SPRING 1966 Time to examine your profit squeeze. Since the first of the year, Elberton Granite operators have been paying more attention to the “cost-profits squeeze” than probably ever before in their history. Chances are you already know of many of their decisions to make up­ward adjustments in the prices they must charge in order to meet the demands our in­flationary economy is placing on their opera­tions. Alert, progressive retailers already know that “it’s costing more to stay in business each year.” They know what the spiraling trend in supplies and labor means in terms of their own costs. They recognize that the wholesalers are subject to the very same increases in their costs... and they know the only way either the wholesalers or retailers can stay in business very long is to make advances in the prices of their products. A little thoughtful reflection will explain why this is so. Take the big matter of labor costs-every worker in the Elberton Granite Industry-and we believe in your retail shop as well-makes at least 5 cents an hour more today than he did this time last year... in many cases it’s 10 or 20 cents an hour more. And each time the payroll increases, fringe benefits such as social security, unemployment insurance and workmen’s compensation insurance costs go up automatically. You’re well aware of this from the recent increases in social security which averaged about $100.00 per worker for 1966. This is a “squeeze” that means you-; like we-have to get mere for our products just to stay even with last year’s profit (or loss) picture. Then, consider the matter of supplies-all steel products have increased, lumber has gone up, and the cost of rough stock is advancing. Did you know, for example, that an 18-inch blade for a diamond saw costs $312.01? When have you stopped to figure that your overhead costs are probably going up faster than anything else? Taxes are taking a bigger bite; utilities cost more in most cases than they did a few years ago. Transportation equipment from trucks to tires to gasoline certainly haven’t gotten any cheaper as you well know from the operation of your retail firm. And have you thought about the high cost of modern machinery these days? Probably you haven’t bought a wire saw or profile machine lately... but these are expensive items that theoretically come from the profits that are plowed back in the businesses. But if there isn’t some margin between costs and selling price then there is no profit to make capital improvements. Thinking about your “cost-profit squeeze” now is essential to your future welfare. Your Elberton Granite friends, believe you will arrive at the same conclusion which many of them have belatedly reached ... that is, upward adjustments in prices are essential as the costs of doing business increase. You don’t automatically “make money just by being in business” as some people seem to think. You make a profit only if your selling price exceeds all the combined costs of your doing business. Our profit squeeze is on... it’s been on… it’s going to stay on. Likewise, our present-day inflationary economy-whether you like it or not, is putting the profit squeeze on your business. We believe you will find that your own increases-like ours-are long overdue… we hope you will understand-as we have begun to understand-that the future well-being of your business depends on your success in staying ahead of your rising costs! About Our Cover The DE LEONARDO memorial is an out­standing example of the sculpturing skill of Dario Rossi, a young Italian craftsman who recently joined the staff of Dixie Granite Company in Elberton. The full relief statue was carved from a single piece of “Dixie Blue Granite” with a delicate precision of execution that is being widely acclaimed by everyone who comes in contact with the new sculptor’s work. The impressive monument was created for Crider Memorial Company of Birmingham, Alabama. An all-axed finish was used for the wing-type memorial which features the sculptured figure of Mary Magdalene at the Cross. Over-all length of the monument is 11 feet. Crider Memorial Company erected the beautiful memorial in the Elm­wood Cemetery in Birmingham. Rossi, who is only 28 years old, came to the Dixie Granite Company in the Summer of 1965 from Carrara, Italy, where he had been engaged in the sculpturing trade for the past 15 years. Dan Ambrosini, owner of the Dixie firm, employed Rossi during a visit to Italy last year. The young sculptor h.as now settled in Elberton and his wife and child have joined him to make their home in America. At present, in addition to turning out excellent work for the Dixie firm, he and his family are engaged in learning the English language. Dixie owner Ambrosini reports that Rossi and the firm’s other sculptor, Joe Canales, are collaborating in an excellent fashion in producing more fine sculptured work than ever before in the history of his firm. Cost of producing monuments are up. Elberton Granite men, like businessmen everywhere in the United States, are finding that the costs of producing their products are steadily rising. The chart below provides dramatic proof of the kind of inflationary pressures that they are facing in the production of Elberton Granite memorials in 1966. Since the end of World War II, production cost increases have far outdis­tanced the modest increases made in wholesale monument prices. How has this been possible? Knowledgeable Elberton manufacturers point out that there has been a significant improvement in the productivity of their plant operations. At the same time improved business management techniques have been employed to help meet the rising costs. New machines, improved ma­chines and many other factors have helped boost production so that the plants could turn out more units with only small increases in the unit price. But this process of “tightening up” can only go so far; and in 1966 the Elberton firms are realizing that they cannot continue to operate their busi­nesses unless the prices they charge for their products fully compensate them for the costs incurred in producing those products. Consequently, many in fact, most-of the Elberton Granite firms have already announced price increases. Undoubtedly, others will follow with increases that are dictated by their own operating experiences, for all forecasts are for the upward trend in costs to continue to spiral. It is not unreasonable to expect that Elberton firms must show some modest profit on their investments. Otherwise, there is no reason for them to keep their assets in their firms. Funds invested in any local financial institution can now earn 4.5 or 5% interest. Sure­ly a similar return on the funds they have invested in their own businesses is not unreasonable. In actuality, many profess that in an effort to “hold the line” against the spiraling costs, they have cut their profit margin to the zero -or the minus zero level. Obviously, this type of operation cannot continue for very long. What applies to the producer also applies to his customer-the retail mon­ument dealer. As the editorial on the opposite page suggests, the time may already be overdue when retailers should re-examine their price structure in the light of 1966 costs. Figure out as the chart below has done for items used by manufacturers-how your 1966 costs compare with your 1956 or your 1961 costs of shop supplies, of over­head, and of labor. Has your retail price for monuments gone up accord­ingly? We sincerely hope all of our friends can answer this question in the affirmative. Elberton Granite firms are proud of their superior product and improved service they have been rendering this Industry. All are agreed that to con­tinue to maintain quality products and excellent service, they must operate on a sound fiscal basis. This can only be built on an adequate financial structure . . . and this structure must depend upon pricing methods that yield them a fair return on their investment. OCTOGENARIANS -TRIBUTES TO TWO REMARKABLE ELBERTON GRANITE MEN. “B. F. Coggins was born in Canton, Georgia, in 1882; today he is 83 years young. In 1905, he made his entry into the memorial field. During the half century that this large corporation has “Mr. B. F.” Mr. B. F. Coggins, Sr., founder of Coggins Granite Industries, Inc., in Elberton received a well-deserved honor when his picture appeared on the cover of Monumental News-Review and his efforts to build his company were related in the feature story of that magazine. The quotations below are from that story. been building, Mr. Coggins has kept a firm grip on the reins but now he can relax as his two sons, Frank Coggins, Jr., and John Coggins, have assumed a great deal of the responsibility of oper­ating their vast holdings. “Truly one of the deans and one of the giants of our industry, his contri­butions in men and technological advances, in merchandising and promotion are too numerous to mention in any­thing less than a volume. Mr. Coggins is a man whose success is due to his own ingenuity and determination, one with a single-minded purposefulness, possessed of vision and resourcefulness, and one who has lived long enough to see his dream come true.” “Mr. J. J.” Mr. J. J. McLanahan, President of Elberton Granite Industries, Inc., is the oldest active person connected with the local granite indus­try. Upon the occasion of his 85th birthday recently, a column in The Elberton Star paid tribute to his many civic and business achieve­ments. The quotations below are from that column written by Bob Williford. couldn’t possibly surmise that a man with his stamina could have seen nearly that many years. He is a keen ob­server of local daily happenings and is still very much in the thick of things. He carries himself erect and probably would wear most men, many years his junior, to a frazzle if they tried to keep up with him all day long. “He has used his time and talents