International projectionist (Jan-Dec 1950)

ended a lifetime of service to unionism. Jay was associated with theaters in Rochester since the beginning of the century and was as well known in theatrical circles as is his brother Mike, business lepresentative of Local 25. Many Rochester notables, in and out of the theater, attended the funeral services. • One of our foreign correspondents, Jan Moolhuizen, Meentweg 79, Bussum. Holland, would like to correspond with projectionists in the United States and Canada. Moolhuizen is a projectionist in his own country and believes that an exchange of views on craft matters would be of mutual benefit. • We are indebted to All Kuiper, R. Gretton, and H. Babb, members of Minneapolis Local 219, for an engaging bit of poetry which might be called "An Ode to a Strip of Film." These fellows are highly competent projection craftsmen, and their poetic endeavors are not to be dismissed lightly, either. However, as a result of some awkward, not to say painful, experiences. IP long ago was forced, practically in self defense, to impose an ironclad ban on the publication of poetry. We appreciate your thoughtfulness, boys, but you have no idea of the torrent of poetry that seemingly is induced by the whirring of a projector. • Harvey Hill, Sr., business representative of Dallas Local 249, was presented with a gold life membership card in the Local in recognition of the fine service he has rendered the membership. Harvey is extremely popular with the members, who appreciate his steadfastness and sincerity. • It is our sad task to report the death on Christmas morning of one of the finest personalities to ever grace this LOCAL 150 MEMBERS INSPECT ARCHITECT'S DRAWING OF NEW CLUBHOUSE Photo, Courtesy of Bert Vaughn, Los Angeles Gathered about Magnus Neilsen (seated), business representative of Local 150, are (left to right): H. Clay Blanchette, board member; Paul J. Mahoney, ass't bus. rep.; Frank McBryde, board member; Hugh C. Smith, board member and pres. of Local 150 Club, Inc.; Earl C. Hamilton, pres. of Local 150; Clair C. Piper, board member; Kenneth Thompson, Sr., board member; M. J. Sands, vice-pres. of Local 150, and Charley Vencill, sec-treas. of both Local 150 and the Local 150 Club, Inc. business — Edward W. LaVezzi, 71, founder and guiding light of LaVezzi Machine Works, of Chicago, manufacturers of precision projector parts. Mr. LaVezzi was stricken in November, and although he was subjected to major surgery, he never did regain his strength. Mr. LaVezzi retired from active business affairs in 1940 and thereafter devoted his time to a small farm on the outskirts of Chicago. He is survived by his wife, five children, and nine grandchildren. His generous nature and kindly spirit will long be remembered by all who knew him. • A decision in favor of Los Angeles Local 150 was handed down by a three TEXAS NOT TO BE OUTDONE BY OTHER SECTIONS REGARDING UNION CLUBHOUSES Ground-breaking ceremonies for the new business and clubhouse quarters of Local 279, Houston, Texas. First spadeful of earth was turned by Eddie Miller (center), business representative of the Local and also IA representative. man arbitration panel in the Local's dispute with the Fox West Coast circuit concerning the showing of "Forever Amber" at advanced admission prices. The Local contended that the advanced prices entitled the projectionists to firstrun wage scales — a contention upheld by the arbitration board. • Tom Canavan, brother of former IA president Bill Canavan. retired as Chief Barker for St. Louis Variety Tent No. 4 and has been appointed National Canvasman. 25 Years Ago — January 1925 • William Green succeeded the late Sam Gompers as president of the American Federation of Labor. . . . The first meeting of the newly created IA Board of Trustees — consisting of William J. Harrer, Local 8. Philadelphia. Penna.; William C. Scanlan, Local 73, Lynn, Mass.; and Clyde Weston, Local 147, E. St. Louis, 111. — was scheduled for February 2. 1925 at the International headquarters. . . . L. C. Priddy. longtime business representative for Local 55, Roanoke. Va., was presented with a diamond-studded Elks emblem by the membership. . . . New York City Locals warned out-of-town IA men of the unemployment situation in this city and advised against their seeking work here. The Locals had too many of their own men on the unemployed lists. . . . IA men were urged to boycott the H. & M. trunks and baggage, used extensively by traveling attractions, because of the manufacturer's anti-union attitude. • Of interest to the older members of the Alliance is the following partial list of officials who have served their Local INTERNATIONAL PROJECTIONIST January 1950 19