course, the nucleus of our instructional staff will always be the many craftsmen and personnel from our member-firms who lend their financial support, personnel and facilities to make the Institute a success." "At the conclusion of each session, we have a critique and seriously consider the feedback from the course evaluation sheets from each trainee and base our modifications on future courses accordingly. We appear to be heading in the right direction, especially when you consider the changing trends in the Monument Industry." Willing To Teach Others "We are like a university or other institution whose students have transformed their education into success and are willing to come back and teach others based on their own experiences. We feel that current trainees will better relate to their peers in the Monument Industry, rather than someone from outside the field and not directly involved in the business. Who better to teach others about the monument business than memorialists, who daily deal with customers and the nuts and bolts of the business?" said Mr. Robinson. He added that other segments of the Monument Industry are following the same logic. "More and more at state, regional, and national meetings of memorialists, we are seeing excellent programs presented by many qualified retailers on various aspects of the business. We have a tremendous wealth of knowledge and talent in our industry. Why not encourage savvy memorialists to share their ideas and expertise?" Courses Offered in '92 Courses to be offered this year include "RETAIL SHOP PROCEDURES," August 17-21 and December 14-18; "MONUMENT RETAILERS BASIC COURSE," September 21-25; "DEVELOPING CREATIVE DESIGNS," October 19-23; "IMPROVING YOUR PERSONAL SALES SKILLS," November 9-13. Former Trainees Former trainees returning as instructors for the first time include ED and Kathy Baer, of Baer & Sons Memorials, Lynchburg, Virginia, who will instruct on how to "Professionalize Your Business Through Computer Use" during the Basic Course; Jollish Clifton, of Clifton & Clifton Monuments, Inc., of Elizabeth City, North Carolina, will provide insights and tips for the new memorialist on "Getting Started From Scratch" during the Basic Course; and Charlie Hunt of Hunt Memorials, Inc., of Nashville, Tennessee, will assist participants with "Sketching For Your Prospects" in both the Creative Designs and Sales Skills sessions. These "new" instructors will be joined by a seasoned faculty that includes: Mike Moore of Virginia Monument Company, Marion, Virginia; and A. C. Joyner, CM, of Joyner's Memorial, Wilson, North Carolina, who will both instruct in the "Sales Skills" course and Bert Gast of Gast Monuments, Inc., Chicago, Illinois, who will be featured in the "Design Course." E.G.A. Training Director David Norman added that 1992 classes are filling rapidly, and because the August session of the "Shop Procedures" course is already filled, an overflow session is being consid­ered for December 14-18. Each session is Iimited to 20 persons and all applicants must be recommended by an E.G.A. voting member. The enrollment fee is $125.00 and will cover instructional materials, five meals, and transportation to and from all Institute activities. Trainees will stay at the Granite City Motel where rates are $37.95 for single rooms and $22.08 per person for doubles. Interested persons should complete and send in the accompanying application. David Shoemaker of KEYSTONE MEMORIALS, INC., gives stencil cutting tips. Frank Bone of BICKNELL MANUFACTURING COMPANY. and an Institute “regular” instructor, illustrates stencil cutting by machine. Trainees inspect engraving demonstrated during the "Shop Course." David Norman, Director. John Fernandez of LANDMARK GRANITE COMPANY, INC., provides instruction on photo duplication. RETAIL SHOP PROCEDURES August 17-21 and December 14-18, 1992 Participate in the only shop-related "hands-on" training program offered in the Monument Industry. Topics covered will be double-process carving, spot polishing, repairing chipped edges, basic pneumatic tool work and more. To be held in the fully-equipped facilities at the Elbert County Comprehensive High School Granite Lab. An excellent opportunity for owners or employees lacking skills associated with basic shop techniques. MONUMENT RETAILERS BASIC COURSE September 21-25, 1992 Designed for those new to the Monument Industry, participants will see granite production facilities, learn monument terminology, procedures for measuring and making rubbings, receive instruction in selling, developing prospects, advertising, monument setting and cleaning and receive information on specialty items, tools and supplies. A. C. Joyner, CM, Ed and Kathy Baer, and Jollish Clifton will be among guest instructors. DEVELOPING CREATIVE DESIGNS October 19-23, 1992 This course introduces participants to alternatives in monument shapes, finishes, and custom lettering styles. Learn sketching techniques and the many resources available for new design ideas. Challenging case studies and instruction by successful designers both commercial and retail make this a favorite among Institute trainees. Bert Gast is guest instructor. IMPROVING YOUR PERSONAL SALES SKILLS November 9-13, 1992 This course helps develop specific sales techniques to improve effectiveness in almost any sales situation. At­need and pre-need programs are presented as well as information about setting appointments and effectively dealing with objections. Emphasis in 1992 will be on establishing and reaching personal sales goals. Mike Moore, A. C. Joyner, CM, and Charlie Hunt are among the guest instructors. Tony Adams Named To E.G.A. Board. Tony Adams, an owner of EAGLE GRANI TE COMPANY, INC.; DIXIE GRANITE COMPANY, INC.; GOLD EAGLE QUARRIES, INC.; and QUARRY ENTERPRISES, INC., was recently selected to serve on the E.G.A. Board of Trustees. Mr. Adams was named by the Board to replace Mrs. Shirley McNeely who was President of COGGINS GRANITE, INC., until that firm's assets were sold to ROYALTY GRANI TE CORPORATION. Mr. Adams and his father were operating a successful auto parts business in Elberton in 1976 when he purchased Eagle Granite Company from the late Jack Whiteside and Robert Hulme. He steadily expanded Eagle facilities and later purchased interest in the other granite manu­facturing and quarrying companies. He has been active in E.G .A. serving as a Board Trustee 1983-1986 and in various community and civic affairs. Tony is recognized as one of the more successful young Granite Industry entrepreneurs. A graduate of the Georgia Institute of Technology, he was an executive at a large paper company in Atlanta before coming home to Elberton to join the family business. He is the father of three children and a member of the Elberton First Baptist Church. TONY ADAMS. Coach Gets Granite Capital Welcome. Rose Walker gives a penset and Elberton Mayor Joe Fendley presents a Ray Goff Day Proclamation and Key to the City to Coach Goff. Tom Oglesby, left, and Joe Fernandez, were honored with "Dan McGill Awards" saluting outstanding University of Georgia alumni for their contributions to the school. University of Georgia Football Coach Ray Goff received a "Granite Capital Welcome" recently when he addressed a joint meeting of the Elbert County Bulldog Club and Alumni Society, the Kiwanis Club, and the Rotary Club. Among the highlights of the program held at the Elberton Civic Center was the presentation of a large red and black granite penset from the Bulldog Club. The penset was manufactured by WALKER GRANITE COMPANY, INC. Also presented was a Key to the City and Proclamation from Mayor Joe Fendley, of FENDLEY ENTERPRISES, INC., proclaiming Thursday, April 2, as "Ray Goff Day" in Elberton. Ornate Penset Walker Granite Company Office Manager Rose Walker, a Georgia Alumna and former President of the Elbert County Bulldog Club, presented the penset to Coach Goff. She is the wife of Company Vice President Marty Walker. The set consisted of a 16-in. long "French Creek Black Granite" base and polished "Morning Rose Granite" cut to simulate one-half of a football, complete in every detail, epoxied onto the black granite. McGill Award Another highlight of the meeting was the presentation of two "Dan McGill Awards," named after the legendary UGA Tennis Coach and Sports Information Director. The