The Bakerton Safety News

Sponsored by The Safety Council, Washington Building Lime Company

VOLUME II. BAKERTON, W. VA DECEMBER, 1935 No. 4.

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Superintendent Bakerton Plant

Mr. Robert B. Frost, one of the youngest industrial executives in this section, assumed charge of the Bakerton Plant of Washington Building Lime Company, on November 1 . Although he is only thirty-four years old, the new superintendent has had fourteen years of work with industrial plants over various parts of the United States. A graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1921 , Mr. Frost spent three years with the Bethlehem Steel Company. He then became connected with the International Cement Company, working with their main office in New York city for two years. He became plant engineer of the Kansas Portland Cement, Dalls Cement Plant and Houston Cement Plant. He served as assistant superintendent of the latter plant. He then became assistant superintendent of the Lone Star Cement Company, N.I., Inc., their plant being located in Hudson, N.Y.

In addition to his industrial work Mr. Frost served with the National Guard unit of New York and Texas in the cavalry units. His main hobbies are hunting and fishing.

The new superintendent is married and has a five-year-old daughter, Elizabeth, better known as Betty. His wife studied music at the University of Kansas.

SUBSCRIPTION CAMPAIGN

The staff of the Bakerton Safety News is going to put on a drive to get new subscriptions and renewals of old subscriptions. A good many of the subscriptions held by the men of the plant were for a period of four months. This expires with the present issue. All subscribers are urged to renew their subscription as soon as possible. The rates are twenty-five cents for four months. If you wish to renew your present subscription or start subscribing fill out the blank which is enclosed with the paper and drop in box in clock house, or give to Earl Good, circulation manager. Money should be given to Earl Good.

Mr. and Mrs. Lowell Hetzel spent the week-end of November 3 with Mrs. Hetzel’s parents in Washington.

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SAFETY RALLY

The Safety Rally held at Bakerton on November 22 was opened with greetings by Mr. R.B. Frost, Superintendent of the Bakerton Plant. Mr. Frost spoke to approximately one hundred and twenty employees at 12.45 PM. from the porch of the Office. He stated that he is proud to be a part of an organization consisting of employess like the men at Bakerton. “Industrial life,” he continued, “is based upon one principle, ‘SQUARE DEAL.'” “This means a Square Deal from men to the company and a Square Deal from the company to the men.” Outsiders ask, “What is your company’s Safety Record?” The biggest question facing our company is, “What kind of Safety Record will we have?” Mr. Frost brought from the employees of the company with which he was formerly associated the wishes that we may pass through a long period of time without a lost-time accident or without any kind of accident.

Mr. C.F. Thomas was introduced by Mr. Frost. Mr. Thomas stated that the Company appreciates the efforts and record of safety at the Bakerton Plant. “The Company is sold on safety both from the employee side and from the Company side. A drive will be instituted for the remainder of the year on the elimination of dust. All employees should endeavor to protect the eyes, fingers, and toes as those are the ‘working parts.’ “

Mr. D.R. Voorhees, Safety Director, was introduced by Mr. Thomas. Mr. Voorhees gave statistics which showed that there were no lost-time accidents at the Bakerton plant in 1934 , but there have been three lost-time accidents during 1935 . He asked that all minor inuries be reported to the office at the time of occurrence. “For 300 minor accidents there is one minor injury, and for thirty minor injuries there is a major injury. If minor injuries are reported to the office, a check can be made each month on the causes of minor injuries. If the causes of the minor injuries are known, many major injuries could be eliminated. The Safety Council has taken on a new spirit and the Foremen are turning in the suggestions which when completed will make the plant a safer place in which to work.

Dr. Diehl, Pastor of the Presbyterian Church at Martinsburg, gave an interesting discussion on, “What Is a Man Worth?” One man when asked this question answered, “ninety-eight cents, drug store value.” The elements composing the body are worth just ninety-eight cents. An insurance company places an economic value of five thousand dollars upon a person. The human body can love, hate, think, and express emotion. A machine can do none of these things. Man’s life is beyond value and is not for sale. The physical life is cheap in the light of how we treat our bodies.

