FALL 1965 Friendship amidst competition One of the first things that impresses visitors who stay a few days in Elberton is a discovery that the people in the granite business here are good friends.... Yet Elberton men compete, and compete hard.... And still they remain good friends. Industry observers say this remarkable camaraderie is a unique characteristic of our area. It is indeed true that Elberton Granite leaders have created this atmosphere of friendship that actually seems to transcend competitive efforts. No matter how fiercely they may compete in their business life during the day, they look forward to various kinds of “after-hours relaxation”-on the golf course, at the local fraternal clubs, or at home-and more often than not the golf partners, the convivial companions, or the dinner guests are none other than their competitors “down the street.” This friendly atmosphere explains a lot of things about Elberton. It accounts for a very minimum amount of the kind of petty animosities or the jealous maligning that sometimes characterizes closely confined industries. It certainly explains the extensive sharing of information on equip­ment, manufacturing techniques, and other business aspects which is· prevalent in Elberton. It had a lot to do with the organizational efforts of the Elberton Granite Association as well as our locally owned granite supply firm. It has a lot to do with the continuing support our members give to the promotion and service efforts of our Association today. We have often wondered just what created this atmosphere of friend­ship in Elberton. In part our “Southern Heritage” is undoubtedly responsible; but beyond this there seems to be a genuine humility... a real feeling of humanitarian interest in the other fellow... a realization that everyone here has been able to “lift himself up by his own bootstraps” only through real assists from his fellow granite men. And through friend­ship, we offer that same help to repay the assistance that others gave us along the way. Some skeptics say that the Elberton friendship will sooner or later give way to “fighting and friction.” We do not agree. occasional efforts to stir up dissension have only strengthened the bonds of friendship among the majority of the Elberton Granite men. As we meet the challenges that lie ahead, we believe the bonds of friendship will become even closer. We submit that this spirit of friendship ·is the proper environment for our granite businesses to grow and prosper. We hope this feeling of mutual friendship will remain. It speaks well for Elberton. In no small way, it has contributed to our area’s success.... And in no small measure, “friendship amidst competition” can be the vehicle for our future advancement. More on Past Presidents In the last issue of the GRANITEER, we gratefully acknowledged the service of the twelve Elberton Granite leaders who have served as presidents of E.G.A. through the years since its formation in 1951. Following the presentation of the individual service plaques to the past presidents at our annual meeting in June, another plaque containing the names and dates of service of all of the E.G.A. past presidents from 1951 to 1965 was pre­sented to the Association by the General Manager. This permanent identification of the leadership of the Association has been hung in a prominent location in E.G.A.’s Granite Center building. Repro­duced here is a photograph of this im­pressive “Past Presidents’ Plaque.” Maine Retailer Has Family Mausoleum Built in Elberton Mr. Aubrey B. Call, who operates the retail monument firm of E. D. Call & Son in Pittsfield, Maine, recently pur­chased his family mausoleum from Coggins Granite Industries, Inc., in Elberton. The attractive six-crypt structure was completely fabricated in Coggins’ Elberton plant using the firm’s “St. Albans Pink Granite.” Selection of this granite and an Elberton firm to construct this Maine re­tailer’s own mausoleum is another solid indication of the growing popularity and increased usage of granites from the South in Northern areas. The highly polished mausoleum was designed by Kurt Kunz of Coggins’ design staff. The front and two sides are solid pieces with the crypt entrances located at the rear of the structure. Rose carving embellishes the family name on the front of the mausoleum. Weight of the granite pieces totaled 44,000 lbs. Delivery was made by truck and the setting was directed by Mr. Call himself. He secured the aid of a large crane from J. R. Cianchette & Sons, Inc., contractors of Pittsfield, to assist in handling the large pieces. The Call mausoleum was erected in the Pittsfield Village Cemetery which is situated on land formerly owned by Mr. Cali’s ancestors. His grandfather, George Call, started the cemetery many years ago, and for a total of 87 years, the care of the cemetery was in the Call family’s hands. The present sexton is N. Blake Bartlett, a son-in-law of Aubrey Call. The Pittsfield, Maine, firm of E. D. Call & Son is a retail monument firm typical of the spirit of rugged New England individualism. The business, founded by Everett D. Call in 1922, is now operated by his son Aubrey. The firm’s services have been available to a number of surrounding towns of rural central Maine. It has specialized in custom designing but has still maintained a large inventory of monuments in stock. Commenting on the sale