award recognizes outstanding Georgia alumni for their contributions to the University. The recipients were Tom Oglesby, President of KEYSTONE MEMORIALS, INC., and Joe Fernandez, owner of DESIGN MART, a commercial design firm and E.G.A. member. E.G.A. Members Reap Honors From Elbert Chamber of Commerce. Elberton Granite men and women have always been in the foreFront as leaders in Elbert County. This was evident al the Sixty-eighth Annual Banquet of the Elbert County Chamber of Commerce held at the National Guard Armory Friday, March 20, 1992 when several members and owners were cited for outstanding service to the community and as outstanding citizens. Those honored included outgoing Chamber President Robin Childs of CHILDS & CHILDS GRANITE COMPANY, INC.; Massoud and Gerry Besharat, owners of IMEX INTERNATIONAL, INC.; and Nancy Coggins Whitworth, of GRANITE ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANTS. Awards Presented Mr. Childs received the Chamber's Distinguished Service Award for leadership and service to the community as determined by the organization's Awards Committee. He also received a Past President's Plaque saluting his Chamber Presidency during 1991-92. Mr. and Mrs. Besharat's "Award of Achievement" was designated by the Awards Committee for promoting and successfully practicing the Free Enterprise system, and Mrs. Whitworth was named Homemaker of the Year by the Chamber's Agriculture Committee. Also, three of six businesses receiving plaques for hosting the Chamber's "Business After Hours" reception each month were E.G.A. members. They were KEYSTONE MEMORIALS, INC., CHILDS & CHILDS GRANITE COMPANY, INC., and IMEX INTERNATIONAL/S.E.A. DIAMOND TOOLS U.S.A., INC. Outgoing Chamber President Robin Childs displays the Distinguished Service Award and Past President's Plaque he received at the Chamber banquet. Mrs. Nancy Coggins Whitworth received this beautiful silver tray for being named Homemaker of the Year by the Chamber. Mr. and Mrs. Massoud Besharat, center, and office staff members Patsy Tomlin, left, and Leanne Williams, right, admire the Award of Achievement from the Chamber. Mr. and Mrs. Otis Childs, left, of Childs & Childs Granite Company, Inc., pre­sented a set of “Caprice Blue Granite” bookends to the Banquet Guest Speaker, U.S. Senator Sam Nunn, from Georgia. The Great Seal of the United States was engraved on the bookends. J & R GRANITE COMPANY, INC. - This stately monument was manufactured by J& R Granite for Carolina Marble & Granite Company of Lexington. South Carolina. The all-steeled "Everlasting Blue Granite" memorial features an apex top with scotia, a sub-base with an ogee and drop wash. A check at the bottom of the tablet adds to the classic look of the design. The family name is framed by double vee lines. The 9-ft. long memorial. in the St. Stephens Lutheran Church Cemetery in Lexington. commemorates the late Billy Caughman, a member of the South Carolina Highway Commission. President of Caughman Meat Plant. Inc., and a member of the Board of Trustees of the Lexington State Bank. The monument was designed by Lee Smith, owner of Carolina Granite & Marble. BOYD GRANITE COMPANY, INC. - The Boyd firm manufac­tured this columnar-type memorial for Hopkinsville Monument Company of Hopkinsville, Kentucky. The imposing 6-ft., 2-in. high monument is produced from French Creek Black Granite. It is composed of five pieces doweled together, including the columns. large polished turned vase and pedestal. and a cap with a serpentine top on which the family name and religious symbolism are carved. Mr. London was a prominent funeral director in the Hopkinsville area. The monuments in Riverside Cemetery in Hopkinsville. SOUTHERN MAUSOLEUMS, INC. - Resplendent in design, selection of materials, and artistic workmanship, this majestic mausoleum is in Pine Hill Cemetery in Westfield, Massachusetts. Fabricated for L & S Memorials of Westfield, the all-polished "French Creek Black Granite" structure features steeled-finish fluted pilasters on the front. Steeled recessed checks accent the ornate bronze doors which have a gothic arch design. The family name is in frosted outline letters on the large gabled roof. The modified Southern Mausoleum 6000 copyrighted designs 8-ft., 4-in. high, 10-ft. 2-in. wide, and 9-ft., 4-in. deep. The building has an all-polished interior with a lily-scroll design stained glass window in the rear. The unit, weighing 58.000 pounds. was pre-assembled at the Southern Mausoleum plant in Elberton and transported on a lowboy trailer by Wilkes Transport, Inc. L & S Memorials owner Clyde Small and Southern Mausoleums General Manager Alan Skelton collaborated on the final design. KEYSTONE MEMORIALS, INC. -The manufacturing expertise of Keystone and the design talents of Mike Carter, graphic designer for Cemetery Memorials by George E. Crone. of Memphis, Tennessee, are expressed in this monument whose symbolism is rooted in antiquity The focal point of the towering 9-ft. high monument is the center “raise door,” which George Crone, owner of the retail firm, said is an ancient symbol pre-dating Christianity. The false door signifies passage to the hereafter, and when united with Christian symbols such as the bas relief Cross. it imports the belief that Christ is the route to eternal life. The all-steeled "Keystone Blue Granite" memorial, in Calvary Cemetery in Memphis, includes a concave nosing on the sub-base. It marks the grave of a John Vincent Pera, a prominent Memphis insurance executive. SUPREME GRANITE COMPANY, INC. -This traditional-style, yet elegant, memorial commemorates the late Horace Eaves who was well-known throughout the Granite Industry for cutting death dates and cleaning monuments in the cemetery. Mr. Eaves, a friend to Supreme owner Willie Simmons, died in 1991. He was a past owner of Elberton Granite Turning Works and gave Mr. Simmons his first job in the Granite Industry. Fabricated from all-polished "Royal Blue Granite," the monument includes an apex top with check, a band of dogwood carving, and the family name in polished raised letters in a recessed panel framed by vee lines. The memorial is in Elmhurst Cemetery in Elberton. UNIVERSAL MEMORIAL COMPANY, INC. -Universal fabricated this custom memorial which utilizes different colors of granites and contrasting finishes in a clever union to achieve a unique monument. Designed by Jim Stark of Mastercraft Memorials of Richmond, Indiana. the memorial is composed of a "French Creek Black Granite" tablet and two benches with all-steeled "Universal Dark Blue Granite" seats. Mastercraft Memorials executed the pictorial carving which depicts a family prayer scene with parents observing praying children grouped around their bed. The monument is in Crown Hill Cemetery in Indianapolis, Indiana, near Richmond. OLD SOUTH GRANITE COMPANY, INC. -Allen Parsons, owner of Allen's Monuments at Oleta, Oklahoma, designed this highly-symbolic memorial tor Carl Wayne Cunningham, an American Indian who was born in the mountains of Southeast Oklahoma. His widow requested that his memorial reflect his love of hunting and camping in the mountains which are duplicated in relief to form the top of the monument. "Imperial Gray Granite· from Old South was the medium used for the design which is in the Wright City, Oklahoma. Cemetery. Mr. Parsons is a graduate of an Elberton Granite Training Institute session on "Creative Design.” McCANNON GRANITE COMPANY, INC. -This memorial was produced by Mccannon Granite for C. E. Darner & Son, a retail monument firm in Hagerstown. Maryland. It marks a four-grave lot in Utica Cemetery at Frederick, Maryland. The monument consists of four pieces of polished and steeled "Morning Rose Granite, including the two tablets with polished hearts linked by the center pedestal on which the family name is inscribed. Individual names are engraved on ribbon name panels adorned by symbolic Praying Hands and cultured rose sandcarvings. Fabrication of the design required exacting diamond sawing and hand tooling. The memorial was designed by staff members at the C. E. Darner firm. E.G.A. Firms Jointly Produce Memorial Table. Several E.G.A. member-firms recently cooperated in the construction of an unusual granite table which is an outstanding example of non-cemetery memorialization. The table was erected on the grounds