Clock watchers

In the July 4, 1955, issue, editors were wondering about the future for daylight-savings time. Only half the U.S. population was springing forward and falling back, reported the article, which also noted that only the New England States, New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, Indiana, Illinois, California, and Nevada were following daylight savings. Scattered cities in other states had also adopted the practice. However, eight cities in Illinois refused to go along with the idea.

"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.

Canadians cross the border, eh?

The same issue reported that Cleveland's mushrooming industrial expansion was causing a shortage of skilled metalworking craftsmen. So manufacturers poached tool and diemakers, patternmakers, and machine repairman from a foreign country. Which country? Our neighbor to the north, Canada.