of this mausoleum to the Maine Retailer, John Coggins, Vice President of Coggins Granite Industries, Inc., ‘in Elberton said, “We are extremely pleased to have been able to build this fine mausoleum for Mr. Call. He and other progressive retailers in the New England area are stocking and selling more and more granites pro­duced in Elberton-particularly in the colored granite lines.” All-polished, six-crypt mausoleum made by Coggins Granite Industries, Inc., from “St. Albans Pink Granite” for Mr. Aubrey 8. Call, Pittsfield, Maine. Ownership Changed at Veal Blue Quarry, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Camel Veal and their son, Robert H. Veal, have recently pur­chased the “Veal Blue” granite quarry located on the outskirts of Elberton. They have announced that they are now the sole owners and operators of this quarry facility. Mr. and Mrs. Veal have for many years owned and operated the Supreme Granite Company on Mid­dleton Road in Elberton. They will continue to produce finished work in this manufacturing plant. In addition, they will supervise the operation of their quarry property. Mr. Aubrey 8. Call is shown standing in front of his modern retail shop and display in Pittsfield, Maine. ELBERTON FROM THE AIR Elberton Granite plants and quarries have been photo­graphed from various angles over the years. Most of those photographs have appeared in previous issues of this and other publications. However, few aerial views of Elberton and its Granite Industry components have ever found their way into print. So that this angle the view from above will not be slighted, this issue of the GRAN.ITEER is featuring some-but by no means all-of the Elberton Granite District as it would appear if visitors to the areas flew over it in an airplane. This is an aerial view of the center of Elberton “Granite Capital of the World.” Known as one of the “prettiest cities in Northeast Georgia,” Elberton is famed for its plaza-like Square, planted year-round with flowers in season. The business district surrounds the Square. Visible in the photograph is the Granite Bowl, home of the Elbert County High School “Blue Devil” football team. The voters of the city recently approved a $600,000.00 bond issue to acquire land, build a new fire station, construct a new municipal building, and install two new sewerage plants and connecting lines. Another view of Elberton from the air. “Dawn Gray” Quarry of ELBERTON GRANITE INDUSTRIES, INC. Plant and Office of HARMONY BLUE GRANITE COMPANY, INC. “Harmony Superior Blue” Quarry of HARMONY BLUE GRANITE COMPANY, INC. Plant and Office of COMOLLI GRANITE COMPANY. “Peerless Blue” Quarry of COMOLLI GRANITE COMPANY. Plants and Offices of COGGINS GRANITE INDUSTRIES, INC. (foreground) and ALLEN-NATIONAL GRANITE COMPANIES (far left). Plant No. 1, Office, and “Weiblen Gray” Quarry of CONTINENTAL GRANITE DIVISION OF THE GEORGIA MARBLE COMPANY. ELBERTON GRANITE RESEARCH REPORT RELEASED The Georgia Institute of Technology has released its report on the research project for the Elberton Granite Industry. Begun in 1963 and jointly financed by the U.S. Department of Commerce and the Elberton Granite Association, the impartial research work was divided into two parts: The first part of the study was concerned with the structure and growth potential of the granite monument industry, quality standards and product standardization in the Elberton Granite Industry, and an over­all evaluation of the Elberton Granite Industry. The second part of the project was concerned with an evaluation of the physical and mechanical properties of Elberton Granite, a determination of the behavior of selected grades and types of granites to weathering and corrosive environmental conditions, an evaluation of cutting techniques, and an investigation of possible new uses for bulk granite and by-product waste. While it is difficult to summarize the findings outlined in the 145-page report, the following excerpts cover some of the major points made in the study. Industry Evaluation The researchers found that in recent years the growth of the granite monu­ment industry has not kept pace with the increasing number of deaths occur­ring each year; major problems facing the monument industry are related to “carpetbagging” practices, no-monument cemeteries, price competition, and cemetery and church practices; the growth potential of the Elberton area depends on its willingness and ability to control and promote the quality of its product; product standardization will be difficult to achieve by the average manufacturing firm due to retailer demands and need for volume production; the Elberton firms enjoy a remarkably good position in the nation’s monument industry; and the voluntary program for the inspection and guarantee of monuments, started by E.G.A. in 1964, fills a vital need for the area and should be expanded. Laboratory Investigation One of the primary objectives of this part of the study was to establish a range of physical property data for Elberton Granite so that individual quarriers could state with 95% con­fidence that their granite falls within the range of physical properties estab­lished for the entire area. The physical properties investigated were modulus of rupture, modulus of elasticity, com­pressive or crushing strength, porosity, and bulk density. Ten individual blocks taken from seven different quarries