Letter from his 50th Class Reunion

I left Delphi in April, 1929 to work at Century Boat Company as an assembler.  I was advanced to foreman, and took a course in Naval Architecture.

When I was laid off at Century Boat Co., I played semi-pro basketball for the Manistee Iron Works, with the choice of any job within reason.  I chose the drafting froom and took a course in Mechanical Drawing.

I was married July 2, 1932.  We had our knocks like everyone else that fall.  We both picked apples ten hours a day, seven days a week at 10 cents per hour.  My wife has been a great asset to me in all respects.

That winter I got a job as foreman, building houses at Ministee Forestry with the P.W.A., at 75 cents per hour.

In 1935, I returned to Century Boat Co. as layout man, engineer and designer.  I asked for a raise in 1943 and was refused.

I left there and went to Eddie Shipbuilding Co. in Bay Point, Michigan, in September 1943 as Assistant Engineer.  When by boss was fired, I advanced to Chief Engineer plus Layout man in 1944.  I was all made superintendent.

I quit there on November 12, 1945 and went into business with my former boss, making custom bar, restaurant, bank and store fixtures.  My partner passed away in March, 1947 and I bought out his share, becoming sole owner.

Incorporated on December 31, 1957 with my wife and two sons, we expanded from 2,500 square feet to 20,000 square feet of floor space.

I became semi-retired after a heart attack in February, 1972.  On January 1, 1976, I retired with my two sons operating the business.

My wife and I spend six months at our home in Bradenton, Florida and six months each year at our home in Bay City.  We are both in pretty good health.

Name:  Paul Holsinger
Last Residence:  48706 Bay City, Bay, Michigan, United States of America
Born:  17 Jan 1909
Died:  Dec. 1985