to serve his neighbors and his community through the years. He continues to serve and all who seek his advice and counsel stand to profit much as recip­ients of his guidance.” “One of Elberton’s most remarkable and prominent citizens, Mr. J. J. McLanahan, celebrated his 85th birthday this week. Yet, a casual observer of his daily routine and his physical fitness Auditorium at The Georgia Center, patterned after that of the United Nations, provides space for 500 conference participants. Small classrooms offer space for roundtable dis­cussions and individual participation during conference sessions. Comfortable sleeping rooms at the Center ac­commodate two persons and provide complete facilities and privacy. A spacious lobby area is adjacent to the Audi­torium and affords an inviting atmosphere for relaxing between Conference activities. Plans Progressing For Third Educational Conference Following the announcement recently that the Elberton Granite Association, Inc., will sponsor a Third Educational Conference for Retail Monument Dealers to be held on Feb­ruary 5-8, 1967, at the Center for Continuing Education on the campus of the University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia, the Association office has received a flood of inquiries ask­ing “How can we register for this big event?” While actual registrations are not yet being accepted, considerable work and planning is already underway by E.G.A. and Uni­versity of Georgia officials relative to the Conference. Activities Scheduled The complete facilities of the ultra-modern adult educa­tion center have been reserved for the Conference which will feature an all new Course of Study designed to stimulate the thinking of progressive monument retailers. In addition to helpful classroom instruction provided by University faculty members, the three-and-one-half-day Conference will include trips to the Elberton Granite area and various enter­tainment features. E.G.A. members will stage a monument display in Elberton during the Conference as they did at the previous two Educational Conferences in 1959 and 1962. Commenting on the gigantic undertaking, Elberton Gran­ite Association President John Herndon said, “We are extremely grateful for the tremendous amount of interest that is being shown by retailers in all parts of the country in our educational efforts. Our E.G.A. members will be doing everything possible to make this 1967 Educational Confer­ence pleasant, profitable, and helpful for everyone who attends.” Enrollment Limited the University has advised the Elberton Association that the maximum number of retailers that can be registered for the Conference will be 500. Of these, the first 285 regis­trants will have the option of being housed in hotel rooms maintained in the three-million-dollar education center. Nearby motels, which have been constructed in the past few years, will be used to provide sleeping quarters for those that are not accommodated at the Center. All meals will be provided at the Center or in Elberton, E.G.A. Manager Bill Kelly explained. As to the registration procedure, Kelly stated that official registration information and registration forms will be mailed by the University to all retailers on October 1, 1966. Applications cannot be processed by the University until that date, he said. Further details including the Conference schedule and other information will be released before that time, he added. No Need for Conflict A few retailers have indicated that the close proximity of the dates of E.G.A.’s Educational Conference and those of the Monument Industry Educational Institutes, to be held in Evanston, Illinois, in early 1967, presents some conflicts since they would like to attend both events. Where this is the case, E.G.A. officials have clearly stated that retailers should avail themselves of the more intensive training that the Evanston Institutes will offer. “There is no need to be on the horns of a dilemma in this regard,” E.G.A. Manager Bill Kelly said. “We have gone on record in this matter, and we are sincere in recommending that dealers choose the Institutes over our Conference if they cannot attend both educational opportunities,” he explained. “We are working as hard as we know how to encourage a full attendance at Evanston and at Athens so that 1967 can truly be a Year of Education for the Monument Industry,” he said. The Georgia Center for Continuing Education is located on the campus of the University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia, only 35 miles from Elberton. This build­ing contains complete meeting, eating and sleeping facilities. Harper Interests Expand Two Elberton Granite firms, the Apex Granite Company, Inc., and Harper’s Quarry, Inc., owned by Horace K. Harper and Thomas T. Harper and their mother, Mrs. J. P. Booth, have recently expanded their operations through the purchase of a new quarry facility and a gangsaw plant. Apex Granite Company, Inc. In early March, Horace Harper, President of Apex Granite Company, Inc., announced that his firm had purchased the “Confederate Grey” quarry from Lloyd O. Reagin and E. V. Reagin. Located some twenty miles southwest of Elberton in Oglethorpe County, this quarry has been well developed during the twelve years it was operated by the Reagins who formerly owned and operated the Elbert County Granite Company, Inc. At the large opening, two steel derricks provide ample means of removing the stone from the quarry. Jet piercing equipment is in operation there, and Mr. Harper expressed his intentions to expand the operations even further. He also said that his firm intended to furnish saw blocks or slabs from the newly acquired quarry to both local and retail manufacturers. Sometimes called “Enterprise Blue Granite,” the stone from the quarry is particularly well suited for steeled or axed finishes, Mr. Harper said. Harper’s Quarry, Inc. Tommy Harper, who manages the quarrying operations for the Harper interests, announced that his firm had pur­chased the gangsaw and storage yard formerly owned by Elbert County and Scales’ Granite Companies on the Hartwell Highway on the northern outskirts of Elberton. This facility will provide badly needed sawing capacity; and in addition, the lengthy outdoor crane runway offers a large area for the efficient storage and handling of blocks and slabs for the firm, he said. Partial view of the quarry acquired recently by Apex Granite Company, Inc. If is located 20 miles southwest of Elberton and has been in operation for 12 years. Gangsawing and storage facilities purchased by Harper’s Quarry, Inc., located on Highway 77 just north of Elberton. KEYSTONE MANAGEMENT STUDY COMPLETED In recent weeks, management con­sultants from the George S. May firm in New York have been in Elberton studying the operations of Keystone Granite Company. Employed by Presi­dent of the local granite firm, George T. Oglesby, to survey various aspects of his office and plant’s operations, the nationally known consulting firm also assisted in studying an incentive program for the Keystone firm. Involved in the studies were determinations of costs required to produce certain items in the plant; time and motion observations were made; materials handling procedures were analyzed; and new forms including work or “shop” tickets were devised. Commenting on the unique study, President Oglesby said, “This eventually will be a very helpful thing to us. It has already caused us to actually revise parts of our manufacturing processes for more efficiency, and hopefully for more productivity.” “It is amazing what you can learn about your own routine operations from impartial observers, and we are satisfied this study will help us render better service to our customers and will enable us to utilize our own time and skills to better ad­vantage,” he added. Supervisors complete study course. A group of supervisory personnel employed in Elberton Granite firms have recently completed a twelve-week study course utilizing televised lectures and group discussion methods. Made available through the Georgia Department of Education and the Georgia State Chamber of Commerce, the course was sponsored by the Elberton Granite Association, Inc., for its member-firms. Thirteen foremen or office supervisors gathered at the Granite Center each Thursday afternoon to listen to a half-hour televised program of in­struction. Then E.G.A. staff member Eldon Sayer led an hour-long discussion concerning the lesson of the day. This marked the initial use by granite in­dustry personnel of the television-plus­discussion method of adult education. Entitled “The Role of the Super­visor,” the course embraced many phases of supervisory activity, such as the selection and training of employees; getting work done through people; work simplification and methods im­provement; improvement of communications; and the management of time. Both the supervisory group and their employers expressed satisfaction with the progress made in the course. In recognition of their achievement, the Association was host at a dinner at the Elberton Country Club marking the conclusion of the course. Each of the supervisors was presented with a Cer­tificate by the Association. Supervisors participating in the course were: Marshall A. Adams of Granite Sales and Supply Corporation; Bennie L. Brown and G. W. (Billy) Hix, Jr., of the Republic Granite Com­pany, Inc.; Almond Bryant of United Granite Company, Inc.; D. Alton Can­non and Hershel Dove of Harmony Blue Granite Company, Inc.; John B. Coogler, Jr., and Calvin C. Vaughn of Universal Memorial Company, Inc.; Wilton Dye, R. L. Erwin and Zack D. Thomas of the Elberton Granite Fin­ishing Company, Inc.; Ray Jefferson of Childs Brothers Granite Company, Inc.; and W. Odell Edwards of Harper Motor Lines, Inc. Thirteen supervisory and their instructor are pictured at the E.G.A. dinner honoring them upon completion of their twelve-week