located in all sections of the Elberton Granite area were tested. Two blocks of Barre granite were subjected to the same physical testing as the Elberton Granites so that a comparison of physical properties could be made. Findings in the laboratory phase of the study revealed that a comparison of range of physical property values over the entire Elberton Granite area with the range of values obtained for four sample blocks within one quarry showed the variation in properties within a single quarry to be as large as the variation over the entire area. The properties of Barre granite fall very closely within the range of prop­erties of Elberton granites. From the results of the tests and studies performed, no basis was found for any difference in the weathering properties of Elberton and Barre granites. Except for the possibility of setting up an operation to reduce waste granite to its individual mineral constituents and thus establish a market for sales of quartz, feldspar, and mica to other in­dustries, no economical uses for waste products were found. Until more economical methods of cutting and shaping bulk granite are devised, the large­scale uses for bulk granite appear to be limited to the monument and building trade industry. Copies of the Report Because the report has been published in a very small quantity, distribution must necessarily be limited. However, the Elberton Granite Associa­tion is anxious that any interested persons in the Monument Industry and related fields have access to the report. Copies have been furnished to Monu­ment Builders of North America, Amer­ican Monument Association, Barre Granite Association, Northwest Granite Manufacturers, American Cemetery Association, National Association of Cemeteries, and the National Catholic Cemetery Conference. It is anticipated that these organizations will be willing to loan the copies to their interested members. In addition, the Elberton Granite Association has a small number of copies that can be made available on a monthly loan basis. The fact-filled report made by Georgia Tech in a comprehensive study of the Elberton Granite industry Results of Survey Of Retail Monument Dealers One important part of Georgia Tech’s study of the Elberton Granite Industry was a ques­tionnaire survey of retail monument dealers. A total of 5,219 questionnaires, four pages in length, were mailed. Response to the survey was far greater than was anticipated, especially in view of the length and complexity of the questionnaire and the fact that the survey was conducted at the beginning of the busy Spring season. A total of 1,447 responses were received, representing almost 28% of the entire U. S. retail monument firms - certainly the most com­prehensive survey ever made of these firms. Responses were received from dealers in every continental state except Nevada and the District of Columbia. A number of the respondents indicated that they were no longer in business and some failed to supply enough information to be useful. As a result, 105 responses were eliminated, leaving a total of 1,342 usable replies. The following findings and conclusions are based on an analysis and evaluation of the facts and opinions expressed by the 1,342 retail dealer respondents. The “typical” retail monument dealer in the U. S. was established between 1920 and 1939, has annual sales of less than $50,000.00, serves a selling area of less than 50 miles, per-forms carving and lettering operations, sells marble and bronze products in addition to granite markers and monuments, and carries an average inventory of approximately 50 granite markers and 50 granite monuments. 2. More dealers look to the Elberton area than to any other producing area as their primary source of granite. 3. Most retail monument dealers feel that the majority of their customers would prefer to choose from a wide variety of types and sizes of monuments at existing prices than from a more standardized line at lower prices. 4. Less than 5% of the granite marker and monument sales of most retail dealers are “pre-need” sales. 5. In the areas served by the responding retail monument dealers, the total number of new no-monument cemeteries and cemetery sections established in the last IO years is 86% higher than the total number of new monument cemeteries and cemetery sections established in the same period. 6. One or more community-type mausoleums have been built by cemeteries in the selling areas of almost half of the responding retail monument dealers. 7. Approximately three-fourths of the retail monument dealers feel that the demand for granite monuments is either decreasing or staying about the same. 8. A substantial majority of the retailers feel that their relations with their wholesalers are satisfactory. Those that disagree think that retailer-wholesaler relationships could be improved through the elimination of “carpet-bagging,” development of closer cooperation, and better sales efforts and faster handling of orders by wholesalers. 9. A majority of the retail monument dealers who handle Elberton Granite rate the quality of materials and workmanship and all of the services of the Elberton Granite Industry either excellent or good. The efforts of the Elberton Granite Association and the designs offered by the industry are rated highest by the dealers, while promptness in shipping, merchandising aids, and service provided by com-mon carriers are rated lowest. 