of the rural Stinchcomb Methodist Church in Elbert County. It commemorates Benjamin Fletcher Edwards and his wife, Eloid Adeline Arnold Edwards, grandparents of retired monument manu­facturer Willie Edwards. The couple is buried near the Stinchcomb Methodist Church, but the actual gravesite has been lost. The Edwards grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren erected the table. The 10-in. long table was produced from all-polished "Autumn Rose Granite" panels and black granite legs. The red granite was supplied by CHILDS & CHILDS GRANITE COMPANY, INC. Mr. Edwards supplied the black granite from which the table's legs were produced. HILLCREST GRANITE COMPANY, INC. fabricated the reel granite pieces, and WALKER GRANITE COMPANY, INC. manufactured the leg components. Lettering and symbolism were engraved by Childs & Childs and include the Edwards and Arnold family crests, the couple's names and the names of their 12 children and their spouses. CREATIVE-PREMIER DESIGNS used their computer-assisted-design system to produce the engraving layouts. Spaces between the legs were enclosed to provide panels for the lettering. Lamar Walker, owner of Walker Granite Company, and Nita Hill, wife of Hillcrest owner Calvin Hill, are related to the Edwards. Electric Co-Op Spotlights Boyd Granite Company (Ed. Note: Electrical service for many Elberton area granite manufacturers and quarriers is provided through various consumer owned co­operatives. These electric membership corporations have been vital to the development of rural Georgia and America.) Boyd Granite Company, Inc., a progressive granite quarrying and manufacturing business operates one oi the larger manufacturing facilities located in the unincorporated areas of Elbert County. Unlike their city counterparts who receive their electrical power from the City of Elberton, Boyd depends on Hart Electric Membership Corpo­ration for electrical service. Hart EMC has served Boyd for the past 15 years and has seen their electrical consumption steadily increase through plant expansion, new quarrying developments and the addition of new equipment. In the March/April 1992 issue of the EMC bi-monthly publication CURRENT, Boyd Granite Company was spotlighted in a feature story. Their quarrying and manufacturing procedures were presented to thousands of co-op members throughout the State. In the EMC publi­cation, quarrying and manufacturing techniques were explained in a four page spread that included four full-color photos. Power Demand The electric co-op's publication emphasized the growing demand by the granite industry for electric power stating that, "the Boyd's annual electric load now averages 2-1,000 kilowatt hours annually." The EMC goes on to state that "all of the processes until the final decorative touches, which may be set up by computer, are run by electric power." As more granite producers follow Boyd Granite Company's lead and locate in the unincorporated areas of the county, where property is more available, the electric cooperatives will face a tremendous challenge. Diamond saws operating 24 hours a clay, air compressors, multiple-head polishing lines and the many small machines that run continuously will add to the growing demand for economical electric power from the electric membership corporations. E.G.A. Members Featured In National Publication. Two E.G.A. members - STAR GRAN­ITE COMPANY, INC., and ELBERTON INDUSTRIAL ELECTRIC, INC ., were recently spotlighted in AUTOMATIO, magazine, a publication devoted to reporting advances in equipment and automation. The full-page story, with color photographs, related how Elberton Industrial Electric equipped Star Granite's five diamond block saws with TSX-47 programmable logic controllers and XBT intelligent terminals. The story quoted Star officials as reporting a 30 percent improvement in production. Electronic Controls The installation of the computerized system eliminated the use of limit switches to control the operation of the saws. With the programmable logic controllers and XBT-B terminals, saw operators can define, transmit, or modify operating parameters and get status reports, operator instructions, failure warnings, and production data. Elberton Industrial Electric, owned by Ben Rice, Dennis Mann and Terry Maxwell have been serving the granite industry for 15 years. They began work­ing with the programmable controllers about 1 2 years ago. These electronic control boards have evolved, according to Ben Rice, from the automation that has taken place in automobile manufacturing. The Elberton technicians have applied these time-saving devices to a variety of granite working machines including profile grinders, polishing lines and various types of sawing equipment. Because their application is so versatile they are seen as a significant upgrade to almost any type of machine. Elberton Industrial Electric's staff provides design, engineering and installation of these con­trol board systems that can contain up to 24 K of programmable memory. Elberton Industrial Electric sees these electronic controllers as the granite industry's first step into the age of robotics. Supreme Marketing Turned Granite Items Willie Simmons, President of SUPREME GRANITE COMPANY, INC., announced that he has installed a turning lathe at his monument manufacturing plant on Highway 72 four miles west of Elberton. Mr. Simmons said the lathe will enable his firm to market urns, vases, lamps, and other turned granite items. "This equipment provides a new dimension to our customer service capabilities, said Mr. Simmons. We are now manufacturing rounded and curved pieces such as accessories for monuments or other items of various sizes, shapes, and patterns. For example, one of the more popular things we have successfully experimented with are granite lamps of various colors patterned after the old-style kerosene lamps." These are examples of some of the turned products Supreme Granite Company is now marketing through use of the firm's new turning lathe. The lamp above is patterned after the old kerosene lamp. Budiam Hosts Elberton Group in Europe. A group of Elberton Granite Industry representatives was recently hosted by BUDIAM AMERICA DIAMOND TOOLS, INC., on a week-long tour of German stone working and monumental plants. They visited the Hensel factory in Bayreuth and the Destag, Budiam and Buttner Natursteinwerke stone plants near Frankfort. The Destag Company is the largest granite block dealer in the world, said Hartmut Hinss, Vice President of Budiam America in Elberton. EGA Firms Included in the group from Elberton were Robin and Tim Childs of CHILDS & CHILDS GRANITE COMPANY, INC., David Edwards and Jack Vickery of SOUTHERN GRANITE COMPANY, INC., Rusty Adams of STAR GRANITE COM­PANY, INC., Mike Baston of AMERICAN GRANITE TILE, INC., Marty Walker of WALKER GRANITE COMPANY, INC., Tom Oglesby of KEYSTONE MEMORI­ALS, INC., Danny Wiles of WILES GRANITE COMPANY, INC., John Moore of Granite City Bank, and Hartmut Hinss. The Elbertonians and their German hosts pose after a tour of the Hensel Eisenwerk Plant at Bayreuth. They included, left to right, Robin Childs; Chuck Hecht, Quaffa Stone; Marty Walker; Wolfgang Behr, Hensel; Jack Vickery; Alexander Burkhardt, Hensel; Roger Hanko, Quarra Stone; Don Shelton, North Carolina Granite; John Moore; Tim Childs; Mike Baston; Tom Oglesby; David Edwards; Danny Wiles; Rusty Adams; Norbert Sieder, Hensel; and Hartmut Hinss. Elberton Memorials Commemorate Military Veterans E.G.A. member-firms are continuing to regularly produce an interesting variety of outstanding memorials of varying sizes, shapes and finishes to honor the men and women who served their country in time of war. The following are recent examples and will be included in the E.G.A. REFERENCE LOAN NOTEBOOK OF WAR MEMORIALS which many monument retailers have successfully used to provide design ideas and conclude sales of military memorials to governmental, veterans, and civic groups. AT BAYTOWN, TEXAS. One of the most creative and appealing veter­ans memorials fabricated in Elberton recently was by BOYD GRANITE COMPANY, INC., who manufactured the 17-piece monument erected in Baytown, Texas. Produced for Tri-City Monument Company of Highlands, Texas, the memorial salutes those from the Baytown area who served and died in World War I, World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. It was sponsored by the Baytown Kiwanis Club and designed by Tri­City Monument Owner Daniel Krizak. It is in the Baytown Bicentennial Park. The 11-ft., 6-in. high monument consists of four large tablets, each with a base and cap. These pieces are mounted on a large base and sub-base. Created from steeled-finish "Robin Blue Granite," the multi-pieced memorial required precision hand-tooling and sawing for a "perfect fit" of all components. The tribute includes the names of those from Baytown killed in the four wars and the emblems of four major branches of the military. Two granite benches were erected at the site and two more are planned. Tri-City Monument Company performed the carving and lettering. AT BASTROP, LOUISIANA. The high-gloss polish attainable with "Cherry Hill Black Granite" is evident in this outstanding veterans monument by KEYSTONE MEMORIALS, INC. The memorial was erected to honor those from Morehouse Parish, Louisiana, who gave their lives in defense of their country in World War I, World War II, Korea and Vietnam. The massive memorial - 10-ft.