I Worked Here!
Back in the day. The first "professional job" after being a newly minted AAS Degree holder in Electronic Engineering. Western Electric North Carolina Works. In *cough* 1980's something. I have read many books covering the history of WE, but the North Carolina works remains a mystery. Very little documentation seems to be found on this facility.
So on Ebay I find a brochure that was given to the public that attended an open house. In 1957. I had to get it.
Here you go!
Yes, the front was that big! Then on to some black and white photos on the inside.
Yes it is that large! Somewhat intimidating as well for a young man to navigate.
Sadly, we had no such functions!
I was in this room for a tetanus shot. It had not changed greatly in 30 years.
Except for the ceiling mounted clock the cafeteria was virtually unchanged.
It's still there, but I do not know what it does if anything now. I need to drive by it sometime to see what's up. Sad really.
Similar thing happened with me - AC Spark Plug plant in Flint MI on Dort Highway. Started there in 1987 as a Manufacturing Controls Engineer. Great place. Part of the factory was from the 20's - great place to work. This was a place that had its own power plant - it was that big. Last I heard, it had been bulldozed, less than 20 years after investing millions in new equipment to make plugs.
ReplyDeleteSigh... I know! Thanks for posting! Welcome!
Delete*I* worked for WECO, too!
ReplyDeleteHad a "summer job" there as a Circuit Pack Tester (5ESS packs), and then in February of 1971 went to work full-time as Data Set Tester.
The summer job was at the "main" plant in Aurora, IL, and the Data Set job was at the Montgomery Plant.
And I was going out with a gal who was a secretary at the Lisle, IL plant!
She had all kinds of those brochures, and was a finalist for the "Hello, Charley!" girl one year.
Small world, eh?
drjim, It is a small world! Hate to paint it or mow it though =) Hello Charley? WOW!
DeleteI to worked for Western Electric in Mesquite TX, I started in 1970, worked as a electronic tech for 31 years, it was finely closed in 2002, It now is a server farm for some IT company. I now enjoying my retirement.
ReplyDeleteSincerely Stepinit
Congrats on the retirement! Welcome here!
DeleteI'd be curious as to what food cost at the cafeteria in 1957. One of the things I do while watching old shows is try to read the price signs in the background. Then I pull up an inflation calculator and compare to now.
ReplyDeleteI think I ate the food from '57!
DeleteInteresting how 'some' facilities seem to be missing from corporate history isn't it...
ReplyDeleteYou are absolutely correct sir! The floor was segregated into blue, red, etc. rooms. I think this was a defense plant for guided missile controls until it went to 5ESS and SLC96 when I showed up.
DeleteThe photos make it look like a "socialist" utopia. work, entertainment, healthcare, everyone smiles for the...camera.
ReplyDelete