10. Transportation is not a decisive factor in a retail monument dealer’s deliberation on whether or not to handle Elberton Granite, except in the West where distance from the supplier makes freight costs more· critical. Dixie Granite Company Enlarges Sculpturing Staff Dan Ambrosini, owner and operator of Dixie Granite Compa¬ny in Elberton has announced that his sculpturing staff has 3ently been doubled. His long-time sculptor, Joe Canales, welcomed on August 22, 1965, a young Italian sculptor, Dario Rossi, who came to America especially to work with the Dixie organization. Already, the two skilled craftsmen are exchanging formation on American and Italian stone sculpturing techniques; and Dixie owner Ambrosini is extremely pleased with the operative results they are obtaining. Rossi, who is only 28 years old, came from Carrara, Italy, 1ere he had been learning and working in the sculpturing 1de for the past 15 years. He has executed much fine work d has cut all types of statuary, Mr. Ambrosini said. The young sculptor has won prizes at Art Schools in Italy and submitted models in art competition in that country. He is married and has one child, and he states that he is looking forward to his family joining him in Elberton. Toe Canales was born in Columbia, South Carolina, and comes, from a well-known granite family. He has produced many outstanding jobs for Dixie Granite Company including the war memorial recently dedicated on the Elbert County Courthouse grounds. In 1963, he worked for a time as head carver on the Mountain Memorial project. Dixie Granite Company’s two sculptors are shown at work in the firm’s plant. On the left is Joe Canales who has been producing sculptured work for Dixie for many years. On the right is Dario Rossi, new sculptor on Dixie’s staff, who recently came to Elberton from Italy. German Stone Industry leaders Visit Elberton Among the Elberton Granite men who served as hosts for the West Germans were: from left to right in the photograph, Wilbur Hoover of Continental Granite Division of The Georgia Marble Company, Don Hunt of Liberty-Premier Granite Company, Inc., Bill Johnston of Coggins Granite Industries, Inc., Walton Y. Harris of the Elberton Granite Association, John E.. Herndon of United Granite Company, Inc., Jim MacDonald of Puritan Granite Company, Jule McLanahan of Elberton Granite Industries, Inc., Thomas Mc­Garity of Harmony Blue Granite Com­pany, Inc., Dan Ambrosini of Dixie Granite Company, Bill Kelly of the Elberton Granite Association, and Dewey Williams of Harper Motor Lines, Inc. 1966 national convention In just a few weeks, members of the Monument Indus­try will be gathering for the International Convention of the Monument Builders of North America and the Room Exhibit of the American Monument Association, to be held at the Hotel Leamington in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The 1966 Convention will open on Sunday, January 30, and con­tinue through Wednesday, February 2. Room Exhibit Of particular interest at the meeting will be the Room Exhibit staged by members of the American Monument Association. Held only once every four years, this type exhibit offers retailers an opportunity to see the latest designs, promotional materials, and other aids offered to them by the producers. The entire third floor of the Hotel Leamington will be used for the room exhibits; over forty firms are expected to participate in the exhibit including thirteen Elberton Granite firms or their affiliates as shown on the accompanying diagram of the exhibit space. The Elberton Granite Association’s exhibit will be based on the theme, “A Panorama of Progress.” Convention Activities A. L. Green, M.B.N.A. Executive Vice President, is arranging an interesting educational program for the morning sessions. Afternoons will be devoted to the Room Exhibit under the supervision of Frank E. Foster, A.M.A. Executive Vice President. Evenings will be entertainment time, and the convention schedule will offer plenty of opportunities for individual or group social activities. Minneapolis abounds with fine eating establishments, an excellent shopping dis­trict, and diversified sports and cultural activities. E.G.A. “Happy Hour” Always one of the entertainment highlights of the National gatherings is the E.G.A. “Happy Hour” which has become a traditional pre-banquet social hour. Again, in Minneapolis, the E.G.A. members will be hosts at this affair scheduled for Tuesday evening during the hour preceding the Convention banquet. All persons attending the convention and exhibit are invited to attend as guests of the Elberton Granite Association, Inc. State Meetings to be Held Concurrently Because several retail state organizations in the area normally hold their annual meetings in January or February, they have decided to forego separate meetings in 1966 and hold business meetings concurrently with the International Convention in Minneapolis. The following organizations (and possibly others) will not have state conventions in 1966 but will meet in Minneapolis: Monument Builders of the Northwest (Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota); Iowa, Nebraska; and Wisconsin. Register Early Registration information and room reservation cards will be mailed soon by the M.B.N.A. office. Make your hotel reservations promptly to