­high and 6-ft.-long - features an arched cutout for the placement of ceramic figures of a soldier helping a wounded comrad. The statuary was cast by a local artist and is encased in bulletproof plexiglass. The memorial was installed by Brookhaven Monument Company of Brookhaven, Mississippi. The names of more than 120 servicemen are carved in frosted outline letters on the monument which is on the grounds of the parish courthouse in Bastrop, Louisiana. Local veterans groups sponsored the memorial which includes two ''Cherry Hill Black Granite" benches with stylish deep concave supports. AT PITTSGROVE TOWNSHIP, NEW JERSEY. A unique memorial honoring those from Pittsgrove Township, New Jersey, who served in the armed forces was recently manufactured by PURITAN GRANITE COMPANY, INC. The memorial was designed and sponsored by the Pinsgrove Township Veterans Monument Association, an organization of local citizens who raised funds through donations from hundreds of local citizens. Dedicated November 9, 1991, the memorial was crafted from all-Steeled "Blue Ribbon Granite." Erected by Eller Memorials of Monroeville, New Jersey, the 11-ft., 8-in. monument consists of a large center panel and two recessed wings. The memorial stands on an elevated planter covered by split face ashlar granite and sawed-finished caps. The names of the six major service branches, including the Merchant Marines, are engraved on the left panel and a Revolutionary War soldier escorting two children is inscribed on the right panel. A dedication inscription and a carving of the Liberty Bell are on the center panel. The main theme of the monument is 10 honor all veterans, past, present, and future. It is designated as a "living memorial" by its sponsors because no accurate list of Pittsgrove veterans was available. Keystone Monument Honors Ambulance Corps. What is believed to be the only monument in New Jersey honor­ing an AmbLilance Corps was recently produced by KEYSTONE MEMORIALS, INC., for John V. Gaspar Memorials of Wallington, New Jersey. Erected at Saddle Brook, New Jersey, the steeled-finish "Keystone Blue Granite" memorial lists the names of the volunteer Ambulance Corps, the symbol of emergency medical services, and the names of Corps members since 1959 who are deceased. The owner of the retail monument firm, John Gaspar, said he designed the monument at the request of Corps members who sponsored the memorial. It is located at the Ambulance Corps headquarters facility. The memorial is an example of how Elberton Granite can be used for non-cemetery purposes in a dignified, meaningful tribute which will impress an entire community. AT ILLINOIS CHURCH BOYD GRANITE COMPANY, INC., recently fabricated 14 pieces of all-steeled "Robin Blue Granite" which was combined with yel­low brick in the construction oi a 30-ft.-high bell tower-sign at the Church of the Ascension in Mt. Olive, Illinois. The granite compo­nents were produced for Mt. Olive Monument Company owned by John Jatcko. The pieces included nine panels 1-ft., 4-in.-square on which individual letters spelling out the church's name are inscribed. The pan­els are mounted vertically on the front of a broad brick column. A large cross, 3-ft., 4-in. high and a cap are erected atop the column. In addition, two wing-type walls angling back from the column have granite caps over 9-ft. long. Large bronze bells are suspended from arches in the wings. A section of granite 5-ft., 6-in. long was used as the cornerstone and as a frame for the church message board. E.G.A. Members Provide Outstanding Granite Signs (ED. NOTE: Fashionable, attractive granite signs are probably the most frequently-produced, non-monumental item made at E.G.A. member-firm facilities. Only a few short years ago, significant granite signs were barely a trickle of Elberton Granite production. Then, in the mid­1980's, concurrent With the publication of E.G.A.'s REFERENCE LOAN NOTEBOOK OF GRANITE SIGNS, the demand began to skyrocket. E.G.A. members became more adept at producing different styles of signs and urged monument retailers to aggressively pursue the market through contractors, architects, and builders. All sign designs featured in the CRANITEER are included in the GRANITE SIGNS NOTEBOOK which may be borrowed for 30 clays by using the order form on the next page. The borrower may remove the designs for as many photocopies as desired. The 550 deposit is returned in full when E.G.A. receives the Notebook back from the borrower.) AT ELBERT COUNTY AIRPORT. An outstanding example of public facil­ity signage was recently manufactured by QUICK SAW GRA1 ITE COMPANY to mark the site of the Elbert County Airport. Erected on Highway 72 approximately two miles east of Elberton, the sign is composed of polished "India Black Granite" with "Elberton Blue Granite" posts and base. In addition to the large letters on the sign portion, a unique directional arrow depicting a plane taking off from a runway is engraved on a black granite panel at the bottom of the sign. The ends of the panel are stippled to add contrast. Designed by Quick Saw Vice President Gary Williams, the sign is 10-ft. high and 11-ft. long. The sign portion has decorative rounds on the shoulders. It is attached with pins and epoxy to the vertical posts. The blue granite posts are actually two separate pieces 8-ft., 8-in. and 6- ft., 6-in. tall pinned and epoxied together to provide a unique look. Quick Saw worked with county officials and a local commercial sign firm, Designs on Signs, to develop the project. AT LINCOLN, ILLINOIS Two large granite panels produced by APEX GRANITE COMPANY, INC., were recently incorporated in two massive rock walls forming the entranceway to a new subdivision at Lincoln, Illinois. The panels, each 1 0-ft. long and 4-ft. high, were installed by Manley Monu­ments of Lincoln. Don Manley, owner of the retail firm, said the steeled-finish, "Enterprise Blue Granite" panels have custom Classic Roman letters that distinguish the attractive entrance sign. The rustic 12-ft. high walls offer a striking contrast to the sparkling steeled-finish granite. Mr. Manley said the sub-division developer contacted him and asked his assistance in creating an attractive and distinctive entrance utilizing granite. IN OGLETHORPE COUNTY, GEORGIA. SMITH BROTHERS MEMORIALS has fabricated a unique sign for a new business in rural Oglethorpe County near Elberton. E.O. "Junior" Smith, co-owner of the monument finishing company, said the sign was erected by his cousins, John and Bob Smith, who recently founded a wooden pallet production company adjacent to the Smith Brothers Granite plant in the Vesta Community approximately 13 miles south of Elberton. The polished "Smith Speckled Granite" sign is 7-ft., 8-in. long and 3-ft. high. It has the company name, "Smith Brothers Pallets" engraved in frosted outline script lettering. The sign also features the business's phone number, a carving of a pallet, and a decorative reproduction of a tree located near the sign. LOAN REQUEST. CEMETERY PLANNING SERVICE - E.G.A. Cost Sharing Helps Church Cemetery. The Elberton Granite Association, Inc., in cooperation with monument retailer Mel Sandquist of LaCrosse, Wisconsin, and the designers