Dr. Diehl emphasized the fact that approximately 36,000 persons were killed in automobile accidents in the United States last year. “Autos are perfectly safe. They do what they are directed to do. If there are accidents, there are drivers at fault, in one way or another. Approximately 30,000 persons were killed in accidents in homes in the United states last year. Persons in the home do not think, do not hesitate before leaping. In industry, if accidents happen, someone forgot what he was doing. Ninety-five percent of all accidents are preventable, and there is some question as to whether some of the remainign five percent could not be prevented.”Dr. Diehl asked, ‘Who pays the bills for accidents?’ In the first place, the injured person pays in suffering, loneliness, and waiting. Long days, weeks, and months in a hospital are certainly not desireable. The family, from which the injured comes, suffers. Mothers, fathers, children and friends share the suffering. The Company, for which the injured person worked, pays thorugh loss of services. The community suffers through the

[page 3] </p>absence of the services of the injured and through the decrease in community interest, of the family represented by the injured, during the time of injury.</p>

TWO YEAR SAFETY RECORD

The Standard Lime and Stone Company at Havre De Grace recently completed their second year with no lost time accidents. This two-year record reflects highly upon the officials of the plant, and the members of the Bakerton plant wish to take this opportunity to extend their congratulations to the superintendent, Mr. S.H. Mash, and to the men of the Havre De Grace plant.

A banquet was given the men of the plant upon completion of their two-year record. Mr. R.B. Frost and Mr. W.J.B. Houser, of the Bakerton Plant, were guests at the banquet. They reported that they had a very enjoyable time and hope that in the near future they will be able to attend the three-year celebration.

Since the Bakerton Safety Record was recently snapped, it is hoped that the new period of no lost time hours may be started that will rival the records of the other plants. Every incentive is going to be used in the drive for no lost time accidents, since such accidents injure both men and the plant.

Mr. and Mrs. C.L. Hoffmaster spent Sunday, November 10 , with Mr. Hoffmaster’s brother in Fairmont, W. Va.

SAFETY BUTTONS AWARDED

Since the formation of the safety movement in the Bakerton plant safety buttons have been awarded yearly to the men who have had no lost time accidents. Since the movement has started it is interesting to note that accidents and minor injuries have been steadily decreasing in the plant.

The buttons, which are worn by the men, are a distinctive honor of which they can be very proud. Foremen and plant officials notice the buttons and the men who own them are assured of better attention and the chance of promotion.

Twenty-two men received first-year buttons, nine got three-year buttons, nine the four-year, and forty-five the five-year buttons.

Forty men were awarded their six-year buttons. These include: William Allen, Sam Bond, Roy Best, Russell Best, Leonard Banks, N.B. Clabaugh, Joe Capriotti, Chas. Daugherty, L.D. Duke, Harve Eichelberger, J.D. Fraley, J.A. Flanagan, J.W. Flanagan, Frank Grim, Chas. Gageby, W.J.B. Houser,C laude Haines, Grover Hardin,William Haines, William Hollis, Roy Hoffmaster, Herbert Irvin, Albert Jamison, Earl Jones, Harv Kidwiler, John Law, C.A. Moler, Robert Miller, James Moler, John Marlow, W.E. Mills, Miller Moler, Robert Mahoney, Robert Nichols, Joe Parrott, L.J. Williamson, Robert Williams, Robert Waters, Lawrence Welsh.

N.B. Clabaugh was awarded a six-year foreman’s button, Roy Best the five-year foreman’s button, while Robert Mahoney, Gardner Stoneburner, Miller Moler, Walter Hoffmaster, L.J. Williamson, Frank Grim, Sam Bond, and William Flanagan were given the two- year foremen award. Every one in Bakerton, including all those who returned home to spend Turkey Day, seemed to enjoy the good dinners and the annual football game was a great success, in spite of the rainy weather.

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THE BAKERTON SAFETY NEWS

Published monthly by and for the employees of The Washington Building Lime Company, under the auspices of the Company Safety Council.

