International projectionist (Jan-Dec 1947)

Eugene Atkinson a hole in the street and hurt his ankle. However, all's well that ends well and Ralph is back on the job none the worse for his mishap. Incidentally, he was reelected secretary-treasurer of the "Big Six" of the South, which comprises the projectionist Local Unions in Knoxville, Nashville, Chattanooga, and Memphis, Tenn.; Birmingham, Ala., and Atlanta, Ga. • Trail-blazing seems to be an outstanding characteristic of Gene Atkinson enterprising business manager for Chicago Local 110. Upon the enactment of Illinois State Senate Bill No. 435, which classifies motion picture operators as "projectionists" instead of laborers, Gene placed a Local 110 man at the Chicago State Hospital for the showing of 16-mm motion pictures, at a monthly salary of $500 for a 40-hour week. In addition, the projectionist is entitled to all civil service privileges, including a two-week vacation with pay, and sick leave of one day per month. Carrying out his policy of obtaining r<jad scale wages for Local 110 men who run feature pictures at increased prices, Gene placed two men on each shift, at $3.84 per hour, per man, wherever the picture "Duel in the Sun" was shown. This picture was shown all over the country at top prices, with neighborhood theatres upping their admission prices as much as 100%, without extra compensation to the projectionists. • In recent negotiations with Los Angeles Local 150 officials, the exhibitors demanded the insertion of four clauses in the new contracts which, if accepted by the union, would practically be the same as turning the Local Union charter over to the theatre owners. Needless to say, the proposal was flatly rejected by Local 150 and not until a satisfactory settlement is made will the union sign any contracts. Negotiations for the Local are in charge of George Schaffer, business agent, and I. A. vice-president Carl Cooper, who may be depended upon to look after the best interests of the men. • Bill Hartnett, business agent for Local 257, Ottawa, Canada, and Nick Smith, also of Ottawa, were recent callers at the IP offices. Bill brought along with him a photograph taken of the delegates to the Canadian 11th District Convention which was held in Kingston, Canada, October 1922. Many of those appearing on the photograph have either passed on or are no longer active in IA affairs. A reproduction of the group picture will appear in the next issue of IP. • Hollywood Local 165 will hold its second annual dinner dance Saturday, November 8, at the Santa Monica Ambassador Hotel. It promises to be a gala affair with plenty of good food, music and entertainmnt provided for the pleasure of the guests. • IA President Walsh is one of the only three Americans privileged to address the British Trade Union (the equivalent of our AFL Executive Council). The other two Americans were Wendell Willkie and Ambassador Winant. • Supplementing an item that appeared in this department in the July 1947 issue, page 17, anent the poor condition of film sent out by the exchanges, we refer our readers to the Max Winston comment in our "Letters to the Editor" department for this issue. • Victor A. Welman, secretary of Cleveland Local 160, was invested with the highest Masonic order — the 33rd degree — at the Supreme Council's annual meeting in Cincinnati last month. As we said once before, it couldn't happen to a nicer guy. We had occasion to read a list of Victor's Masonic accomplishments and we were amazed at the number of high honors conferred upon him, as follows: Past Master of Meridian Lodge No.. 610 F & A.M. (Treasurer of Meridian from 1931-1944, Secretary of Meridian from 1944-1947) ; Past President Past Masters Ass'n of the 22nd Dis. of Ohio; Past High Priest Webb Chapter No. 14, R.A.M. ; Past President Past High Priests Ass'n 16th Dis.; Grand Chapter Inspector for five years; Grand Representative to Grand Chapter of Indiana; Past Master of Cleveland Council No. 36, R & S.M.; Grand Representative to Grand Council of Ontario; Past Commander of Oriental Commandery No. 12 K.T.; Prelate of Past Commanders Ass'n of the 7th Division; Past President of Knight Templar Council (Officers Ass'n) of the 7th Division; Secretary of Knight Templar Council; Member of Al Koran Shrine (Lake Erie Consistory, Knights of the York Cross of Honor, Lincoln Chapter O.E.S., Al Sirat Grotto, Cleveland Lodge of Elks No. 18). Whew, it almost took our breath away! • Another member of our craft has fallen a victim of that dread malady, heart trouble. Charlie Sturgess, member of Toronto Local 173 and of the Famous Players 25 Year Club, died in the projection room of Loew's Theatre in Toronto while making a changeover. • Every once in a while we receive a rude awakening and are reminded of the fact that time and tide wait for no man. Such was the case when we learned of the marriage of Rita, daughter of Roy R. Ruben, financial secretary of Detroit Local 199. We have known Rita since she made her first appearance in this cock-eyed world of ours. It won't be long when Roy will become eligible for membership in the ever-increasing class of I. A. grandpops. 25 Years Ago— October 1922 • Representative Fred Raoul had a busy time in Oklahoma, Texas and Georgia adjusting wage scale difficulties. . . . IA President Charlie Shay, General Secretary-Treasurer Lemaster, Representatives Bill Dillon, Lou Krouse, and Harry Sherman, represented the IA General Office at the 11th District (Canada) Convention held in Kingston, Canada. (Incidentally, a photograph of the delegates taken at this convention will appear in the next issue of IP). . . . Vice-Presidents Bill Canavan and Dick Green on (Continued on page 24) DETROIT LOCAL 199 MEMBERS ELECTED OFFICERS OF AMERICAN LEGION POST. Seated in front: Gilbert L. Lubin, Senior Vice-Commander; Owen Blough, new Commander, Robert Goldstaff, Junior Vice-Commander. Standing, left to right: Welber Haartge, Adjutant; George Turner, Finance Officer; Irving Reif, Detroit District Commander; Harry L. Carson, Past Commander; Arthur Clark, Dept. of Michigan Commander; Wayne Roberts, Post Chaplain, and F. W. Light, Sergeant-at-Arms. INTERNATIONAL PROJECTIONIST • October 1947 21