from Grever & Ward, Inc., have provided an attractive and efficient cemetery plan for a growing church in Southern Minnesota. When the Pastor of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in LaCrescent, Minnesota, mentioned his concern about available burial space, Tri­State Monument Company sales manager LaVern Cass explained the assistance available through the E.G.A. Cemetery Planning Services. Site Proposal The church received a donation of 6.1 acres of farmland, to be used for the cemetery, from parishioner Mrs. Neil Jore. The Cemetery Planning Committee, chaired by Lavern Cass, completed the required cemetery planning forms pro­vided by E.G.A. so that an initial plan proposal couId be prepared by Grever & Ward, Inc. The proposal that was pre­sented to the committee called for developing approximately one-third of the property that would provide approximately 2,000 graves, including a cremation garden. The plan incorporated the features desired by the committee and included a suggested road plan that minimized casket carrying distance to less than 100 feet by utilizing an efficient loop design. The proposal offered a "freedom of choice" concept which provided 80% upright monument lots. This design results in efficiently maintained sections with a great deal of openness. At least twenty feet of open space occurs between any two monuments allowing operating space for backhoes and large mowers. Overwhelming Success After a thorough review of the proposal by the Cemetery Committee, the project was approved. Preliminary drawings were provided, and based on these drawings, the parishioners began purchasing lots. Within three months, 25 lots had been sold. Today more than 70 lots have been purchased and numerous pre-need monuments installed. Because of the success of this initial section, the cemetery has been able to build a brick entry with an identifying granite sign, purchase an attractive iron gate, plant a number of trees and shrubs, and place crushed stone on the entire roadway. The cemetery's dedication was attended by over 300. Mel Sandquist, owner of Tri-State Monument Company who worked with La Vern Cass in coordinating the project with E.G.A., said that "Grever & Ward's timely and professional presentation sold the committee on investing in this plan." He went on to say, "We feel very fortunate to have been able to help this church and appreciate the cost sharing assistance offered by the Elberton Granite Association." E.G.A. Assistance The Elberton Granite Association now offers to assist cemeteries with the design of "freedom of choice" sections by sharing the cost of the design, paying up to a maximum of $1,200. Grever & Ward, Inc. of Orchard Park, New York, leading designers in this field for more than 40 years, continues to provide the actual design and consultation service. Brochures explaining the services available through this program are free and may be obtained by contacting the E.G.A. CEMETERY PLANNING SERVICES, P.O. Box 640, Elberton, Georgia, 30635. Planning assistance is available to any private or municipal cemetery interested in offering upright monuments. E.G.A. paid $1,000 of the design cost tor Section 1 of the Prince of Peace Cemetery Over 2,000 graves are included in this 2 1/2 acre design. Mr. Lavern Cass, sales manager for Tri-State Monument and Chairman of the Cemetery Committee, was instrumental in developing the plans and communicating the committee's ideas to Grever & Ward. Mel Sandquist of Tri-State Monument Company, Lacrosse, Wisconsin, coordinated the project with E.G.A. His firm also performed the lettering for the plaques at the cemetery's entrance. Wiles Builds New Monument Plant. Danny Wiles, owner of WILES GRAN­ITE COMPANY, INC., reported the con­struction of a 7,560-sq. ft., all-metal building which will house monument finishing operations at his firm off Highway 72 in Madison County 11 miles west of Elberton. In addition to several new pieces of equipment the structure contains a two­story office that was built inside the plant. A new computer system was added in the office to help administrative functions keep pace with the improved production. "The new building gives us a total of nearly 13,000-sq. ft. of production space," said Mr. Wiles. "This and the new equipment will enable us to expand our capacity to better serve present and potential customers." He added that the new building has a concrete floor, except in the Stonecutting Department, and a recessed loading bay for easier and quicker loading of trucks. Fully-Equipped The building includes 140-ft. of bridge crane runway and an 8-ton capacity bridge crane, plus 170-ft. of roller conveyor with automatic bankers for stone­cutters, a combination profile grinder/diamond saw, a motorized turntable and top-and-end polisher, and a guillotine stone splitter. Mr. Wiles is an accomplished machinist and built most of the new equipment himself. WI LSON INDUSTRIAL ELECTRIC, INC., an E.G.A. Associate Member, supplied the electronics for the machinery. Mr. Wiles added that the building formerly housing monument manufacturing operations now serves as sawing and polishing facilities with conveyor access between the two buildings directly to the firm's guillotine stone splitter. Automatic Equipment The fully-automatic, gantry-type combination profile grinder/saw performs a multitude of functions, including shaping tops and ends of monuments and cutting joints and notches and checks in monuments. It carries a 36-in. blade, a diamond grinding wheel, and has a motorized turntable cart and hydraulic clamp to turn monuments for intricate cuts. The machine has a special automatic oiling system for its traversing rollers and rails. The motorized clamp system adjacent to the top and end polisher easily and quickly rotates monument surfaces from top to end or vice versa. The new Park Industries guillotine stone splitter was featured in the Spring GRANITEER. The new office, inside the front end of the new building, provides 400-sq. ft. in two stories. It overlooks the plant interior. Mr. Wiles' wife, Tricia, who is Office Manager, said the new facility will provide more space, better lighting, and more comfortable working conditions - creating a better environment for operation of the new Agape Computer System. The computer will be used to figure prices and execute all bookkeeping functions. Mrs. Wiles said the computer will double the capacity of the former system. This is an interior view of the new monument manufacturing plant and some of the new equipment at Wiles Granite Company. Office Manager Tricia Wiles works at her desk on the first floor of the office building In addition to all new furnishings, a computer system was installed. Owner Danny Wiles custom-built this top and end polisher for his new plant. Note the hydraulic turntable and adjustable clamp for the gantry-type machine. More E.G.A. Firms Add Automated Polishers Computer-operated, automated granite slab polishers are now becoming standard equipment items at Elberton monument manufacturing plants. The systems basically come in two types - the gantry polishers which operate on rails and move from slab to slab, and the line polishers in which sawed slabs move via conveyor underneath a line of individual polishing units and emerge fully polished. These machines, while expensive, greatly add to the operational capabilities of E.G.A. member-firms. They are another example of the changing technology and commitment by the Elberton Granite Industry to keep abreast of customer demands. The following photos identify five machines recently placed into operation. Three of the systems were built by E.G.A. Sustaining Member, WILSON INDUSTRIAL ELECTRIC, INC. One of the companies, LEXINGTON BLUE GRANITE COMPANY, INC., installed two of the polishers side-by-side to double the firm's automatic polishing capacity. At CHILDS & CHILDS GRANITE COMPANY, INC., two additional polishing heads were added to make a total of 10 in their continual line system. LEXINGTON BLUE GRANITE COMPANY, INC. Type: Two Gantry-type Automatic Polishers. Wilson Industrial Electric. L&M GRANITE COMPANY, INC. Type: Gantry Automatic Polisher Began Operation: 1991 Built by: Wilson Industrial Electric, Inc. OLD SOUTH GRANITE COMPANY, INC. Type: Gantry Automatic Polisher Built by: Park Industries, Inc. CHILDS & CHILDS