study course. From left to right, seated are: Ray Jefferson, Bennie L. Brown, Marshall Adams, John Coogler, R. L. Erwin, Wilton Dye, and Instructor Eldon Sayer of the E.G.A. staff. Standing, from Jeff to right, are: Almond Bryant, Hershel Dove, Zack Thomas, Alton Cannon, Calvin Vaughn, Odell Edwards and Billy Hix. KIWANIS PROMOTE “GRANITE CAPITAL” The Elberton Kiwanis, Club has undertaken a very worthwhile project that :not only aids their club projects but boosts Elberton at the same time. Members of the club have been selling small tags for the front bumpers of automobiles. The red tags with white letters read, “Elberton, Georgia-Granite Capital of the World.” Since Georgia automobiles have license plates only on the rear, the usual space on the front of the vehicles can be used for this identification of the city where the owner lives. Kiwanis club members are selling the attractive tags. for one dollar each, and they will use the proceeds to promote their work for Elbert County boys and girls. Club officials report a brisk sale of the tags, and practically every automobile one sees in Elberton these days is sporting the bright red tag. Needless to report, traveling salesmen and others connected with the local granite industry welcomed this oppor­tunity to advertise their hometown. Chairman of the Tag Project for the Kiwanis Club was Herbert Moore, center, who is treasurer of this club and Sales Manager of Harmony Blue Granite Company, Inc. He is shown proudly displaying the attractive tags to Kiwanis President Tom Wigglesworth, right, and, to Evans Chandler, Jeff, a former president of the club. They agreed that the project will bring added publicity to Elberton and ifs granite industry in addition to providing funds for their youth programs. Elberton Men Develop New Automatic Sandblast Equipment Carl Grimes, a soft-spoken Elberton Granite man with a flair for mechanical ideas, and Floyd Dye, a newcomer in the granite field with a long-time interest in machines, have started a quiet revolution in the sandblasting departments of Elberton firms through their recent introduction of automatic equipment to aid in the sandblasting opera­tions. Just a few months ago, in the Fall of 1965, Carl Grimes, who along with his brother Charles Grimes own and operate Grimes Brothers Granite Company, decided to see if he could build an electrically operated sandblast hose that would free his sandblast personnel for other duties. Carl called in Floyd Dye, a local machinist, to help implement his ideas, and in short order they created a workable automatic machine. Once the machine was operating in his own plant, Carl magnanimously turned over all rights to his idea to his co-helper, Floyd Dye. When other granite firms heard of the success of the machine, Dye was literally swamped with orders for similar machines. The first thing he did was apply for patent rights on the machine, which unlike other automatic machines on the market today works on the principle of electrically driven, time-operated devices. He has already refined certain parts of the operation including a safety mechanism to cut off the stream of abrasive in case the electric power stops for any reason. Machines Installed by Other Firms In addition to the original machine at Grimes Brothers Granite Company’s plant, and a second machine being built for that firm, Dye has already sold and installed machines at other Elberton Granite plants. Republic Granite Com­pany, Inc., has purchased three of the automatic machines; Harmony Blue Granite Company, Inc., has installed two machines; and Apex Granite Company, Inc., has one oper­ating and another under construction. Two retail firms, who observed the machine in operation in Elberton, have also purchased the new equipment from Mr. Dye. Orders on hand for other producers or retailers will keep him busy for some time, Mr. Dye said. Manufacturing Information In an interview about his new machine that is taking Elberton by storm, Mr. Dye explained that at present he is able to manufacture about two complete units a week in his small machine shop located on the Washington Highway just south of Elberton. The machine fits any standard sandblast room and curtain and is an ingenious combination of electrically and time operated limit switches controlling both up and down and side-to-side movements of, the sandblast nozzle. When asked if he cared to comment on the cost and availability of his new machine, Mr. Dye explained that he is presently able to sell the units in the $1,250 to $1,500 price range depending on equipment desired. This price makes it well within the average retail firm’s means since its use requires only about 20% of the operator’s time. Also, the unit can be converted to manual operation for special sandblasting details in two minutes, Mr. Dye said. Retail Installation The first retail shop to purchase and install the automatic sandblast equipment developed by Grimes and Dye was Hendrix Memorial Company in Sylacauga, Alabama. Mr. Glenn E. Hendrix, owner of the firm, stated that his ma­chine, purchased in January of 1966, is operating beyond his expectations in a completely satisfactory manner. While his operator formerly had to make layouts, cut stencil, and then use the sandblast machine, he now does the other operations while the machine is running itself. All that is required is to change the stone upon completion and make an occasional check to see that all systems are functioning satisfactorily. Mr. Hendrix explained that his firm installed the first sandblast machine in the State of Alabama back in 1930 and now his firm has been the first to install an automatic machine in the State. Many people have come by and marveled at its operation, and one of his friendly competitors has already had Mr. Dye build a similar machine for his firm, Mr. Hendrix said. The developers and first retail purchaser of the new automatic sandblast machine are shown examining the original machine built for Grimes Brothers Granite Company, Inc. in Elberton. From Jeff to right are Floyd Dye, who is now building the machines; Glenn E. Hendrix, first retailer to purchase a machine; and Carl Grimes, originator of the idea. Two automatic machines installed facing each other at Republic Granite Company’s plant in El­berton. Note that one operator can easily check both machines. In addition, the firm has a third machine which can also be oper­ated by the one employee. Taking a closer look af the limit switching mechanism, Builder Floyd Dye, Jeff, and Inventor Carl Grimes, right, are rightly pleased with the success of their efforts. JAYCEES CITE GRANITE FIRMS At the annual Elberton-Elbert County Jaycees Bosses’ Night held recently, Certificates of Appreciation were presented to three granite firms or organizations for their cooperation with and assis­tance to the Jaycees in their program of community service. Re­ceiving attractive certificates were: Tru-Stone, Inc., Harmony Blue Granite Company, Inc., and the Elberton Granite Association, Inc. Among the Jaycee participants on the program was Earle Davis, Sales Representative for Al1en-National Granite Companies, who introduced distinguished guests at the fete. New Elberton Granite Apprenticeship Program Completes First Year of Operation On May 1, 1965, after many hurdles had been crossed, the Joint Apprenticeship Program for the Elberton Granite District was launched. Sponsored jointly by the Elberton Granite Association, Inc., and the Elberton Branch of the Granite Cutters International Association, the program, after its first full year of operation, now has 31 apprentices enrolled at 16 different Elberton Granite firms. The unprecedented success of the new program is attributable to several factors: the willingness of the employers and employees to abide by the Standards formulated by the Joint Apprenticeship Committee; the overall policy guidance given the program by a dedicated group of employers and union members serving on the Joint Committee; and the diligent day-to-day supervision of the program’s many details by Eldon Sayer, E.G.A. employee who has been designated Apprenticeship Coordinator in addition to his other duties. “Naturally, all apprentices enrolled in the program are not still in training,” Coordinator Sayer said. “Some have been drafted, others have quit for personal reasons, and a few have not had the aptitude or skill required to learn the trade. However, the current number of 31 represents a fine group of trainees who will help to fill the scarce ranks of qualified granite industry workers,” he explained. “Efforts to recruit, enroll and train qualified apprentices in the program are continuing,” the Coordinator said. Coggins Continues National Advertising Continuing its program of advertising in nationally circulated magazines, the Coggins Granite Industries, Inc., this Spring has had full-page advertisements in the April issue of three editions of Good Housekeeping with a com­bined circulation of over 2 million. John Coggins, Executive Vice President of the firm, explained that each magazine reached an average of 4 readers, so well over 8 million persons have been exposed to the appealing ad entitled “Because Someone Lived.” Appearing in the East Central, Southeast and Southwest editions of Good Housekeeping, the ad pictures a grand­father reading the Scripture to his granddaughter and carries a powerful message to prospective monument pur­chasers. Each ad was in full color; and each carried a list­ing of retail monument firms by cities and states where the monuments advertised could be purchased, Mr. Coggins said. For several years, the Coggins firm has sponsored advertisements in leading national consumer magazines. One of the two machines installed at Harmony Blue Granite Company’s plant showing the overall view of the automatic equipment. A closer view of the mechanism as seen on the machine placed in operation at the plant