avoid any, disappointment in your accommodations. If you fail to receive the advance promo­tional material, just drop a line to the Hotel Leamington, Minneapolis, Minnesota, for reservations. Excellent trans­portation facilities are available to Minneapolis including seven air lines and nine railroads. COGGINS GRANITE INDUSTRIES, INC., has announced that it is undertaking quarry exploration activities near Winnsboro, South Carolina. Strip­ping operations are already underway on property in that area. A new profile machine is being installed by ELBERTON G & H GRANITE COMPANY in new space that has been added to the firm’s plant on Tate Street Extension. Over 1,800 sq. ft. has been built and the production area generally rearranged for more efficient operations. Two multi-strand wiresaws are being installed at the sawing plant of HAR­MONY BLUE GRANITE COMPANY, INC., adjacent to its “Harmony ‘Superior Blue Quarry” in the Elberton Granite District. These saws will be used for “slabbing operations” and will bring to five the firm’s number of wiresaws. Recent additions to the equipment at CONTINENTAL GRANITE DIVISION of THE GEORGIA MARBLE COMPANY’s plant Number One in Elberton include two new diamond saws and a new wiresaw. Three of the firm’s carbo machines are being rebuilt for more efficient operation. At LIBERTY-PREMIER GRANITE COMPANY’s plant on Middleton Road in Elberton, the space for the sand­blasting operations has recently been doubled and additional roller conveyors have been installed. Three new automatic top polishing machines have been placed in operation at APEX GRANITE COMPANY, INC. A new crane has also been installed in the new addition built at the plant on Tate Street Extension. Over 700 sq. ft. of production space has been added at TRU-STONE, INC., to make room for the installation of a new single-strand wiresaw. The firm’s manufacturing facilities are located on Railroad Street in Elberton. GRIMES BROS. GRANITE COM­ P ANY, INC., has installed a new auto­matic top polishing machine at its plant off Tate Street Extension. The new Sawing and Polishing Plant of the CONTINENT AL GRANITE DIVISION OF THE GEORGIA MARBLE COMPANY is rapidly being completed on the Toccoa Highway just north of the Elberton City Limits. The all-steeled building will be 280 feet long and 65 feet wide and will house four multi-strand wiresaws, six gangsaws, and a gantry-type polishing machine. New Elberton Brochure for Visitors To Granite Center Included as an insert in this issue of the GRANITEER is a new brochure developed by the E.G.A. promotion staff for presentation to the growing number of visitors who are stopping by The Granite Center in Elberton. The brochure con­tains a revised map of the Elberton area showing the relative locations of the plants, quarries and offices of E.G.A. Member-firms. The Granite Center visitor will find in the new folder a capsule listing of Elberton Granite Facts numerous pictures of facilities and operations of lo­cal granite firms. In addition, he can use the very complete map to find his way to any E.G.A, member-firm’s quarry or plant. The new Elberton brochure will be given wide distribution through the local Chamber of Commerce, local business and service establishments, and in the new “Welcome Centers” which the State of Georgia is operating on high­ways leading into the North Georgia area. The member-firms of the Elberton Granite Association Intend to extend you their best wishes for a pleasant and profitable visit to hospitality for a assures pleasant that and you profitable will not main a stranger for long in the “Granite Capital.” Enjoy you self and come again soon! A typical Elberton Granite Quarry. 26 such granite quarries in the Elberton area produce the “World’s Finest Granite.” One of Elberton’s 50 granite manufacturing plants. These modern plants produce over 135,000 granite monuments each year. Inferior view of an Elberton Granite manufacturing plant. Monuments large and small, simple and elaborate, are produced in the Elberton Granite area. The member-firms of the Elberton Granite Association, In, to extend our you area. their Elberton best wishes hospitality for a assures pleasant that and you profitable will not main a stranger for long in the “Granite Capital.” Enjoy you self and come again soon! John E. Herndon, second from left, of UNITED GRANITE COMPANY, INC., brought his visitors from Evansville, Indiana, by The Granite Center during their stay in Elberton recently. On the left are Mr. and Mrs. Edgar Scherer; and on the right are Mr. and Mrs. Don Scherer. Tours of Elberton usually include a stop at E.G.A.’s office on Granite Plaza. Shown during a recent visit are Mr. and Mrs. Ralph E. Bell, right, of Cairo, Illinois, who were being escorted by Mr. and Mrs. Jule Mc­Lanahan, left, of ELBERTON GRANITE INDUSTRIES, INC. One of Philadelphia’s leading memorialists, Al Kaeppler, left, accom­panied by Glenn McGarity, right, of HARMONY BLUE GRANITE COM­PANY, INC., found time during a busy trip to Elberton to inspect the modern facilities of E.G.A.’s Granite Center. Three of this group came all the way from California to visit Elberton. Accompanied by Thomas McGarity, left, and R. C. Brooks, second from right, of HARMONY BLUE GRANITE COMPANY, INC., were: W. T. Cram, second from felt, who is the California Safes Representative for Harmony Blue; Irvin Stetson, center, of