GRANITE COMPANY, INC. Continual Feed Line Polisher - HILLCREST GRANITE COMPANY, INC. Diamond Block Saw Improvements at Mccannon Granite. The expanded area of the McCannon plant includes three new recessed loading bays. Several new improvements, including a plant expansion and the installation of new equipment, was recently announced by McCANNON GRANITE COMPANY, INC. President Allen McCannon said the plant addition included lengthening the southern encl by 40-ft. to provide an additional 2,000-sq. ft. for the Shipping Department. He said the expansion includes three additional recessed loading bays, giving the Shipping Department a total of four of the trailer-height clocks. McCannon has a completely-equipped machine shop and two recently-produced items includes a new shaping saw and a portable electric clamp for handling large monuments. The shaping saw has a 36-in. blade for cutting joints, margins, checks, or other intricate cuts. The saw, designed by Allen McCannon, is unusual in that the downfeed electrical motor and all wiring is suspended above the saw's super-structure - "we moved the motor and wires to get them out of the way and make the saw more efficient," said Mr. Mccannon. Another unusual equipment item specially-engineered by Mr. McCannon is a portable, electrically-powered clamp for handling and turning monuments while they are being processed by top-and-end polishers or saws. "A monument can be turned to position almost any surface much easier and faster than with a conventional static setup system," said Mr. McCannon. He added that the clamp can easily be moved about the plant with a bridge crane. The new diamond saw has control and other wiring suspended overhead on metal beams for efficiency and convenience. Mccannon employee Walter Evans operates the new heavy-duty, electrically-powered clamp which makes turning granite pieces easier. Addition Links lmex/S.E.A. Massoud Besharat, President of IMEX INTERNATIONAL, INC./S.E.A. DIAMOND TOOLS U.S.A., INC., reported that facilities hous­ing the two affiliated firms have been linked by a new 4,000-sq. ft. addition. lmex is a diamond sawing and polishing equipment supply firm and S.E.A. produces diamond sawing and polishing segments. The lmex Service Center and S.E.A. manufacturing plant are on the Toccoa Highway three miles north of Elberton. Both companies are E.G.A. Sustaining Members. Mr. Besharat said some equipment formerly located in the lmex building was moved to the new addition, some new equipment was added, and still more new machinery will be installed later - all pertaining to the lmex service operation. The new structure also includes two new administrative offices. This is the new connecting structure linking the lmex and S.E.A. facilities. New equipment is to be added later. Childs & Childs Adds Drafting-Design Department. The new Drafting and Design Department at Childs & Childs boosts the firm's customer service capabilities. Robin Childs, Vice President of CHILDS & CHILDS GRANITE COMPANY, INC., announced that the family-owned monument fin­ishing firm has established a Drafting and Design Department complete with a new MONU-CAD 486 Computer Assisted Design system. Chip Rousey, who is one of the Elberton area's most experienced CAD operators and graphic artists, was employed to head the service. "The addition of Chip Rousey and the CAD adds a new dimension to our customer service capabilities," said Mr. Childs. "We can now offer not only pre-cut stencil to our customers, but quick full-sizes and designs." The new drafting-design department is in a remodeled section of the former Childs & Childs office building which adjoins the firm's new offices built last year. The comfortable, spacious facility is fully­equipped for drafting as well as designing. The CAD system has plotters for both full-size layouts and stencil cutting. Mr. Childs said his firm specializes in custom designing and this requires the full-size plotter. Chip Rousey, who is also an accomplished etching artist, was one of the first designers in the U.S. to operate a CAD system when they were introduced in the Monument Industry five years ago. Chip Rousey operates the new MONU-CAD system at Childs & Childs. Swift Supply Gets Computer A new Prophet 21 computer system has been installed at SWIFT SUPPLY COMPANY, INC., and is expected to speed overall operational efficiency at the quarrying equipment supply firm which is an E.G.A. Sustaining Member. Monty Dixon, Co-owner, said the sys­tem's functions will include word processing, general ledger, tracking all welding operations, accounts payable and receivable, and other items. Purchasing Agent Marsha Durham will be the Primary Computer Operations Coordinator. She has a Computer Science Degree from the Athens Area Technical Institute. Office Manager Amy Dixon will assist Mrs. Parham. They were trained in Prophet 21 procedures by Holly Mohr, Customer Service Representative from the Prophet company's home office in Yardly, Pennsylvania. Holly Mohr, center, instructs Marsha Durham, left, and Amy Dixon on computer techniques. Leon Saxon Expands Plant. Leon Saxon, owner of LEON SAXON GRANITE COMPANY, reported that his firm has added an additional 60-ft. of bridge crane runway and an extra crane at the sawing facility off High­way 77 approximately two miles south of Elberton. Mr. Saxon said the additional 1,860-sq. ft. of work area will be used mostly for block and slab storage. The new crane will bring to three the number of bridge cranes operating at the company. Leon Saxon Granite Company is an E.G.A. sustaining member which saws granite curbing. The firm has expanded significantly in the past few years and now operates three large diamond block saws which require a substantial inventory of granite blocks. First In-Plant Diamond Wiresaw at Keystone. A diamond wiresaw -the first of its type ever in Elberton -was recently installed by KEYSTONE MEMORIALS, INC., to saw blocks into slabs and for cut­ting oversized pieces of granite. Diamond wiresaws have heretofore only been locally used in quarries. The new system was produced by the Pellegrini Company of Italy and sold to Keystone by IMEX INTERNATIONAL, INC., the E.G.A. Sus­taining Member which markets diamond sawing equipment. Keystone President Tom Oglesby said conventional wire saws utilizing silicon carbide abrasives are still being used by many monument firms to saw extra-high blocks and pieces such as those used for mausoleum roof stones. Diamond rotary saws are used almost exclusively for routine block sawing. He said the diamond wire saw takes up much less plant space, is cleaner, more efficient, and requires much less labor and maintenance. It is capable of sawing an average oi 25-sq. ft. per hour, he added. The diamond saw will cut pieces up to 8-ft., 4-in. high. It uses a 24-ft. loop of wire strand on which diamond-impregnated beads and injection-molded plastic spacers are alternately fixed. There are 1 2 beaded segments per foot. All drive wheels are enclosed -thus reducing muck spray -and the unit requires only 24-ft. of plant space. It is fully automatic, including automatic wire tensioning, and does not require an operator once it is set up. Creative-Premier Adds Third CAD. CREATIVE-PREMIER DESIGNS, the E.G.A. Associate Member and commer­cial design firm, has added a third, more advanced model Computer Assisted Design (CAD) system. Mrs. Pat Wallis, owner, said one major advantage of the Cochran System is that it is 75 percent faster than the other two units operated by her company. Mrs. Wallis is the Elberton agent for Barre, Vermont-based Cochran Systems. Mrs. Wallis said another advantage of the Coch ran System is that it has the largest plotter available for CAD units. It can produce a layout or pre-cut stencil up to 31-in. high and any length. It can use 1 5, 25, or 30-in. stencil rolls. It also has a "hatching" capability, meaning that it can simulate a polished or frosted finish in color. Neil Summerour operates Creative-Premier's new CAO system. New Crane at Blue Stone. Oink Smith, owner of BLUE STONE GRANITE COMPANY, reported that he recently added 40-ft. of crane runway and a new 10-ton capacity crane at his monument plant. He said the extended area will be used for slab storage. Blue Stone Granite Company is located off the Hartwell Highway seven miles north of