of Apex Granite Company, Inc. Safety device consisting of a solenoid mechanism. That automatically falls down cuffing off the abrasive stream if the power is shut off for any reason. (Ed. Note - During the past year, Elberton Granite firms added significantly to their quarrying and plant facilities. Conservative estimates indicate that at least one million dollars’ worth of capital improvements have been made since the beginning of 1965. Reported in this issue and 1965 issues of the GRANITEER, a cataloging of these improvements reveals two entirely new quarrying operations; 2 gigantic sawing facilities occupying some 35,000 sq. ft. of space; expansions at 2 quarries; new derricks at 6 quarries; 18 new wire saws; 19 new automatic top polishers; 9 new automatic sandblast machines; 4 new profile machines; conveyor equipment at 5 plants; new cranes at 3 plants; and new sandblast improvements at 5 plants. In addition, some 15,000 sq. ft. of new production space has been added at the various plants. While much of this equipment has been installed to help alleviate the shortage of labor, at least 35 new jobs have been created in the Elberton area through these improvements. No headlines have heralded this million-dollar expansion and 35 new job opportunities in the area; but this healthy growth of Elberton’s principal industry has contributed materially to the overall pros­perity of Elberton and Elbert County.) PURITAN GRANITE COMPANY has completed the installation of a profile machine at its plant off Tate Street Extension. Extensions and improve­ments were made to the firm’s building to accommodate the new machine. A second sandblast room has been added by ROCK KNOB GRANITE COMPANY, INC., and a new crane in­stalled to speed up production at the plant the firm is now operating on Tate Street Extension. A new automatic top polishing machine is the latest addition to the plant of STANDARD GRANITE COMPANY, INC., on the Hartwell Highway. These popular machines are rendering excellent service in numerous Elberton Granite plants. WORLEY BROTHERS GRANITE COMPANY, INC., has announced the purchase of the building and property across from its main plant on Middleton Road which was formerly used as the Elbert County Stock Barn. Remodeling of the facility is being accomplished to provide badly needed storage space and to offer space for future expansion of plant operations if needed. HARMONY BLUE GRANITE COMPANY, INC., has purchased and installed two automatic sandblasting ma­chines. These additions to the firm’s sandblast department are working very satisfactorily according to Harmony Blue officials. ALLEN-NAT IONAL GRANITE COMPANIES have added a new derrick at their quarry. At the firms’ plant on Railroad Street in Elberton, the sand­blast department has been renovated and a suction lift for abrasive installed. In addition, two new automatic top polishing machines have been installed. At ROSS L. BROWN GRANITE COMPANY, INC., two new automatic top polishing machines are now in op­eration. These labor-saving devices ac­tually free one production worker for other tasks, according to the firm’s officials. A new single-strand wire saw has been installed at the main plant of SERVICE GRANITE COMP ANY, INC., off Tate Street Extension. This in­creases the number of wire saws oper­ated by the firm to six. The 16,000 sq. ft. sawing and storage facility recently added adjacent to the building plant of COGGINS GRANITE INDUSTRIES, INC., on the Athens Highway is gradually being enclosed as this photograph illustrates. The five wire saws in this building have released sawing capacity at the firm’s main plant far more monumental production use. After having two automatic sand­blast machines installed at their plant on Middleton Road, officials at REPUBLIC GRANITE COMPANY, INC., were so pleased with their operation that they immediately ordered a third machine which has now been installed. The latest machine is easily converted to manual operation for special sandblast work. At the “Worley Blue” quarry operated by WORLEY BROTHERS GRANITE COMPANY, INC., off the Ruckersville Road northeast of Elberton, a new derrick and a new compressor have recently been installed. Considerable overburden is being removed so that the present opening at the quarry can be expanded. APEX GRANITE COMPANY, INC., has speeded up the handling of materials in its plant on Tate Street Extension through the addition of an extensive system of roller conveyors. The firm has also purchased and installed a new automatic sandblast machine; and immediately placed an order for an additional machine to be installed in the near future. KEYSTONE GRANITE COMPANY is undertaking extensive new developments at its “Hedquist Pink” quarry off Highway 17 south of Elberton. Over 14,000 cubic yards of overburden are being moved to clear a new area for expansion of the quarrying operations there. The second automatic sandblast ma­chine is being installed by GRIMES BROS. GRANITE COMPANY, INC., at its plant off Tate Street Extension. CONSOLIDATED GRANITE COMPANY, INC., has completed the installation of a new single-strand wire saw at its fast-growing plant on the outskirts of Elberton. New production space totaling 2,300 sq. ft. has been added at KEYSTONE GRANITE COMPANY’S plant on the Hartwell Highway. Located in the new area are well-designed roller conveyors to permit efficient washing, inspecting, and loading of granite monuments pro­duced by the firm. The CENTURY GRANITE COMPANY, INC., has installed a new completely automatic slab polishing machine. The first of its kind to be installed in Elberton, the equipment operates without the constant attention of an operator. It is expected fa substantially increase the production capability of Century’s plant located off the Toccoa Highway in Elberton. This new contour machine was recently installed of the plant of CONSOLIDATED GRANITE COMPANY, INC., on the Hartwell Highway. It features a “sunken” loading cart that permits the stone lo be level with the floor of the plant and makes for considerably easier grinding operations. To make room for the new machine, 575 new sq. ft. of space was added to the firm’s plant. The latest addition to the machinery at HARMONY BLUE GRANITE COMPANY, INC., is a gantry-type profile machine. The entire machine moves on a track permitting the grinding operation to proceed from one stone to another without costly time being consumed while “set-up” operations toke place. This new machine incorporates the latest advancements in gantry grinding operations and is speeding up production considerably according to the firm’s officials. Memorial Erected in Florida to Southern General The photograph at left shows a tourist admiring the massive memorial erected recently in Ft. Myers, Florida, by the United Daughters of the Confed­eracy in memory of General Robert E. Lee. Childs Brothers Granite Company in Elberton fabricated the granite portions of the monument which stands seven feet, eight inches high. George Crone of the C. E. Crone Monument Company of Memphis, Tennessee, sold the memorial which was erected in a beautiful park in downtown Ft. Myers. The bust of General Lee and the lettering and dates are in bronze. The polished sides of the monument and the polished portions of the bases contrast effectively with the recessed steeled top and bottom portions of the monument. The four stars, denoting the General’s rank, appear on all four sides of both the top and bottom of the large memorial. “Continental Blue Granite” was used by the Childs’ firm in the manufacture of this interesting tribute to the great leader of the Confederate Armies. The monument was erected by the U. D. C. in connection with the Centennial Celebration of the Confederacy during 1965. (Ed. Note-Aside from the interest that this memorial represents to the monu­ment industry, it is interesting to speculate why a tourist in Ft. Myers would need to be wearing a coat!) Monument Relates Town’s History Mr. Walker Audsley, owner of Audsley Monument Company in Glasgow, Missouri, has recently performed a public service act that could well be emulated by other retail monument dealers. He and his former partner donated a historical marker to the city of Glasgow; and the inscription of 2,200 letters tells a com­plete history of the town. Notable among the town’s claim to fame is the fact that Glas­gow was the site of the first all-steel bridge ever built in the world. A sandblast carving of the bridge complete with a riverboat passing underneath appears on the monument that was erected at a main intersection of the town. Comolli Granite Company in Elberton designed and built the unusual memorial. The firm’s “Peerless Extra Blue Granite” was used, and a steeled finish for the back and front was selected. Ben C. Smith, Elberton designer, made the drawing of the bridge which was etched into the monument. Explaining his reason for donating the historical marker, Mr. Audsley said, “I have been in Glasgow for 35 years, and the town has been good to us. We believe we should help preserve the his­tory of our town for future generations. And we decided there was no better way than through the donation of this granite monument.” The town erected a large foundation and built a walk with a railing on three sides of the monument. The 2,200 letters on the front and back of the monument were sandblasted by Mr. Audsley and his son-in-law. ., Unusual Monuments Built by Elberton firms DODD-The face of the memorial, manufactured by National Granite Company in Elberton for Bolser and Shaw Monuments of Vernon, Indiana, is o modified design from the E.G.A. Series; but the back of the monument contains a most unusual pictorial representation of the Dodd family free. Three generations of the Dodd family are buried in the Coffee Creek Baptist Church Cemetery near Vernon, Indiana, where this memorial was erected by the Bolser and Shaw firm. Designer of the unique “family free monument” was Daito., Bolser; the medium used was “National Blue Granite.” COULTER-The highly polished surfaces of this “Virginia Black Granite’’ memorial reflect the images of surrounding monuments in Arlington National Cemetery where this memorial was erected for the famous movie actress, Miss Constance Bennett. Her husband was General John Coulter who commissioned Apperson and Dent, Inc., of Alexandria, Virginia, to design and erect the tribute to his wife. Highpoint Granite Company in Elberton built the monument for Apperson and Dent. The site in the Arlington Cemetery faces a roadway not too far from the grave of the late President John F. Kennedy. RICHARDSON-Both sides of this memorial were used to record facts about the families of the owners of this cemetery plot. Southeastern Granite Company in Elberton fabricated this monument for Wyatt Memorials of Decatur, Georgia. The roses on the face of the monument are raised carvings. The Rotary and Shrine insignia are used effectively along with an appropriate verse of Scripture. The back of the memorial contains /actual information about the ancestry of both sides of the family. “Crystal White Granite” was used in the manufacture of this all-steeled monument which was erected by the Wyatt firm in Riverdale, Georgia. WHITE, deLACEE, HOLLAND, NEAL-This attractive vertical memorial was built by the Continental Granite Division of The Georgia Marble Company in Elberton using “Hoover Gray Granite.” The design is from E.G.A.’s Series, “Memorials· in Elber­ton Granite,” and the vertical lines ore particularly appropriate for the multiple use of family names. Evans Memorial Company of Birmingham, Alabama, sold and erected the memorial which stands in Elmwood Cemetery in that city. Resting in front of the all­steeled face of the monument is o vase fabricated by the Elberton Granite Turning Works, Inc., from “Crystal Pink Granite.” PRENTICE Representing a modern treatment in memorialization, this monument was fabricated by Elberton Granite Finishing Company, Inc., using its “Bluestone Granite.” The unusually beautiful lettering for the family name and the carving were applied by Forest Hills Memorial Company of Loves Park, Illinois, before the monument was erected in Willwood Burial Park in Rockford, Illinois. FULLER-This memorial is an excellent example of the manner in which Elberton firms can duplicate older-styled monuments that retailers are sometimes called on to match. The Cullman Marble & Granite Company of Cullman, Alabama, was well pleased with the material and workmanship on this duplicate of a very old but stately monument which Coggins Granite Industries, Inc., produced for the firm. “Crystal While Granite” was the medium selected for the all-steeled massive monument which was erected by the Cullman firm in the city cemetery there. HADDAD-Central Granite Company in Elberton manufactured this monument for Corpus Christi Memorials in Corpus Christi, Texas. On each end of the memorial is a raised Cross; and no other ornamentation is used, the result is a striking example of an unadorned but symbolic memorial. “Continental Blue Granite” was used in the fabrication of the all-steeled memorial which was erected in the Corpus Christi area. EBERENZ-The sculpturing ski// of Dario Rossi of Dixie Granite Company in Elberton is featured in this outstanding memorial produced by that firm for Riehm-Gerlock Memorials of Louisville, Kentucky. The modern treatment of the symbolic Catholic design is enhanced by the attractive stippled finish of the “Dixie· Blue Granite” memorial. The figure of Christ knocking at the door is raised two inches from the surface of the memorial as is the Cross. Riehm­Gerlock erected the beautiful vertical tablet in Calvary Cemetery in Louisville. MURPHY-This symbolic memorial was erected in memory of a young Marine who lost his life in the Viet Nam conflict. Acme Granite Company, Inc., of Elberton built the massive monument for Gregory Monument Company of Moultrie, Georgia. The Marine Corps emblem and an American flag are used on the· inscription panel. Made from a single piece of “Elberton Blue Granite,” the family name and inscription portions of the monument are eight feet, long. The family name portion has a polished surface; the inscription area has a steeled finish. Gregory Monument Company erected the symbol of memory to the fallen Marine in Moultrie City Cemetery. Continental Granite Division Expands New Quarry the Continental Granite Division of the Georgia Marble Company is making rapid strides in the development of its new “Royalty Dark Blue Granite” quarry located near Carlton, ten miles west of Elberton. Wilbur H. Hoover, Vice President of the firm and man­ager of the Continental Granite Divi­sion, stated that the quarry is now in full operation. According to Mr. Hoover, one steel derrick has been installed and another 50-ton derrick is currently being added. Two jet piercing machines are in operation along with two channel bar drills. An all-steel hoisting engine house has been built; and a metal building with over 2,500 sq. ft. of floor space has been erected to house the large new compressor and to provide shop and garage facilities. The manager explained that the initial opening at the quarry is 160 ft. by 320 ft. He stated that employees are now in the process of quarrying out the “key block” on the second lift down. It is expected that the quarry will be producing at a capacity of some 20,000 cu. ft. per month within a short time ‘he said. In discussing the extensive new operations, Mr. Hoover reiterated that his Division’s first consideration is to take care of Elberton manufacturers’ needs for rough granite. “We are primarily interested in the sale of blocks and sawed slabs to other wholesalers or manufacturing retailers,” he said. Since acquiring the several quarries and plants owned by Mr. Hoover in early 1965, the Georgia Marble Com­pany has established the Continental Granite Division; consolidated various operations; reassigned personnel for most effective utilization; opened the new quarry; and erected a large all steel building to house sawing and pol­ishing operations on the outskirts of Elberton. Memorial to Admiral Semmes Dedicated Elberton Granite has been used to mark the grave of one of the greatest naval heroes of history-Admiral Raphael Semmes. For many years his grave at the Old Catholic Cemetery, Mobile, Alabama, was marked by a simple slab on which the identification was scarcely readable. In 1964, the Sons of Confederate Veterans at Mobile decided to erect a fitting memorial tribute to the memory of this man who accounted for sinking more opposition shipping than any other naval figure in the annals of recorded history. The new memorial was obtained through the Jordon Monument Com­pany of Mobile, who had it manufactured by Comolli Granite Company in Elberton. The material used for the beautiful double slab memorial was “Comolli Peerless Extra Blue Granite.” The coping and surfaces of the memo­rial are polished; and a massive metal plaque paying tribute to Admiral Semmes is attached to the slanting face of the monument. Dedication of the new memorial at Mobile’s venerable and historic Old Catholic Cemetery took place on the 155th anniversary of Semmes’ birth. Present for the ceremonies were three generations of the Semmes family plus other notable civic, religious, and po­litical leaders. View of the immense opening being made at the new “Royalty Dark Blue Granite” quarry of the Continental Granite Division of G.M.C., located ten miles west of Elberton. Elberton Granite memorial marking the grave of an illustrious southern hero of the War between the States-Admiral Raphael Semmes. Part of the inscription on the memorial reads: “To the undying memory of Raphael Semmes, author, diplomat, journalist, jurist, scholar, soldier and seaman extraordinary; but above all, and always, a gentleman.” Looking over the new quarry development are offi­cials of the Georgia Marble Company: President John W. Dent, right, and Vice President Wilbur H. Hoover who also serves as Manager of the firm’s Continental Granite Division in Elberton. Daily tours of granite quarries and plants The. Elberton Granite Association, Inc., has inaugurated a new program of daily guided tours of Elberton quarries and plants. During the period from May to October, a tour directed by E.G.A. staff member Walton Y. Harris will leave The Granite Center at 2 P.M. daily, Monday through Friday, to inspect a local quarry and plant operation. Transportation for the tours is being provided through the courtesy of the seven automobile agencies located in Elberton. The first ten per. tons assembling for the tour each day ride in cars furnished by these firms who are joining with the Granite Association to help promote Elberton and its granite industry. A rotation plan has been set up to tour one quarry and one or more plants each day for a full week. All E.G.A. member-firms will be eligible to have their facilities in­cluded on a tour during one or more weeks during the Summer if they so elect. The daily tour leaves promptly at 2 P.M. and is concluded by 3 :30 P.M. The tours have been started for both local citizens and tourists passing through the area, E.G.A. Manager Bill Kelly explained. “It is amazing how many local people have not actually seen a quarry and plant in operation; and many of those who have seen our operations have not had an opportunity to see the modern machinery that has been installed in our facilities or the significant improvements that have been made in our Granite Industry in recent years,” Kelly added. The Association is running an advertisement in each issue of Elberton’s semi-weekly newspaper stating the quarry and plant to be visited that week and listing the automobile agency that is furnishing courtesy transportation for the week. In addition, billboard ads tell tourists of the