The Wingfoot Clan (Akron edition), Vol. 55, No. 15 (April 14, 1966)

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THE GOODYEAR TIRE A RUBBER •• COMPANY AKRON EDITION
Vol. 55 Akron, Ohio •7 April 14, 1966 No. 15
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•Ii ''I'' :•.w, ./ Your Help Is Necessary 4
44
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THE GATEHOUSE
You've proved it again.
When the chips are down and help is needed, Goodyear-ites
are there.
Last week, The Clan reported the plight of Elmer Smith-a
crippled newspaper vendor who stood at the corner of East
Market St. and Goodyear Blvd. for 37 years to provide the
morning paper, regardless of the weather.
Then he was gone from his post. A childhood disease had
taken its toll and the virtually destitute Elmer was taken to
the Summit County Home near Tallmadge.
There, lonely and confined without recreation, he was
discovered by Norma Dayton, a secretary in the purchasing
department. Norma called The Clan and started a chain of
events that almost immediately made life worth living for the
69-year-old man who was memorable to so many Goodyearites.
First, a Clan reporter visited the County Home and
learned that Elmer's lonely existence could be brightened with
a television set, a few cards, an occasional bag of chewing to-bacco
and some candy. He also said that he'd like to have a
visitor now and then to brighten his day.
As a result, last week's Gatehouse column was devoted
to the plight of Elmer.
The paper 66hit the streets" at 11 a.m. Thursday. Barely
two hours later, The Clan received a telephone call from Jim
McCourtie, manager of the Goodyear Service Store on Good-year
Blvd., explaining that the store was sending a portable
television set to Elmer. It arrived at the County Home before
the sun set the same day.
But that was just the beginning.
During the past few days the phone in The Clan office
has been ringing constantly. The people making the calls have
all asked the same question- 66How can we help Elmer?"
During the same period, notes and letters from individuals
and groups of employes have posed the same question.
Well, Elmer has his television set.
The girls in retail stores accounting have put together a
large collection of candy and chewing tobacco for Elmer.
To the dozens of people and groups who have inquired
where they may contribute money for Elmer, we'd like to sug-gest
that you send such money to the County Home, Tall-madge,
with a request that the money be used in behalf of
Elmer Smith.
The Clan editors are hopeful that you will continue to
remember Elmer and that the aboye information answers the
questions that many of you raised.
But, .we thought you'd like to read just a few of the com-ments
received:
6<I'm sure there are many Goodyearites who will want to
contribute and let Mr, Smith know that he is a part of the
Goodyear family-"
46
I wonder if there is any chance that I could help to
get Elmer Smith a television set?"
"I'd likd to contribute $25 to a fund for Elmer Smith."
66I remember Elmer very well. He was selling papers here
when. I first went to work. What can I do?"
Finally, we'd like to explain what you all can do.
Your money contributions will certainly help. So will
Packages containing the items that Elmer might be able to use.
But, more importantly, Elmer would like to receive cards,
letters, and perhaps, if you have the time, a personal visit.
To Meet Need For Blood
Goodyearites have an op- January visit 597 pints of blood never contributed at all.
portunity to prove that were collected-the second high- The 597 Goodyearites who
lightning really does strike
est amount ever contributed at took part in the most recent
Goodyear. That was 180 pints (Continued on Page 2)
twice in the same spot. over the final collection made
Seven years ago this in 1965.
month the Summit County
The Bloodmobile unit will Ben Stephens,
Red Cross Bloodmobile move into Goodyear Hall's third
made a record-shattering floor community rooms Wednes- IDP Production
visit, collecting 629 pints of day, April 20, for a three-day
blood-enough to save the lives visit. The unit will be open from
of hundreds of area residents. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. that first day. Director Dies
It has been a long wait, but The hours on both Thursday and
now, seven years later, Good- Friday will be 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Ben M. Stephens, director of
year employes are in a position Red Cross blood donor pledge production for the Industrial
to break that record and go on cards have been sent to nnany Products Division, died in his
to a new high. Goodyear employes, especially sleep of a heart attack while on
The employes proved last those who have been donors in r vacation at St.
January they were ready and the past 12 months. But a ma- < •.i/.A Thomas, Virgin
il-••I-- Islands, April 6.
willing to roll up their sleeves jority of the employes are not •'- • He was 49.
for the Bloodmobile. During the regular blood donors - or have
d..In' I.a, Stephens had
1=- j been manager of
Thomas Is Named Leader . - the Lincoln and ...3
A-'. St. Mary:s plants
Of Citizens For Progress ..Aj.. named production L-*-/I- before being
Stephens
director of the
Edwin J. Thomas, chair- the best. I don't think we ever division in 1961.
man of the executive and can be satisfied with halfway A native of Cambridge, Ill.,
finance committee, will be measures .. ." he was named to the Big Ten's
wearing another 66hat" this Thomas outlined the purpose All Conference basketball team
of CFP in Akron. ••We'11 try in 1939, while attending the Uni-year
after being named
to define the objective of the versity of Iowa.
Dresident of the Citizens community and then we will or- He joined the company that
For Progress (CFP) - an area ganize our plans to bring it year and was high-scorer during
group dedicated to guiding (the objective ) about in a way one of the two years he played
Akron's development efforts. that will attract the support of on tlie company cage squad.
Thomas, who will record his the community." After engaging briefly in
50th year with Goodyear next Thomas said the organization sales work early in his career,
i h, was elected during the will look to industry, labor, he received a series of super-
1 s annual meeting last week. church and school groups and visory assignments that led to
In accepting the post, Thomas women's clubs for active sup- his appointment as manager of
told CFP members that redevel- port. The objective will be a the Lincoln plant in 1955. He
opment of Akron's central city complete revitalization of was named plant manager at
is the most difficult challenge Akron's central city. St. Marys in 1959.
they face. Also serving on the CFP A Navy veteran of World War
•'But to think for a moment board is John Davies, assistant II, Stephens is survived by his
that we can't solve these prob- treasurer at Goodyear and trea- widow, Jane, and a son. They
lems is settling for less than surer of CFP. live at 775 Sunnyside Dr., Akron.
THE GOODYEAR-SPONSORED "Spirit of America" racing car is a matter of discussion
between driver Craig Breedlove and Clay Martin, 10, a visitor to New York's International Auto-mobile
Show, where the car is a featured display.
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