washington chapter history
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Terry Dahl, 1983-84 chapter chairman, initiated interest in the history of the region’s foundry industry by recording the reminiscences of several “old-timers.”
For "Spouses Night" entertainment in May 1985, Bob Anderson videotaped a dozen foundries* and also recorded Charlie Finn, who had worked for Olympic Foundry as a molder for more than 58 years, making a floor mold in the way he had when he first started working.
In 1987 the chapter held a 40th anniversary celebration that was attended by many old-timers, including the first chairman Charlie Anderson and original company member Carl F. Miller. The past chairmen and the other old-timers regaled the audience with tales of by-gone adventures and misadventures. All this activity led to Bill Gibb’s deciding to write a book about the history of the foundry industry in the Puget Sound region.
The Chapter’s good relationship with the National Office was demonstrated when the Chapter hosted the AFS National Congress in Seattle in 1997. The Congress drew a large attendance from all over the US and was judged a great success.
Liaison with National is maintained by members that the Chapters select to serve three-year terms on the Board of Directors. Chapter members who have served on the National Board include James Wessel, William Mackey, Frank Jefferson, Leon Morel Jr., Bill Gibb, Dorothy Nerison, Mark Morel, Steve Morel, and Dave Ashbaugh.
Three Chapter members have been specially honored by National: E. J. McAfee (Puget Sound Naval Shipyard) with an Honorary Life Membership in 1951, Leon Morel Jr. (Morel Foundry Corp.) with a Service Citation in 1982, and Paul L. Hansen (United Western Supply) also with a Service Citation in 1997.
From its beginnings in1946 till the present, Chapter membership rose and then declined; the average age of members is no doubt older and they are a little less rowdy and hard drinking than their forebears, but the AFS goals of educating its members, advancing the foundry industry, and sharing the camaraderie of common knowledge and goals has remained steadfast.
* Olympic Foundry, Gil and Vern’s Aluminum and Shell Core Shop, Thomas Machine and Foundry, Romac Industries, Pentz Design, North Star Casteel Products, Meltec Inc., Mortenson Foundry, Morel Foundry, Zandt Brass Foundry, Peterson Pattern Works, and Rainbow Metals.
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