availability of the tours; and folders are being prepared for distribution at Georgia’s famous “Welcome Stations” and to local business houses and automobile service stations. Elberton auto firms that are cooperating on this new tourist promotion program are: Dean Motor Company, Edwards Motor Company, McLanahan Chevrolet Company, Moore Sales & Service, Ray Auto Company, Claude Ray Ford Sales, and Walton-Gaines Motor Company. Tour Director Walton Harris expressed the hope that Elbertonians would avail themselves of this new opportunity to learn more about their hometown’s leading industry. “The welcome mat is out at The Granite Center for homefolks as well as their guests, tourists passing through, and any others interested in spending a fascinating hour­and-a-half with us any day Monday through Friday,” he said. E. G.A. PROMOTION EFFORTS ON GLOBAL SCALE While the work of the E.G.A. Pro­motion Department, headed by Walton Y. Harris, is aimed primarily at the retail monument dealers of the United States, Walton is not adverse to helping memorialists in foreign lands obtain the merchandising aids E.G.A. has to offer. In 1963, the new PORTA-DISPLA Y was announced through the pages of the GRANITEER, which, incidentally, is mailed free of charge by the Elberton Granite Association mem­bers to over 5,500 retail firms in the United States and Canada and to a few monument companies located in such countries as Norway, France, Australia, Japan, Scotland, New Zealand, and South Africa. Recently, a letter arrived at the E.G.A. office from Zuider-Paarl, South Africa, where Mr. W. J. Clift had seen the GRANITEER story and want­ed to know how he could obtain two PORTA-DISPLAYS for use in his country. A lively, long-distance correspond­ence ensued between Walton Harris and Mr. Clift. Yes, the PORTA-DISPLAY could be sent. But there was the matter of currency exchange, custom regulations, and packing and ship ping considerations. Ever resourceful, Walton first obtained the money from the South African firm; and he was careful to include the postal fees and special crating costs which he had figured in advance. Sturdy shipping crates were made from plywood; the PORTA-DISPLAYS were wrapped securely and placed in the crates; and a special trip to the Elberton Post Office was made to make certain that the parcels started their long journey in good order. Wal ton says the same personal attention is given to all orders for merchandising aids received at the E.G.A. office. Your order might not be packed in a wooden crate for mailing, and it may not have to travel 12,000 miles before delivery, but nevertheless you can rest assured that your complete satisfaction is the Promotion Department’s aim. “Just try us and see for yourself,” Walton says. E.G.A. Promotion Specialist Walton Y. Harris, left, and E.G.A. Freight Coordinator Larry Oglesby, right, admire their handiwork in crating and packing a PORTA-DISPLAY for shipment to South Africa. New officers named JIM GREER Jim Greer has been elected president of Star Granite Company, Inc. Mr. Greer was formerly connected with the firm as manager of its manufacturing plant and its “Blue Star” quarry located near Elberton. Under his direction, the large modern plant facility was constructed on the Toccoa Highway and a new and functional office was built ad­jacent to the plant. He is married to the former Carol Holt, and they and their three children reside in Athens. Star Granite Company, Inc. House of Pfaff, Inc. DILLARD ADAMS Following the untimely death of Charles Webb, local manager of the House of Pfaff operations, Dillard Adams has been named Mr. Webb’s successor. George Pfaff of New York, President of the firm, made the announ­cement and stated that Mr. Adams’ twelve years of service to the firm qualified him admirably to assume the new duties. He will continue to travel to call on retail dealers to the extent possible. Mr. Marco P. Goodwin has been employed as salesman by the firm; and he will be assisting Mr. Adams in representing the firm in the Southeast. Granite Sales and Supply Corporation MARSHALL ADAMS The new manager of Granite Sales and Supply Corporation is Marshall A. Adams. He succeeds the late Hubert Denny who had held the post since the local supply firm’s formation in 1954. Mr. Adams has worked with Granite Sales and Supply for a number of years and had been serving as Assistant Man­ager for the past year. Other officers named for the new year were: Jule McLanahan of Elberton Granite Industries, Inc., re-elected as president; Glenn McGarity of Harmony Blue Granite Company, Inc., chosen as new vice-president; Mel Fleischer of Dixie Granite Company, re-elected as secretary-treasurer; Paul Giannoni of Central Granite Company, Louis Com­olli of Comolli Granite Company, and Norman Childs of Childs Brothers Granite Company will continue to serve as carry-over directors; and Thomas Grimes of Victory Granite Company, George T. Oglesby of Keystone Granite Company, and John P. Wallis of Stand­ard Granite Company, Inc., will be the new directors of the supply corporation. Granite Men Lead Community Activities Elberton Granite men traditionally have taken active parts in the civic and social organizations in the community where they live and work. Recent elections by various groups bear eloquent testimony to this fact. CLARENCE McLANAHAN Clarence R. McLanahan, President of Republic Granite Company, Inc., has been named as the new president of the Elbert County Chamber of Commerce for the coming year. He took office on April 1. Serving with him on the Board of Directors of this trade body are A. Dewey Williams of Harper Motor Lines and William A. Kelly of the Elberton Granite Association, Inc. In addition, Frank Coggins, Jr., serves as a direc­tor in his capacity as President of the Elbert County Redevelopment Corpora­tion. MANUEL FERNANDEZ Manuel Fernandez, Vice President of Keystone Granite Company, has been elected as the new president of the Elberton-Elbert County Jaycees for 1966- 67. Manuel has been quite active in the local Jaycee organization and received the “Jaycee of the Year” award for 1964-65. · Also elected to other offices in the Jaycees were Paul Vickery of Ross L. Brown Granite Company, Inc., to serve as 1st vice president; and Sam Crisco of Harper Motor Lines to be 2nd vice president. Coggins Granite Industries, Inc. W. H. (BILL) JOHNSTON William H. Johnston has been elected to the Board of Directors of Coggins Granite Industries, Inc., and named to fill the position of vice-president in the area of production. Mr. Johnston has been associated with the Coggins’ firm since 1957 as salesman, assistant sales manager and monumental plant man­ager. Speaking for the company, Vice-president James M. Thornton said, “We are pleased to be able to reward Bill in this way for his loyalty to the company, his dedication to the job, and for his exacting performance of duty in all levels of work. He has come up through the ranks, and we are grati­fied to recognize his value to the firm by this recognition and added responsibility.” Ever faithful in their secretarial duties, Charlie and Grace Glaeser, right, seemed to enjoy every minute of the big meeting in /heir hometown. With them during one of their infrequent “still moments” were Jim MacDonald, left, owner of PURITAN GRANITE COMPANY, and Hilliard Sunday, second from Jeff, of York, Pennsylvania. This happy trio enjoyed the E.G.A. “Happy Hour” as their expressions obviously indicate. From left to· right is Virgil Zucchi of Merchantville, New Jersey; Mrs. Mabel McGovern of North Arlington, New Jersey; and Henry Hammond, Sales Representative for APEX GRANITE COMPANY, INC. When these young men get together, the subject naturally turns to golf. On the left is one of Elberton’s leading golfers, Mel Fleischer, Sales Manager of DIXIE GRANITE COMPANY; with him are Vernon Merkle, center, of Baltimore, Maryland; and Ralph Secrist of Red Lion, Pennsylvania. Posing for the E.G.A. cameraman during a break in the meeting were, from left to right, Harry Shucker of Myerstown, Pennsylvania; George Whitworth, Sales Representative for COGGINS GRANITE INDUSTRIES, INC.: and Ken Peterson of Woodbury, New Jersey. Felix Comolli, left, President of COMOLLI GRANITE COMPANY in Elberton, is a faithful attender at the Tri-State meetings. Visiting with him at Philadelphia was Harvard Wood, right, who lived only a few minutes away from the Marriott Motor Hotel where the meeting was held. Billy Gault, left, of Baltimore, Maryland, boasted of having the biggest glass at the “Happy Hour,” and nobody disputed his claim as this photograph shows. Looking askance at the giant goblet is his wife Jane. Joining in the fun with them was Jack Kinney, right, Sales Representative for UNITED GRANITE COMPANY, INC. This picture shows a diplomatic way to photograph a friend whose hair is not in the Beatles’ class. Lewis Webb, left, Vice President of HARPER MOTOR LINES, INC., could either be bald or bushy; but there’s no mistaking the amount of hair that David King, right, of York, Pennsylvania, revealed for the camera. During the banquet, the Past Presidents of the organization were presented handsome walnut plaques. The E.G.A. cameraman recorded the group for posterity. Seated, from left to right, are Jim Knobloch of Buffalo; Carroll Gardner of Schenectady; Irving Bower of Pleasant Valley; and Art Peterson, who accepted the plaque for Vito Marline/Ii of New York City. Standing, from left to right, are Harry Burack of Brooklyn: Bill Spargo, Ill, who accepted the plaque for his grandfather of Albany; Bill Spargo, Jr. of Albany: C. M. Travis, who accepted the plaque for W. 0. Copeland of Suffern; and Grant Lewis, who accepted the plaque for George Kellogg of Mexico, New York. Dan Ambrosini, standing at right, owner of DIXIE GRANITE COMPANY, represented the American Monument Association in his capacity as President of that organization. His daughter, Mrs. Mel