Elberton. The monument manufacturing firm has been a voting member since 1987. Mccannon Boosts Truck Fleet A 1992-model Peterbilt tractor-trailer was recently purchased by McCANNON GRANITE COMPANY, INC., replacing an older model operated by the monument finishing and quarrying firm. Company President Allen McCannon, right, said the double, high sleeper­equipped unit has air-ride suspension. Danny Wade, left, is the driver. The company operates four tractors and eight trailers for long­haul deliveries. Mccannon Boosts Truck Fleet A 1992-model Peterbilt tractor-trailer was recently purchased by McCANNON GRANITE COMPANY, INC., replacing an older model operated by the monument finishing and quarrying firm. Company President Allen McCannon, right, said the double, high sleeper­equipped unit has air-ride suspension. Danny Wade, left, is the driver. The company operates four tractors and eight trailers for long­haul deliveries. E.G.A. Continues First Aid Courses. The Elberton Granite Association, Inc., is continuing a series of first aid courses to help members meet regulatory safety and health requirements and assure that all employees have access to proper first aid procedures and equipment- if needed. The most recent ses­sions were held March 25 and May 6 and 7 at the Elberton Granite Museum & Exhibit where 29 employees from 1 7 firms participated. E.G.A. Executive Assistant David Norman said instructors from the Mine Safety Department of the Pickens County Technical Institute in Jasper, Georgia conducted the sessions on Basic First Aid & CPR Techniques. Mr. Norman said Instructors Anthony Whitworth and Roel Thacker "were outstanding in presenting the material to our members in a very relaxed and conversational manner. Pickens Technical Institute Mine Safety Project Coordinator Glenn Rasco is to be commended for the very effective safety training program he and his staff have developed." The training format this year emphasized more "hands-on" training with simulated treatment for a variety of possible injuries. Since February, 1991, E.G.A. has conducted six first aid training sessions involving 108 employees from 60 member firms. The 1992 sessions are follow-up sessions recertifying personnel whose first aid cards had expired. Refresher courses will continue to be offered next year qualifying these experienced participants for two years. Brian Dixon from Childs & Childs Granite Company, Inc., practices administering first aid as fellow trainee, and instructors Rod Thacker, left, and Anthony Whitworth, right, observe. Royalty Granite Names Quarry Manager. MARCEL GRIMARD, formerly of Barre, Vermont, has been named Quarry Manager of the ROYALTY GRANITE CORPORATION operations in the Elberton area. Royalty Granite recently purchased the extensive quarrying interests of Coggins Granite, Inc. and is operat­ing the "Royalty Granite," "Berkeley Blue," and "Millstone Blue" granite quarries in the Elberton Granite District. Mr. Grimard was formerly a Foreman at the Bethel Granite Quarry in Barre operated by the Rock of Ages Corporation which is also owned by Swenson Granite Company, the parent firm to Royalty Granite Corporation. Mr. Grimard is a veteran quarryman, beginning his career as a ledge worker. He has been with Rock of Ages since 1954. A veteran of the U.S. Army, he is married and has two sons and two step-children. Another new personnel addition at Royalty is MRS. JULIE RIDGWAY of nearby Royston, who is in charge of office operations for the quarrying company. The wife of Rodney Ridgway, a Royston banker, Julie attended Emmanuel College at Franklin Springs, Georgia, where she studied Music and Business Administration. She was formerly a receptionist for a large area corporation and worked for an area newspaper. Staff Changes at Century Granite. George Tyler, President of CENTURY GRANI TE COMPANY, INC., has announced several significant additions and changes in the office staff at his monument manufacturing firm. He said they include the promotion of DEE WEBB to head the drafting department, the addition of JACKIE COGGINS as an assistant in the Drafting Department, THERESA FOKES in the Accounting Department, and SHAN THOMASON as a receptionist. Mrs. Webb is the wife of Jimmy Webb, a longtime Granite Industry worker. A native of Indiana, Mrs. Webb amended the Ray-Dogue School of Art in Chicago where she studied Commercial Art. She moved to the Elberton area in 1968. She has prior monumental drafting experience and is ski lied in the use of Century's com­puter-assisted-design system (CAD). Mrs. Coggins, the wife of the Rev. Knox Coggins, is a veteran Elberton Granite Industry draftsperson and served an apprenticeship as a sandblast engraver and stencil cutter. She has 22 years experience in that field and is applying her knowledge in the operation of the CAD system. Mrs. Fokes is also a native of Indiana and moved to Elberton last year when her husband transferred here to work in a large national industry. She attended Wake Technical College at Raleigh, North Carolina, where she studied Com­puter Principles and Programming. She is an experienced office worker. Mrs. Thomason is a native Elbertonian and graduated from Elbert County Compre­hensive High School. She is trained in Computer Technology and has eight years of experience in Granite Industry office work. JACKIE COGGINS, left, and DEE WEBB SHAN THOMASON THERESA FOKES. AT BICKNELL MANUFACTURING. Billy Loyd, Manager of BICKNELL MANUFACTURING COMPANY, an­nounced that FRANK BONE has been named Sales Manager and will be in charge of all sales activities at lhe Granite Industry supply firm and E.G.A. associate member. Mr. Bone's duties will also encompass traveling and attending monument retailer meetings. He worked for Bicknell for a number of years before leaving to become Manager of another supply firm. Mr. Bone is widely known as an expert on sandblast engraving equipment and procedures. An Elbert County native with several relatives in the Granite Industry, Frank is a graduate of Elbert County High School. He became a farm implement mechanic and later managed one of Elberton's largest custom sandblast operations. He is a member of the Millstone Baptist Church. He is a frequent instructor at the ELBERTON GRANITE TRAINING INSTITUTE sponsored by E.G.A. PURITAN NAMES SCHNELLE TO SALES POST. H. E. "BUDDY" SCHNELLE, one of the Monument Industry's best-known sales­persons, has joined PURITAN GRANITE COMPANY, INC., as a Sales Representative. "We are fortunate to have someone with Buddy's knowledge and reputation to become part of our company," said Puritan Co-owner Chester Almond. Mr. Schnelle will represent Puritan in the states of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Tennessee, and Kentucky. Mr. Schnelle joined Texas Granite Corporation at Marble Falls, Texas, in 1952 and remained with the firm until retirement in 1991. From 1952 until 1965, Buddy periodically served as Corporate Secretary, Accountant, and Office Manager before becoming a Sales Representative in 1965. Dedicated and active in his community, Buddy served as Chamber of Commerce President, Rotary Club President, on the City Council 15 years, as a Volunteer Fireman, and as a Lay Leader in the Methodist Church for 34 years. He is married and has two grown sons. Elbert Golfers Place High in Tourney. Several representatives from E.G.A. member-firms were among the leaders in the Monument Builders of North America Golf Classic held in conjunction with the M.B.N.A. National Convention in Tampa, Florida in early February. Among those with leading scores were Richard Rucker of RUCKER TRUCKING AND LEASING, INC., who, with Don Rex of Rex Monumental Works, New Bedford, Massachusetts; Bill Whyte, of the Georgia Marble Company, and Serge Provost of Canada, comprised the First Place Team. The tournament was held at the scenic Northdale Gold Club in Tampa. Willie Simmons of SUPREME GRANITE COMPANY, INC., was a member of the Second Place Team and Lewis Webb of UNIVERSAL MEMORIAL COMPANY, INC., was on the Third Place Team. Members of the top three teams all received plaques. Richard Rucker, left, and Willie Simmons proudly show off their Championship Golf Plaques. AT IMEX INTERNATIONAL. PATSY TOMLIN and LEANNE WILLIAMS Massoud Besharat, President of IMEX INTERNATIONAL, INC., the Elberton-based Granite Industry supply firm