Hanford, California and Earl Lulstedt, right, of San Bernandino, California, DOLIDA-An outstanding design created by Anthony Moscatello lends true distinction to this memorial manufactured by the Con­tinental Granite Division of The Georgia Marble Company in Elberton far Presbrey-Leland, Inc., of New York City. The medium chosen for the symbolic design was “Crystal Pink Granite.” The concave surface adds to the uniqueness of the impressive all-axed memorial which was erected by Presbrey-Leland, Inc., in New York’s Woodlawn Cemetery. ROBERTY-An excellent example of a pre-need mausoleum, this structure was fabricated by Keystone Granite Company in Elberton for the Mannington Memorial Works of Mannington, West Virginia. “Keystone Blue Granite” was used throughout the all-steeled mausoleum which was erected in the Mannington Municipal Cemetery. The photograph, below, made shortly after installation of the building, shows the rolling terrain which provides a beautiful natural setting for the mausoleum. INGRAM-Another retailer’s family memorial made in Elberton recently is this beautiful monument erected by the owners of Ingram’s Memorial Company in Panama City, Florida. Built in Elberton by Allen Granite Company utilizing the firm’s “Allen Blue Granite,” the all-steeled monument was erected in the new Forest Lawn Cemetery in Panama City. This cemetery offers freedom-of-choice lots in both upright monument and flush marker sections. HILL- “Crystal White Granite” was used by Coggins Granite Industries, Inc., in the manufacture of this al/­steeled memorial which makes generous use of epi­taphs and inscriptions. The unusual shape achieved through the indentions of the sides lends interest to the memorial, which was erected in Hickory, North Carolina, by the Catawba Marble & Granite Works of that city. MONTGOMERY-Davidson Marble & Granite Works of Winona, Mississippi, sold and erected this handsome all-polished monument made of “Robin Blue Granite” by the Ross L. Brown Granite Company, Inc., in Elberton. The carving, which appears on all four sides of the memorial, and the lettering were applied by the retail monument firm. The beautiful setting for the memorial is in Winona Municipal Cemetery. CATHOLIC SARCOPHAGUS-Intricate hand carving by Dixie Granite Company’s sculptor Joe Canales is featured on this sarcophagus-type grave covering located in a Catholic Cemetery in Richmond, Virginia. A. P. Grappone & Sons of Richmond designed and erected a series of similar memorials in memory of beloved priests who had served in the Richmond area. “Dixie Blue Granite” was used for the all-axed sar­cophagus: a raised Cross and inscriptions were carved on the fop surface of the two-piece memorial. MELTON-WOOTEN-This wing-type design provides an interesting treatment of the two-family memorial. Harmony Blue Granite Company, Inc., in Elberton manufactured the all-steeled monument for Tri-City Memorials of East Point, Georgia. “Harmony Superior Blue Granite” was used for the monument which was erected on a gentle sloping lot in East Points’ Hillcrest Cemetery. Unique Feature Shrines installed At Chicago catholic cemetery. The Queen of Heaven Cemetery, located in the Chicago area at Hill­side, Illinois, has recently erected six feature memorials that are truly unique in design and construction. Known as the Shrines to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, the six features contain Catholic prayers inscribed on pieces of granite. They have been installed in a newly developed section of the large cemetery. The uniqueness of the features is to be found in the diversity of materials and services that were used in their design and manufacture. It can cor­rectly be said that the features are “representative of the entire Monu­ment Industry” for the design was originated by Conrad Kenerson of Barre, Vermont; the granite materials came from Salisbury, North Carolina, Wausau, Wisconsin, and St. Cloud, Minnesota; and the manufacturing was accomplished in Elberton, Geor­gia, Barre, Vermont, and St. Cloud, Minnesota. In addition, attractive use is made of bronze materials which were fabricated in Chicago, Illinois. The unusually excellent lettering on the features was created by Designer Kenerson. The meaningful prayers, each containing Catholic references to the “Heart of Jesus” or the “Heart of Mary,” are inscribed in a variety of lettering styles. Catholic symbolism is used effectively on both the granite and bronze portions of the features. Reproduced here are photographs of each of the six features. It will be noted that there are three basic designs with front and back exposures shown. However, certain individual characteristics of each will be detected by the discerning observer. The fea­tures may be viewed easily from a roadway running through the ceme­tery section. The features were created and installed under the personal supervision of Monsignor Francis J. McElligott, Director of Chicago Diocesan Cemeteries. Geis and Crossen, a well-known Chicago retail monument firm, was awarded the contract for the features and handled the procurement details connected with the unusual job. The project was completed early in the Summer of 1965. Comolli Granite Company in Elberton was responsible for furnishing and fabricating the pink granite portions of the Queen of Heaven Cemetery’s new feature Shrines shown in the accompanying