Fleischer, seated second from right, accompanied him to the meeting. With them at one of the fabulous Grossinger meals were Dominick Fasolino, standing at left, and Frank Fasolino, standing at center. Seated from left to right were: Mr. and Mrs. Bruno Bonardi of Quincy, Massachusetts; Mrs. Fleischer; and Mrs. Frank Fasolino. Tony Knoetgen, left, of Middle Village, was rounding out his second successful year as president of the New York State organization. Congratulating him on a job well done was John Coggins, right, Vice Presi­dent of COGGINS GRANITE INDUSTRIES, INC. One of /he highlights of an outstanding program was a talk by the Rt. Rev. Msgr. Edward J. Mitty of the New York Archdiocesan Catholic Cemeteries. He is shown, at right, with Elberton Granite Sales Representative Tom Cardo, left. Charlie Deadwyler, center, Vice President of COGGINS GRANITE INDUSTRIES, INC., looked quite pleased to have gotten in between these two leaders of the New York group. On the left is the most able Secretary, Newell Presbrey of New York City: and on the right is the efficient Sergeant-at-Arms, Grant Lewis of Syracuse. Jim MacDonald, center, owner of PURITAN GRANITE COMPANY in Elberton, found the “Northern hospitality” of Mr. and Mrs. Domi­nick Carotenuto of New York City to be quite friendly. By the end of the meeting, they were “old friends”: and the Carotenutos had begun to develop a “Southern accent”. Gathering around the piano for a friendly song session is a tradition at the E.G.A. “Happy Hour.” Puffing their all into the effort along with, Bill Kelly, seated, are, from left to right: Mrs. Carroll Gardner: Charlie Deadwyler of COGGINS GRANITE INDUSTRIES, INC.; Mrs. Mel Fleischer of DIXIE GRANITE COMPANY; Jim Knobloch; and Irvin Bower. In the background, in a characteristic pose with the open mouth is Bernard Wolf, counsel for the New York State organization. Boston is a long way from Elberton; and the cameraman found E.G.A. members rather scarce at the meeting. However, there was a fine gathering of retailers including Association leaders shown, from left to right: Bill Sargent past president of Gardner, Massachusetts: Donald Page, long-time secretary of the group from Bath, Maine; Davis, first president of the group from Roslindle, Massachusetts: Donald Rex, current president from New Bedford, Massachusetts; Jim Murray, who has just assumed his new duties as Sales Representative for COGGINS GRA/1 INDUSTRIES, INC., in the New England area: and past president Pete Carr of Quincy, Mel Greenway, center, Sales Representative for COGGINS GRANITE INDUSTRIES, INC., in the area, was on hand to welcome Mr. and Mrs. E. C. Edgerton of Clinton, North Carolina, for the banquet. A. L. Green, center, Executive Vice President of the Monument Builders of North America, was the featured speaker at the meeting. With him are the old and new presidents of the fledgling organization. On the Jeff is outgoing president Bill Brown of Florence, South Carolina: on the right is the incoming president Bill Wiley of York, South Carolina. Ed Mims, standing at right, Vice President of COGGINS GRANITE INDUSTRIES, INC., has a firm, on Johnny Brown, standing at left, of Rocky Mount, North Carolina. With them are Mr. and Mrs. Swaim of the Cemetery Assistance Program. Both and Don appeared on the program of the convent Mr. and Mrs. Russell Wilson, standing, helped these newcomers to the meeting feel quite at home. Seated, from left to right are Mrs. S. Bynam of Kinston, North Carolina: Mrs. L. R. Ennis of Goldsboro, North Carolina, and Mr. Ennis. Russell is Sales Representative for KEYSTONE GRANITE COMPANY in Elberton. Harry Mann, left, Sales Representative for BICKNELL MANUFACTURING COMPANY, looks like he has just told a good story to a wilting listener, Ferrell Holley, right, of Aiken, South Carolina. M. C. Barnhardt, Jr., retailer from Salisbury, North Carolina, was hemmed in by wholesalers at the banquet. On the left was Tom Haynes, Sales Representative for the CONTINENT AL GRANITE DIVISION OF G.M.C. and on the right was Charlie Deadwyler, Vice President of COGGINS GRANITE INDUSTRIES, INC. freight facts SEABOARD MODERNIZES ELBERTON FREIGHT OFFICE The Seaboard Air Line Railroad has demonstrated confidence in the future growth of Elberton by rebuilding its freight depot and modernizing its office facilities. The interior of the old freight depot was completely remodeled· attractive wall paneling, floor covering, and new light fixtures were installed; and the structure was air-conditioned, and a new heating system added. The exterior was re­vamped and painted, and parking facilities improved. Elberton Freight Agent M. Y. Ross stated that his of­ ice could now better service than ever before through its modem facilities. In addition to dock space adjacent to the freight office, the seaboard maintains an electrically operated crane and loading runway at one of its sites in Elberton near the depot. Seaboard Freight Agent M. Y. Ross, right, explains the. handling of a consolidated rail shipment to Larry Oglesby, left, E.G.A. Freight Coordinator, in the pleasant surroundings of the modernized freight office. New Catholic Design E.G.A. Design No. 1014 The copyrighted E.G.A. design shown on the opposite page embodies the popular Catholic motif. Pictured on the monu­ment is the Holy Family with sandblast carvings of the figures of St. Joseph, Mary and the Christ Child. Catholic symbols are set in recessed panels flanking the family name; and Crosses symbolizing Christianity are sandblown on the polished surfaces of the die portion of the memorial. Wild Rose carvings symboliz­ing Love add to the distinctive appearance of the design. Ma­chine production is employed to give the contoured shape of the top; the polished top of the base contrasts effectively with the top and ends of the monument. Large mirror-finish photographs of this latest E.G.A. design are available from Premier Designs, P. 0. Box 873, Elberton, Georgia. Standard prices will prevail on these photographs which should be ordered directly from Premier Designs. The three new merchandising aids introduced by the Elberton Granite As­sociation at the Minneapolis Convention in January have scored instant hits with hundreds of retail monument dealers who have requested sample copies or information about the attractive sales tools. A personalized folder for direct mail use, a public relations type booklet explaining how a monu­ment is made, and a handsome port­folio to enhance design presentations make up the trio of new aids offered by the Association. Complete informa­tion on each of these items was con­tained in the Winter 1966 GRANITEER. A brief description is given below; and a convenient order form is provided so interested retailers may write, without obligation, for further details. The new booklet “I Am a Monument” describes in pictures and narrative the steps involved in the making of a mod­ern memorial. This is a readable, 20-page, photographic essay that can be used in numerous ways by retail firms. For example, it can be used to inform leading citizens in communities about the monument business; or a copy placed in retailers’ offices or showrooms will help acquaint potential customers with the manner in which a memorial is produced. E.G.A. bears over half the cost of providing these booklets to interested retailers. A novel method of personal­izing the booklets is included without extra cost. Use the handy order form to obtain a free sample copy of this “I Am a Monument” booklet. Ordering instructions will be included with the information furnished about this new merchandising aid. E.G.A.’s new “Prestige Portfolio” is a handsome, dark blue kit that holds 12 or 24 custom-selected designs from the Association’s five design books, “Memorials in Elberton Granite.” Over 175 different designs are available for retailers’ selection of 12 or 24 designs to fit their particular needs in their selling programs. Each design selected for the portfolio is furnished as an individually finished photograph; and colored backgrounds are available if de­sired. The portfolio was developed after numerous retailers had expressed desires for a means of obtaining particular E.G.A. designs that are popular in their areas or that could be used with special types of clientele. Cost informa­tion and ordering details will be sent to interested retailers. Use the handy order form to learn more about this E.G.A. “Prestige Portfolio.’’ A retailer’s business card plus E. G. A.’s new direct mail folder automatically provide him with a personalized sales aid that will create prestige for his firm and answer vital questions for his prospects. The beautifully illustrated, eight-page booklet is printed in two colors on high-quality paper. It contains a variety of popular memorial designs and offers dignified help to the prospective monument purchaser. In addition, the new folder contains helpful information on symbolism, epitaphs, and styles of monuments. E.G.A. bears a portion of the cost of the folders. There is no waiting for imprints to be made; all orders are filled promptly. Write for a free sample and ordering instructions today. Dan Ambrosini, owner of DIXIE GRANITE COMPANY, has been reelected as a director and president of the American Monument Association for the coming year. At the recent Minneapolis Convention, C. S. “Bo” Coogler, President of UNIVERSAL MEMORIAL COMPANY, INC., was named a director of the organization for a three-year term. Other directors from Elberton on the wholesale organization’s Board include John E. Herndon, President of UNITED GRANITE COMPANY, INC., and Frank Coggins, Jr., President of COGGINS GRANITE INDUSTRIES, INC. Mr. Ambrosini has served as president of the organization for the past year, and he represented the wholesalers on the convention program at Minneapolis. Mr. Coogler has been a member of the A.M.A. Exhibit Committee for a number of years and has been active in all phases of the organization’s work. LARRY GREGOIRE UNITED GRANITE COMPANY, INC., has announced that Larry Gregoire is now representing that firm in the State of Michigan. Larry is well known in that area and lives in Hills­dale, Michigan. Frank A. Grappone of Montpelier, Vermont, is the new Sales Representative for HARMONY BLUE GRANITE COMP ANY, INC., in the state of Penn­sylvania and New York. He is a long­time salesman in the memorial field. JACK McHANEY CHILDS BROTHERS GRANITE COMPANY, INC., has revealed that Jack McHaney, well-known granite salesman, is representing the firm in Mississippi, Louisiana, southern Illinois and western Tennessee. Jack lives in Memphis, Tennessee. EARLE DAVIS ALLEN - NATIONAL GRANITE COMPANIES announce the employment of Earle Davis of Elberton to be Sales Representative for the firms in Ala­bama, Mississippi, Arkansas, Eastern Louisiana and Southern Missouri. Mr. Davis has worked in the Elberton Gran­ite area for a number of years. He is active in Jaycee activities. JIM MURRAY Jim Munay, a veteran of 17 year’s service in the memorial field, has joined COGGINS GRANITE INDUSTRIES, INC., as the company’s salesman in the six-state New England area and in the Hudson Valley area of New York State. Jim has had both retail and wholesale selling experience in the monument in­dustry. He lives in Woonsocket, Rhode Island. R. C. Van Nostrand of Woodward, Oklahoma, has been employed by the CONTINENTAL GRANITE DIVISION OF G. M. C. to be Sales Representative in Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, Oklahoma, Missouri, and Eastern Colorado. Mr. Van Nostrand was formerly in the re­tail monument business. Art Bissonette is the new Sales Representative for ROSS L. BROWN GRANITE COMPANY, INC., in Texas, Louisiana, and parts of Oklahoma. For six years, Art was a national sales man­ager for General Electric Company. HASKELL H. LIVESAY ELBERTON GRANITE INDUS­TRIES, INC. has announced the em­ployment of Haskell H. Livesay, form­erly of Sparta, Tennessee. Before join­ing the local granite firm, Mr. Livesay was associated with Bockman Granite Corporation of Sparta, Tennessee, for 14 years in the wholesale manufacturing business. He and Mrs. Livesay have moved to Elberton and are residing on Glendale Avenue. MISS EVA HILL Miss Eva Hill, seated, is the new secretary-bookkeeper at ROCK KNOB GRANITE COMP ANY, INC. Manager of the firm, Henry Drennan, standing, is shown instructing her in her new du­ties. TRAVIS A. TAYLOR HARPER MOTOR LINES, INC. has announced the appointment of Travis A. Taylor as Controller of the firm. A certified public accountant, Mr. Taylor, will supervise the Accounting and the Data Processing Departments for the local trucking firm. In addition, he will work in programs involving new systemwide controls, automation and computerization of accounting and statistical methods, and improvement of customer services. Miss Annette Trippe has been employed as secretary at ARGO TRUCKING COMP ANY, INC. HOKE THOMAS Hoke D. Thomas, President of Elberton Granite Finishing Company, Inc., died suddenly on April 23, 1966. Mr. Thomas was an energetic leader in the local Granite Industry and had served on the Board of Trustees of the Elberton Granite Association, Inc., as well as on many of its committees. Mr. Thomas was instrumental in the founding of his granite firm and had developed it during the pa.st 15 years into one of the area’s leading manufacturing plants employing over 25 persons. He had also worked with the Harper family in developing the Harper’s Quarry. In recent years, he and his associates had opened the Pyramid Granite Quarries, Inc. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Mildred Butler Thomas, and one daughter, Miss Alexa Thomas. Funeral services were conducted from the First Baptist Church with the Trustees and Manager of the Association serving as Honorary escort. Interment was in Forest Hills Memorial Park. CHARLES WEBB Charles M. Webb, manager for the Elberton office of House of Pfaff, passed away on December 24, 1965, at the age of 46. He had been in declin­ing health for three months and seri­ously ill for two weeks prior to his death. He was a long-time employee of the Pfaff firm and directed its operations for the Southeast area. He was a former councilman for the city of Elberton and a veteran of World War II. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Mamie Quattlebaum Webb, and two daughters, Miss Sandra Webb and Miss Miriam Webb. Funeral services were conducted on December 26 and interment was in the Elmhurst cemetery. HUBERT DENNY Hubert Denny, who served for 12 years as the Manager of Granite Sales and Supply Corporation, die don January 21, 1966, following several months of declining health. He had achieved significant success in bringing the newly organized supply firm from its meager beginnings in 1954 to its present day dynamic force in Elberton’s Granite economy. Under his direction, the organization grew to employ 7 persons; a new building was erected; and the volume of business expanded manifold. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Sarah Mewborn Denny, and a daugh­ter, Mis Pamela Denny. Funeral services were conducted on January 23 with Directors of Granite Sales and Supply Corporation serving as honorary pallbearers. Interment was in the Hillcrest Cemetery at Bowman. In recent months, the Elberton Gran­ite Association has been host to two groups of foreign visitors who toured local quarries and plants as part of their program to better understand the American way of life. Walton Y. Har­ris, E.G.A. Promotion Specialist, con­ducted the groups through Comolli Granite Company’s quarry, Coggins Granite Industries’ plant, and Harmony Blue Granite Company’s plant. Foreign Student Group During the Christmas Holidays, ap­proximately seventy students from fifteen different foreign countries stayed at the Center for Continuing Education in Athens and participated in a special International Relations Conference there. During one day of this period, the International Affairs Committee of the Elberton Civic League sponsored a trip to Elberton where the group was entertained with a luncheon and visited local industrial operations. The afternoon was devoted to a well-planned tour through the Elberton Granite operations. Among the objectives of the program and visit to Elberton were the furtherance of social and intercultural relationships between the participants from many lands and the people of Georgia; bringing about a better understanding of the American way of life for the visitors; and increasing their knowledge of the democratic processes of government and everyday American life. Foreign Naval Officers The U. S. Navy Supply Corps School, located at Athens, Georgia, regularly trains groups of foreign naval officers. In January, a group representing the countries of Denmark, Brazil, Vene­zuela, Argentina, and Greece visited the Elberton Granite area. It is the policy of the Department of Defense to give foreign military trainees, in addition to their military training or orientation in the United States, a balanced understanding of United States society, institutions and ideals. To help them understand the scope and diversity of American business enterprise, trips are made to various types of in­dustries. The small locally-owned industries found in the Elberton Granite area are ideally suited to show the foreign officers the actual operation of small firms. The Commander of the Navy Supply School has expressed a desire to have other classes visit Elberton, and a simi­lar visit has been scheduled for April by another group of foreign military officers. The group of Foreign Naval Officers stopped by The Granite Center during their visit to Elberton. They are shown along with several of the wives of Naval personnel from Athens who came along on the tour to see the granite quarries and plants. Guide for the tour was Walton Y. Harris, shown at the right on the front row, who is on the E.G.A. staff in the capacity of Promotion Specialist. During the visit to Elberton of the foreign students, a special stop was made on the granite tour to visit the memorial erected on the local high school grounds in memory of the German Exchange Student who was killed in an unfortunate accident during her stay in Elberton several years ago. Shown at the monument site, from left to right, are Yalcin Oner, of Turkey, Tran Thi Nguyet of Viet Nam, Mrs. Clyde Teasley, Jr., President of Elberton Civic League, and Ataullah Rauf of Afghanistan. An informal group photograph of the seventy foreign students who visited Elberton during the Christmas Holidays. They attend various educational institutions throughout the United States; but since these schools were closed for the Holidays, they assembled in a special Conference at the Center for Continuing Education at the University of Georgia in Athens. The group was composed predominantly of male students, all of whom appeared to be avid camera fans. Getting the New Year off to a good start by a trip to Elberton, these monument men from Vienna, Illinois, stopped by The Granite Center for a pleasant visit. From Jeff to right are: Paul Francis, Joe Reynolds, and Robert Witt. Bill Kelly, Jeff, E.G.A. Manager, welcomed Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Feis from Hastings, Nebraska, to Elberton. A special inducement for their “Southern trip” was a visit with their daughter and grandchildren in nearby South Carolina. After promising for many years “to come fa Elberton,” Mr. and Mrs. Bill Cerutti, right, of Dodgeville, Wisconsin, finally made it. They are shown of The Granite Center with Horace Harper, left, President of APEX GRANITE COM­PANY, INC. Lou Roemer, right, Sales Representative for HARMONY BLUE GRANITE COMPANY, INC., brought retailer R, L. Hoffman, left, from Ashland, Ohio, to E.G:A.’s headquarters during their recent trip to Elberton.