and E.G.A. sustaining member, reported two new additions to his office staff. PATSY TOMLIN and LEANNE WILLIAMS have been employed as office administrators. Patsy is a native of nearby Hart County, attended Hart County High School, and recently graduated from Tri-County Technical Col­ege at Pendleton, South Carolina, with a degree in Financial Management. Leanne formerly worked with one of Northeast Georgia's largest automobile dealerships. A native Elbertonian, she graduated from Elbert County High School. She is married to Jeff Williams and the couple has an infant son, Parker. AT SUPERIOR GRANITE. MRS. MARIANNE WHITMIRE has joined the staff of SUPERIOR GRANITE COMPANY, INC., as a secretary. Her father, Charles "Lindy" Worley founded the firm and her brother, Charles L. Worley, Jr., now operates the monument manufacturing firm. Marianne will take orders and perform general office duties. A graduate of Samuel Elbert Academy and Greenville Technical College at Greenville, S.C., where she obtained an associate degree in Marketing and General Business, Marianne operates a card and gift shop in Elberton. She and her husband, Ronny, have two daughters. SHERRI CALDWELL SOUTHERN GRANITE COMPANY, INC. President David Edwards said that SHERRI CALDWELL is now a secretary-receptionist at the firm and is performing general office duties, including taking telephone orders from customers. A graduate of Elbert County High School, she attended West Georgia College and is a former librarian. She and her husband, Donnie Caldwell, a foreman for Harper's Quarry, Inc., have two children. A member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, she attends Rock Branch Baptist Church. AT SPARTAN TOOL. DEAN BUTLER John Mitchell, owner of SPARTAN TOOL COMPANY, INC., reported that his equipment and tool manufacturing has employed DEAN BUTLER as Sales Manager. The Elbert County native and Elbert County Comprehensive High School graduate was a Granite Industry craftsman before joining Spartan Tool earlier this year. He uses the firm's new service truck to visit area quarries to sell and maintain equipment. Elbert, Guidestones Locale For Movie. Elberton became "Hollywood South" for a brief time in March when the "Granite Capital of the World" and the Georgia Guide­stones mystery monument became the set for a major new comedy film produced jointly by ABC-HBO TV. Popular young comedians Colin Quinn and Mario Joyner, who frequently appear on the MTV Network, star in the "The Road Warriors," a movie about two itinerant comics who happen upon the Guidestones during their travels from New York to Atlanta. Elberton Mayor Joe Fendley, owner of FENDLEY ENTERPRISES, INC., was on the Guidestones/movie set busily providing information about the Granite Industry and Elberton and giving technical information about the Guidestones. Mr. Fendley operates the "Pyramid Blue Granite" Quarry where the giant slabs for the Guidestones were quarried in 1980. The Georgia Film Commission suggested the Guidestones as a site of interest 10 the film makers. The movie is a pilot for ABC and is to air on HBO this summer, according to a studio spokesman. ABC will decide on whether or not to carry it later. Comedian Mario Joyner, left, and Colin Quinn, center, share a light moment with Joe Fendley, right. Colin Quinn bones up on the history of the Georgia Guidestones, background, during a break in filming. Unique Horseshoe Scoring Table. Two Elberton Granite men have devised a unique granite scoring table for use in horseshoe matches. The idea for the table was the result of many fun-filled and spirited matches at Elberton's Moose Club. Larry Gunter, an architectural draftsman with GEORGIA STONE INDUSTRIES, and Rabon Floyd, a local stone craftsman, both Moose Club members and frequent players, are responsible for the original table design. They constructed the scoreboard-table by using a 4-in. x 4-in. x 2-ft. tall "Jet Mist Granite" post with 44 peg holes drilled on two sides. The post is mounted on top of a 2-ft. sq. x 1-in. thick granite tabletop. The tabletop is supported by a metal post which is anchored to flame-finished "Midnight Grey Granite" base. In the match, as points are scored, each player moves a peg through the numbered holes drilled in the post. The scoring table has really added to the fun of the matches which have remained a popu­lar form of spirited entertainment according to Mr. Gunter. Larry Gunter. left, and Rabon Floyd with the horseshoe scoring table. E.G.A. HAPPY HOUR HOSTS. IN WILLIAMSBURG, VIRGINIA - AT THE MONUMENT BUILDERS OF THE VIRGINIAS CONVENTION Colonial Williamsburg was the site of the 1992 meeting of the Virginia Monument Builders. One of the largest crowds in years enjoyed a varied compliment of speakers that provided information and ideas for business success in the 90's. In the truest spirit of "southern hospitality," the Virginias welcomed several visitors from the Carolinas. E.G.A.'s Happy Hour pro­vided an opportunity for everyone to relax and renew old friendships. Jollish Clifton of Elizabeth City, North Carolina, left, President of the Monument Builders of the Carolinas, visits with Walter McNeely of DYE GRANITE COMPANY, INC. Art Megeath, left, and Leigh Posten, Winchester, Virginia, Sonny Ash, Heathsville, Virginia, Cheryl Willingham and Dick Hummel, Winchester, Virginia, Mr. & Mrs. Brent Sears, Charleston, West Virginia and Tom Oglesby of KEYSTONE MEMORIALS, INC. Mike Baer and Merritt Reagan of Lynchburg, Virginia, Mr. & Mrs. Danny Wiles of WILES GRANITE COMPANY, INC., and Kathy and Ed Baer of Lynchburg, Virginia, the "dynamic duo" responsible for the success of the 1992 meeting. Frank Carroll of Fredricksburg, Virginia, left, Gene Belvin, CM, Norfolk, Virginia, program guest Joyce Gordon. Virginia Beach, Virginia, Carson and Jeannie Rinker, Harrisonburg, Virginia, program speaker Barbara Lewis, Virginia Beach, Virginia, Mr. and Mrs. Tom McGarity, HARMONY BLUE GRANITE COMPANY, INC., and Ann Jones and George Mann, Fredricksburg, Virginia. IN SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - AT THE JOINT MEETING OF THE CALIFORNIA AND PACIFIC NORTHWEST MB Picturesque Seattle was the site of the 1992 gathering of West Coast memorialist. A splendid program covering design, grief counseling, OSHA compliance, diversification opportunities for retailers, and more was comple­mented by a luxurious dinner cruise on the harbor. E.G.A.'s David Norman received a warm West Coast welcome as he brought greetings from the E.G.A. membership. From felt to right: Mr. & Mrs. Bill Shubart, Yakima, Washington; Mr. & Mrs. Don Tresko, Spokane, Washington; Dianne Mattila and MaN Puttkammer, KEYSTONE MEMORIALS, INC.; Mr. & Mrs. Gary StHson, Colfax, Washington; and Cheri Gal­lagher, Bill Gallagher & Randy Howe, Yakima, Washington. From left to right: Mr. & Mrs. Dick Tresko, Spokane, Washington; Mr. & Mrs. Ted Stetler, Missoula, Montana; Bruce Fuerstenberg, Vancouver, Washington; Tom Oglesby, KEYSTONE MEMORIALS, INC.; Vicki Fuerstenberg, Vancouver, Washington; Mr. & Mrs. David Quiring, Seattle, Washington; Mr. & Mrs. Marty Schmid, Aberdeen, Washington; and Jim Westerfield, CM, Medford, Oregon. GRANITE CENTER VISITORS. Comparing notes! Recent visitors to the Elberton Granite Museum & Exhibit were Michel J. Fortin, left, and Robert Gagne. center, project coordinators for a new Granite Museum located in St. Sebastien, Quebec, Canada. The new facility stands in an old, inactive quarry atop a mountain in the scenic lake region of Quebec. The Museum was built with money from government, industry, and residents of the local community. E.G.A. staff member David Norman, right, explains the history of E.G.A. s 'sealion" to the Canadian curators. Elberton's close proximity to Augusta, Georgia - site of the Masters Golf Tournament - always brings a number of visitors to the area each Spring. Visiting the Granite Center with Tom and lone McGarity, left, of HARMONY BLUE GRANITE COMPANY, INC., after a day at the Augusta National Golf & Country Club, were Lorie and Dave Pendleton of Tallahassee, Florida. Mr. Pendleton commented, its much as I appreciate the skills of a professional golfer, the craftsmen that create these memorials are truly something to see." MONUMENT RETAILERS! WHEN IN ELBERTON, VISIT THE GRANITE CENTER! WE WILL BE HAPPY TO ASSIST YOU. Downtown Display.