GENESCO

During the depression Era, when the odds of finding a job to support ones family were not good, the shoe factory made a big difference. Even though the hourly rates were very low in comparison to today's wages many families were grateful to Genesco for an opportunity to work.

Genesco, in Lewis County, was the largest employer since the days of the Napier, Allen's creek and Gordonsburg boom towns.

The following account and newspaper articles were submitted by Alvin Eugene Durham.

"Training started at the old Defoe building on West main Street in 1939." The present and only building was built around 1940-41 and soon was employing around 400 people. W. L. Tuttle was Superintendent and Meeks Booker was Assistant Superintendent. Others to follow were; Carmon Morrow, Ed Holman, Boyce McClain, Pete Smith, D. L. Dotson, Randy Johnson, Ronnie Belew and Randy Johnson again.

I, Alvin E. Durham started to work at Genesco in June 1952. The pay by that time was 75 cents per hour. Starting pay at the beginning was around 25 to 35 cents. When I made production, I made from $1.25 to $1.50 per hour. In 1972 I was making $2.50 per hour. Soon, I went into maintenance and was put on salary, retiring in 1994.

If you have an opportunity you should visit the newly remodeled building and especially the front office display of photos, etc. The artwork on the walls is an added attraction worth the trip for those who worked and lived in the county.

The next section is a random selection of articles from the 1948, 49, 50 and 51 edition of the plant newspaper "The General" which was published by and for the employees of General Shoe Corporation.

Advisory committee elects A. J. Barber New Chairman, New Machine Guards and Better Cleanup aid Housekeeping, company announces time and one half for Saturday work.

From the Welt Dept. by Grace Poore; Girls, Paul Neely Whiteside has a new idea on making pocketbooks, for further information see him...James Pollock still comes in every morning looking sleepy. We believe he rocks the baby every night.

Kate Schubert has been riding to work in a new Ford but she still prefers riding in her own Plymouth...We notice Ezra Higgins is making boxes again.

From the Fitting Room by Lillie M. Fain; During the holiday season a party was given at the home of Margaret Beasley with Nell McClanahan and Johnnie Stockard assisting.

The superintendents Corner by A. M. Booker; GSC employees among highest paid U. S. Shoemakers.

Eighty-eight plant members have perfect attendance records for 1948. Advisory Committee elects Cuthbert Hinson Chairman.

Joe Adair has just returned to work from a vacation. He went hunting, killed a few rabbits and had a real nice time with the exception of quite a bit of car trouble...Cuthbert Hinson and Elvin Duncan are planning on breaking the ice to catch a few fish. We wish them a big catch...We are glad that we have Ed Floyd and Frances Murphy working with us again.

A hobby that pays off the year round is one that our Five Star General for this month, Winfred Presley White, has and he is quick to say that he enjoys the little work that it takes to keep it going. He is of course talking about his 75 foot square garden in his back yard at 307 South Pine Street. Winfred, a side laster in the Lasting Department, came with General Shoe in 1941.

Ten-year service pins were awarded to Rosalie Sumper and John Stockard this month. They received letters from Chairman Maxey Jarman complimenting them on their long and faithful service. Rosalie is a member of our fitting Department and John is doing a fine job in Maintenance.

Sam Williams, our maintenance man, is painting several windows with a new kind of paint as a trial for reducing the heating rays of the sun. If this paint proves satisfactory, we hope to have all windows painted on the south side of the building.

S. C. Talley wins first place in our safety limerick contest. "A jolly shoemaker, named Ray, now sadly remembers the day, When his eyes were abused, For his goggles weren't used, Now there is no day for Ray."

Adlene Poore has a new pair of shoes. Some one asked her what size she wore, she said nine but nine and a half felt so good she just got a ten. It pays to have a good foundation to build on.


Announces plans for plant horseshoe contest. The business of this meeting is on the table - it's horseshoes. Comprising the committee (l to R) are; Jess Barber, Glen Floyd, Sandy Odom and Everette Hinson.	In Appreciation - As a token of appreciation for the part Rod Brasfield, popular Grand Ole Opry star, has played in making many of our plant programs a success, (L to R) Sherrell O'Guinn, Fred Goodman, Rod Brasfield, Supt. Tuttle and Cuthbert Hinson.	Successful Nimrods - Apparently crack-shots all, from a recent hunt. (l to R) Paul Webb, Orphus Murphy, standing, Clyde Webb and J. W. Peeler

New Committee members -Our plant members have shown their confidence in these fine people. (L to R) seated, Sandy Odom, Edith Bates, Esther Bresbois. Standing, Edwin Duncan, and James Pollock.	Served half-decade -(L to R) John Edwards, Jack Creamer, Grace Poore, Jeanette Shanes, Hollis Hinson, Hazel Mash, Willie Devore and Eva Harris.	Proud of our lawn. Many members of our plant and community have recently complimented the attractive appearance of our plant lawn. Fate Sharpe takes special pride in keeping it looking good with the new mower.