photographs. Geis and Crossen Monument Company of Chicago chose “Comolli’s Pink Salisbury Granite” as the medium and selected Comolli’s Elberton plant as the fabricator of approximately one­third of the granite used in the unique features. The pink granite was manufactured with a steeled finish; the sandblasting was carefully executed in Comolli’s plant following the lettering layout made by Designer Kenerson. In the photographs at left, the lighter por­tions are the pink granite furnished by the Elberton firm. The bases, each sixteen feet in length, are all-polished green granite furnished and fabricated by Royal­Melrose Granite Company of St. Cloud, Minnesota. Still other portions were made from Wausau Mahogany granite with a stippled finish. This granite was quarried in Wausau, Wis­consin, by Anderson Brothers & Johnson Company; and was fabricated by Chioldi Granite Company of Barre, Vermont. The special bronze castings were made by Bronze Incorporated of Chicago. Comolli Granite Company owns and operates the pink granite quarry in Salisbury, North Carolina, from which the steeled pink portion of the features were made. Geis and Crossen Monument Com­pany has won contracts for other out­standing feature memorials erected in the Chicago Catholic Cemeteries. Bob Crossen, prominent young retailer of the firm, coordinated the many details connected with the interesting new Shrines. One of several Shrine Sections opened in the Queen of Heaven Cemetery, the new section is an attractively landscaped lawn le Elberton Granite has been used as the medium for the historic memorial recently erected near Grand Island, Nebraska, to commemorate an incident of pioneer heroism a century ago. “As long as civilization survives, men and women, boys and girls will thrill at the story of the courage of Nat and Bob Martin and their parents, George and Ann Martin,” U. S. Senator Carl Curtis told a throng gathered for the dedication of the monument to the Hall County pioneer family. Created of “Universal Blue Granite,” the memorial was designed by Scheffel and Sons Monument Company of Grand Island. It immortalizes for the first time, in granite, an in­cident that occurred in 1864. The all-steeled monolith with the shell rocked sides was furnished by Universal Memorial Company, Inc., of Elberton. The carving and lettering were applied by the Scheffel firm. vel marker area of the cemetery. Considerable interest has been shown in the new features which represent so well the fine talent, excellent materials, and expert crafts­manship available in the Monument Industry today. Famous Nebraska Incident Recorded in Elberton Granite Monument Honors Elbert County Pioneers A tall spire, manufactured from “Harper’s Select Blue Granite,” was recently erected at the grave of Ralph Banks at the Coldwater Methodist Church in Elbert County. Over one hundred members of the Banks family representing eleven states gathered on July 24, 1965, for the dedication ceremony. Apex Granite Company, Inc., manufactured the monument on which are inscribed the names, birth dates, and death dates of Ralph Banks, his wife Rachel, and their 14 children. The memorial has an all-steeled finish and stands over six feet high over a grave that has been left unmarked since 1823. The Church joined with the Banks descendants to honor one of Elbert County’s pioneers who gave the land for the Church and assisted in building the first structure there. The Bible used in the dedication services belonged to Ralph and Rachel Banks; and it is now owned by Sam J. Slate of New York City who is a descendant of the couple. On display at the service were anti­ques and relics collected by the Banks family for the occasion. After a Georgia barbecue dinner, the descendants toured the old Banks home now known as the “Coldwater Plantation” in Elbert County. Two young brothers, Henry and Bob Martin, were attacked by Indians west of the present village of Doniphan, in Hall County, Nebraska. The boys, while attempting to escape the Indians, mounted on a single pony, were pinned together by arrows. Henry Martin was shot through the lower part of the arm as he attempted to shield his face and another arrow went completely through his body and into his brother Bob’s body, pinning the boys together on the horse. Both boys fell from the horse and Henry Martin finally managed to ex­tract the arrow from his and his bro­ther’s bodies. When they finally arrived back home, they learned that they had been given up for dead by their parents, who had fled to Fort Kearney for pro­tection after the horse had come home alone. Both of the Martin boys lived to ripe old ages, and Henry Martin’s grave may be seen to this day in the village ceme­tery at Doniphan, just ten miles south of Grand Island on U. S. Highway 281. The Hall County Historical Society, and other interested citizens, felt the incident too important to the county’s his­torical background to be lost to memory. The saga had been handed down by repetition and a few early books of the period, but it now has been preserved in Elberton Granite as a landmark to early pioneer courage. Porta-Display Still Popular. The portable display kit developed in 1963 by E.G.A. for monument salesmen and known as the “PORTA­DISPLAY” continues to be a popular merchandising aid with retail monument dealers. Over 100 of these sales aids have been purchased by progressive