50 years ago in American Machinist
"This seems to be carrying things a bit too far," wrote editors. "First thing you know, we'll be having individual plants, or even individual employees, doing their own opting."
Press survives atom bomb test
A hydraulic press manufactured by Hydraulic Press Mfg. Co., Mt. Gilead, Ohio, was one of a few items to make it through an atom bomb test in 1955. A photo that appeared in the July 18 issue shows the press, which was set up 4,700 ft from ground zero in front of a two-story brick building. The press made it through in one piece, but the house ended up a twisted wreck.
Still decent pay in 1955
The Independence Day issue also recounted how foundry workers of Eaton Mfg. Co. had accepted a 61-cent cut in hourly wages to keep the company's Vassar, Mich., plant from closing. Average hourly wages after the cut were $2.06.