THE STAFF

Joe Capriotti ….. Editor-in-Chief

Lowell Hetzel ….. Associate Editor

Archie T. Houser ….. Secretary-Treasurer

Stoddard Routson ….. Special Features

Earl Good ….. Circulation Manager

REPORTERS

William Flanagan ….. Lowell Hetzell

Joe Capriotti ….. Eddie Mumma

Guy Moler ….. Merle Shultz

Archie Houser ….. Herbert Moler

John Fraley

The Goodyear Blimp attracted a lot of attention last week as it passed close over the Bakerton Plant. The blimp had a hard time bucking the shifting air currents over the mountain and put on an interesting show of aeronautical acrobatics that brought many out to watch.

SUPT. THOMAS ON ALL-TIME TEAM

The following article was clipped from “The Fredewrick News” by Bill Capriotti and gives an interesting sidelight of the athletic prowess of General Supt. F.C. Thomas.

One Frederick County boy, Frank Thomas, Buckeystown, has placed on the all-time Western Maryland College football team selected for a Baltimore paper by Carl Twigg, who has seen Terror teams since 1911 . Thomas is placed along side Orvill Neal at halfback and Twigg had the following to say about him: “Thomas had every qualification of a great back, being a splendid kicker, great off-tackle or broken field runner, a fine passer (better than Neal or Keller) and possibly the greatest defensive man to ever play at Western Maryland.. He was versatile and one year, his first, played end.” In Twigg’s opinion Thomas would have been an All-American man on any big college team. He is now manager of the Martinsburg, W. Va. plant of the Standard Lime and Stone Company. The team picked by Twigg is as follows: Paul Bates and Lyal Clark, ends; Walter Wilker and William Gibson, tackles; Ray McRoble and Robert Van Buren, guards; Charles Havens, center; Holly M. Keller, quarterback; Orvill Neal and Frank Thomas halfbacks; Winifred Roberts, fullback.

LIFE’S POOREST GAMBLE

If you are 35, you may expect 17,000,000 more minutes of life. To save one little minute some drivers will gamble and take a chance on losing the 17,000,000 minutes. They do this every time they jump a traffic light, when they cut in, when they stubbornly refuse to yield the right of way. They take a death-defying chance to save a minute. It^t the poorest gamble yet figured out.

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THUMBNAIL SKETCH OF BASEBALL TEAM

WALTER BUTTS — Hails from across the river in Maryland. Good utility player. Catcher and outfielder. Steady hitter.

FRED EICHELBERGER — From Sharpsburg, Md. Leading hitter of the team for those who played all games. His hitting power and stretching ability at first helped out of many a hole.

IKE EMMART — A Bakerton product, pitcher and outfielder. Specialist in hiting with three men on. Fast in the field, with good arm.

CHARLIE GAGEBY — Manager for the first part of the half. Sure outfielder and one of the best bunters on the team. From Bakerton.

“SHOTGUN GROVE” — Hailing from Sharpsburg, Md. Grove played a leading part in the second half attack, as he hit over five hundred, playing good ball in the field and catching. Bi-County All-Star Catcher.

MARK HORN — Bakerton Third Baseman, captain of the team. Hit over three hundred, never missed a game during the season. His steady play helped out a lot.

LOWELL HETZEL — Local player and one of the best pitchers in this section. Chosen on the Bi-County All-Star Team and on the Jefferson County All-Star team. Graduate of George Washington U. and an all around athelete. Good hitter.

DICK HOUSER — Another Bakerton player. Leading base stealer and fast in the outfield. On Jefferson County All-Star team.

HERB IRVIN — From Bakerton, hit over three hundred mark, played first base in steady fashion.

DIMMIE JONES — Also from Bakerton. Pitcher, outfielder and first baseman. Good all around player.

“EDDIE” MILLS — From Bakerton and one of the best fielding shortstops in this section of the country. Knocked down many basehits at crucial moments.

EDDIE MUMMA — From Sharpsburg. The team of “Eddies” made one of the best second base-shortstop combinations in the league. Hit overe three hundred, managed team second half. On Bi-County All- Star team at second base.

STODDARD ROUTSON — Practically a Bakerton player, although he hails from Buckeystown, Md. Pitched good ball in many tight pinches.

“WHITEY” HOFFMASTER — One of the hardest working players on the squad. Hit over the magic three hundred line, played outfield and hails from Bakerton.