retailers in all parts of the country. In response to the continuing demand, the Elberton Granite Association has recently received a new shipment of the handsome cases and can make immediate delivery to interested retailers. Included in the kit for $25.00 are twelve two-dimensional scale models of E.G.A. copyrighted monument designs, ten models of marker designs, two complete sets of model shrubbery, and the sturdy vinyl covered case. When opened, the case reveals an inside flap made of smooth green felt to simulate a scale model ceme­tery lot. The closed case measures only twenty inches long, twenty-six inches wide, and three inches deep. It is light enough to carry with ease, and it also can serve as a convenient place to store order pads, samples, and other sales materials. Many salesmen report that the kit can be used as a complete briefcase for calling on prospects. The PORTA-DISPLAY may be obtained directly from the Elberton Granite Association, Inc., by sending a check or money order for $25.00. A convenient order form appears below. Honors Department Ross L. Brown, president of ROSS L. BROWN GRANITE COMPANY, INC., was among a group of Building Stone Institute members who visited European granite centers during July. The five-country tour visited Madrid, Palma, Rome, Florence, Venice and London. Members were afforded a good opportunity to observe and learn first-hand information on European quarry­ing and fabricating techniques. George A. Wallis and John P. Wallis George A. Wallis, employee of STANDARD GRANITE COMPANY, INC., and son of John P. Wallis of that firm, was an honor graduate at the Georgia Army National Guard’s Officer Candidate School in August when he earned his Second Lieutenant’s Commission. George received the U.S. Army Plaque for Leadership and was named one of the five outstanding guardsmen in his class. John P. Wallis, shown in the photograph above pinning the new Sec­ond Lieutenant’s bars on his son’s uniform, is a retired Colonel in the National Guard and was Commander of the Elberton National Guard Unit for many years. Personnel Notes Recent additions to the drafting staff at SERVICE GRANITE COMPANY, INC., include Mrs. Linda Cheek and Miss Jane Almond. Mrs. Martin Bagwell has been em­ployed as Secretary at HOUSE OF PFAFF, INC. She is a native of Elber­ton and has previously worked in the local granite industry in a secretarial capacity. Mr. Bill Vance, first Vice President of the GEORGIA MARBLE COMP ANY in charge of sales, has recently retired after working for the firm for many years. His host of friends throughout the Monument Industry will be pleased to know that he is now “taking it easy” as he divides his time between his home in Tate. Georgia, and his “fishing lodge” in Yankeetown, Florida. Dan Ambrosini, owner of DIXIE GRANITE COMPANY, spent three weeks during June and July in Italy where he visited relatives and conducted business. Among his stops were Rome, Milan, and Carrara, where he made arrangements for an Italian carver to come to Elberton to work for his firm. Carl Walton, Jr., center, has recently been employed as Sales Representative for DIXIE GRANITE COMPANY in Elberton. He will travel in Missouri and surrounding states for the Elberton firm. He is shown above at the Missouri Monument Builders meeting with his wife, right, and Mrs. James I. Dodd, retailer from Cuba, Missouri. re-elected to serve another term as president of the Missouri organization was Charles Shaefer, left, of St. Louis. He is shown with Mrs. Schaefer and Felix Como/Ii, right, president of COMOLLI GRANITE COMPANY in Elberton. Long-time personal and business friends from St. Louis, this trio is always on hand when the Missouri retailers gather. On the left is Clarence Burton, Sales Representative for HARMONY BLUE GRAN­ITE COMPANY, INC. With him are Mr. and Mrs. Herman Kohnen. Enjoying the festivities of the meeting held at one of Missouri’s famous resort areas were Mr. and Mrs. Ray Huffman, left, of Harrisonville, and Mr. and Mrs. Rally Johnson, Jr., right, of Liberty. Rally is a Sales Representative for COGGINS GRANITE INDUSTRIES, INC. George Grogan, Sales Representative for COG­GINS GRANITE INDUSTRIES, INC., is shown with two newcomers to the Missouri gatherings. On the left is Mrs. Beulah Shipley: and on the right is Miss Marvell Durbin. Both ladies are from Unionville, Missouri. Neil Seeley, left, Sales Representative for PURITAN GRANITE COMPANY, was found talking about the “Fabulous Minnesota Twins Baseball Team” to Louis Giudici, right, of Kansas City. Percy Bluhm, left, was caught by the E.G.A. camera as he visited with Chester Almond, right, of ARGO TRUCKING COMPANY in Elberton. It’s a safe bet they were talking about transportation matters. Neil Seeley, left, Sales Representative for PURITAN GRANITE COMPANY, was found talking about the “Fabulous Minnesota Twins Baseball Team” to Louis Giudici, right, of Kansas City. Kalkman, left, Sales Representative for ROSS L. BROWN GRANITE COMPANY, INC., in Elberton, found fellow baseball fans in Mr. and Mrs. Alvin Heynen of dalia. John Coggins, center, vice president of COGGINS GRANITE INDUSTRIES, INC., in Elberton, interrupted his discussion with these retailers from Troy, Missouri, long enough to pose for this picture. On the right are Mr. and Mrs. Glen Thomas: and on the left are Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Thurmon.