ORMOND STEVENS — From Shepherdstown. Hit nearly four hundred as clean up man, driving in many runs. Good outfielder and catcher. Jefferson County All-Star team.

GEORGE WILLARD — Shepherd College star, hailing from Shepherdstown. Jefferson County All-Star pitcher. Willard and Hetzel teamed up to win eleven straight victories which led to the second half title.

CHARLIE WALKER — Hard-hitting catcher from Shenandoah Junction. Second-string catcher on Bi-County team and catcher of Jefferson County All-Star team. Hit over .300.

Mr. Frank Pine has recently spent a few days with his sister and brother-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Ray Lewis.

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ALL ACCIDENTAL DEATHS

JANUARY-AUGUST

1935 ………. 63,930

1934 ………. 67,160

1933 ………. 58,515

U. S. Census Bureau total for 1933.

National Safety estimates for 1934-36.

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BAKERTON TAKES LEAGUE LEAD

The Bakerton Plant team went into the lead in the newly organized bowling league as they knocked out three straight games over Blairton in the first scheduled match of the season. Martinsburg Standard went into second place, as they won two out of three from Millville.

The league and schedule was hurridly drawn up on the 22nd, immediately before the first match was played. Matches will be played every Friday evening on the Martinsburg alleys.

Irvin, Houser, Brownyard, Flanagan, and Moler were the members of the Bakerton team who rolled in the first match. Mumma was substitute. Routson acting captain, was unable to be present for the first game.

Brownyard had high score of 117 for a single game, with Irvin having 114. All rolled consistent ball during the contest.

After the league matches Bill Flanagan rolled 146, one of the high scores made on the alleys.

BAKERTON DROPS PRE-LEAGUE MATCHES

Flashing a well-balanced team, Martinsburg defeated Bakerton in a pre-league match by a score of 1434-1408. This was the second straight win of Berkley Countians over the local team, but both matches were played before the league organized.

The Martinsburg team showed the advantage of having easy access to practive alleys and rolled consistent scores.cellpadding=”3″ cellspacing=”3″

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BOWLING LEAGUE ORGANIZED

A bowling league among various plants of the section was organized last week in Martinbsurg. Bakerton, Millville, Martinbsurg, and Blairton are the four teams who have entered so far, and the schedule started on November 22 . The bowling league is organized on the same general principles as the Bi-County Industrial Baseball League. All games wil be rolled on the Martinsburg bowling alleys.

The idea of a bowling league among the industrial plants similar to the baseball league was advocated in the second issue of the Bakerton Safety News and the formation of such a league reflects highly upon the efforts of Stoddard Routson, member of the staff, whose unceasing efforts started the movement.

PERSONALS

Mark Horn, who received a fractured leg in an accident at the plant last month, is getting around on crutches and hopes to be back to work as soon as possible.

Sam Trundle, his wife and two-month-old baby spent Thanksgiving with the former’s father Rion Trundle.

Herbert Irvin, member of the Bakerton bowling team, is a member of the Halltown team that is near the lead in the Charles Town Bowling League.

William Capriotti and sister, Angeline, spent the weekend of November 16 with relatives in Hershey, Penn.

James Grim is the only regular on the Harpers Ferry Tigers who is upholding the athletic prestige of Bakerton on the high school grid iron. Roland Bond is a member of the squad.

A basketball team is being organized among the Bakerton boys. The team hopes to have a home floor if the community hall is fitted for the sport but they will have a travelling team if they cannot find a place to play at home. Two games have already been scheduled with the Harpers Ferry High School.

Mr. Earl Good, Miss Dora Hines and Miss Nancy Jane Davis spent Sunday, November 10 , in Winchester, Va.

Mrs. Floyd Davis and daughter, Nancy Jane, are visiting Mrs. Davis’ sister and brother-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Mark Horn.

Mr. Bill Walsh has recently spent some time in Ohio visiting relatives.

A surprise party was given in honor of Mrs. W.A. Holler.

Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Miller and family, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Pangle, of Strasburg,Va., spent Sunday, November 10 , with Mr. and Mrs. Robert Miller, of Bakerton.