V. 1 No. 1 - The Y.M.C.A. Bugle

The Y.M.C.A. Bugle [title spans across top of page]

[to the left] Vol. I.

[in the center] Victor Plant, Greer, S.C., December, 1925

[to the right] NO. 1

[column 1]

Our Y.M.C.A Library Much Used

A few weeks ago some of the boys went out book begging for some good books which the young men might enjoy. As a result of their work we have about seventy-five books on our shelves, and if you do not think the boys of our village read, why drop into the general secretary's office some evening and hear the requests. These felloes are not confined to a certain few, but all read and so in giving out this information it is also a challenge to any one who has a good book which they have enjoyed and are willing to share it with some one else. Several calls have been for Harold Bell Wright's "When a Man's a Man," and if any reader has that book we will thank you if you will be generous enough to let our boys's read it. Among the heavy readers, Grady Waters heads the list. He reads them all and buys a book occasionally when he can get none from anybody.

[second article] Westmoreland back from Philadelphia

On December 7, Harmon Westmoreland, accompanied by Dr. P. J. Johnson, made a trip to Philadelphia to consult with an eye specialist there as to Mr. Westmoreland's eye. The whole village is extremely interested in the results of the treatment which young Westmoreland is undergoing and our hope and prayer is that his sight may be kept. Harmon is such good boy that all felt it a privilege to help in any way that they might be able for him to have this examination, and his character is such that we are all proud of him.

His trip lasted about four days and he comes back with a determination to keep the training and profit by the work of the specialist. Allow the editor space here to add a word of appreciation for Dr. Johnson, who has been untiring in his efforts to help Harmon

[third article] A. H. Cottingham Gone to Spain

Mr. A. H. Cottingham, general manager of the VictorMonaghan company, set sail for Spain about December 1, to be gone for several weeks. It seem that some new processes have been discovered in the textile industry, and Mr. Cottingham goes to investigate the results and findings.

[Middle Column]

Y.M.C.A. Building [picture of the building]

Board of Directors of Y. M. C. A.

T. J. Clark, Pre,sident [President] L. R. Beaman, Vice President H. W. Smith, Secretary S. V. Wilson, Treasurer B. L. Westmoreland W. G. Stroud R. R. Brady W. L. Bruce J. L. Campbell E. L. Cobb

[board statement] Let us stop at this mile-stone called CHRISTMAS

and linger awhile in the sacred observance of a Great Day to recount the blessings of life.

Before we pass on into 1926 let us pause here a moment at Christmas time to exchange greetings and good wishes.

And as we pass on may we work together in unity -- in the spirit of unselfish service for the upbuilding of our community.

Board of Directors of Y. M. C. A.

[Column 3]

[first article] Victor has fine improvement club

One of the recent organizations at Victor is the Victor Improvement club, which has been funcitioning under the regime of Mr. Still. This club is made up of Overseers, second hands, section men and all others who hold positions of responsiblity.

At their first meeting the election of officers was the main feature, while the second meeting, during the latter part of November, was a banquet given by the mill company.

We prdict that this club will be of much benefit to the men and to the executives, as a spirit of friendliness will be established which will make better workers and better production for the ownership and among the men there will be found a spirit of cooperation and of help to each other which can only be had by such contacts as the club will warrant.

[second article] Sunday school will celebrate

On Thursday evening at 7:15 o'clock, old Santa Claus with his first assistance will arrive at Victor. His truck will park between the Methodist and Baptist churches, and such a time of unlocking and carrying in of packages. Telegrams have been received saying that he has a full supply for Victor children and he hopes that they have been so good this year that they will not hesitate to take a gift if it is handed to them.

If there are any children who cannot be at the churches on that evening, he wants to make arrangements to leave their package somewhere so that they can get it.

The secretary of the Y.M.C. A. would be glad to know if there are any families at Victor who have had sickness and would not object to a friendly visit from old Santa. He has a large amount of clothing and provisions which would be gladly given to some worthy family.

[third article] For Golfing Fiends

For one's golfing firends, a nice gift would be a small score card in a leather wrist strap. It provided a space for keeping one's own score, that of his opponent, and the number of holes played.

2

THE Y.M.C.A. BUGLE [title spans top portion of paper]

[column 1] THE Y.M.C.A. BUGLE Office Victor "Y"

MARION R. CASEY Manager

Subscription Free Advertising Rates on Request. DECEMBER, 1925

In getting out this, our first edition of The Bugle, we feel that a word of explnation is necessary as to Why and Where. Why did you name it The Bugle? Well, if you men who attend the outing at Reasonover last summer will remember, that nothing appealed to your hearing so much nor so sweetly as the Bugle when it sounded through the hills telling you that it was eatin' time. That in a measure is the answer for the name. The wherefore is merely the suggesttion of Mr. Marion R. Casey, who is talented amlong the lines of journalism and with his assurance that we could put it across, why we have asked your indulgence while we try to fill up the columns of our paper with wholesome reading matter.. In our paper we are giving you a brief and snappy account of our different individuals and should we be encouraged sufficiently to get out a second edition, why other names and faces will adorn the pages. We want to thank the Overseers who so kindly consented to have their pictures made and with their help we submit for your approval The Y.M.C.A. Bugle. May it blow away the gloom and sadness and fill your hearts with cheer as you read the columns and view the faces herein contained. As the Christmas season is approaching so rapidly, let the notes of the Bugle be wafted to the homes of every employe of Victor mill. Why should not the Christmas season be the most joyous of all the year? If our little paper has given you a small amount of pleasure, why, we feel that we have a part in making glad a people whose lives are consistent with the motto of our compnay - "More Than a Place to Work."

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A PLEA FOR MILL PEOPLE (By Marion R. Casey.)

Some people think we cotton mill people are an unimportant lot, and the reason why, God made us, he simply just forgot.

But after he had made us, he thought he'd let us stay, and scramble around the mills awhile to pass the time away

Well I know we are unimportant in one sense of the word, for in the song of earthly fame our names are seldom heard.

But many of us have warm hearts, that are noble, true and

[article continues to bottom half of column 2] kind, with a sunny disposition and a gentle, willing mind.

We will divide with the poor and needy if we only have a dime, for we know the Lord will give it back to us some other time.

Our treasures are in heaven, not here in gold or rank. We had rather trust it to the Lord thatn to place it in a bank.

Then whiel we labor at our trade, whether card or spin or weave, we are happy and contented, and have little time to grieve.

Then the humming of the spindles, the speeder or the loom puts sorrow, pain and grief to flight, and dispells a cloud of gloom.

Then we watch the buys shuttles as back and forth they speed, and gladly note the cut marks come through the reeds.

So if by chance you get to heaven, please don't elevate your nose, for we will have no black oil on our hands or cotton on our clothes.

[article continues to bottom of column 3] Then if I was a millionaire or financially so stout that I could buy the village of Greer, and the country round about.

Then I never could be satisfied unless I got to go and start my work to running when I heard the whistle blow.

[return to top of column 2]

MARION R. CASEY (picture of Marion R. Casey)

MARION R. CASEY, manager of the W.M.C.A. Bugle came to Victor in June 1925. His life has been one of various experiences and activities. Besides having talent in he newspaper line, he holds the honor of having four different patents which are duly registered in Washington, D.C.

His devices are known as the following: 1. Casey Cam Device. 2. Casey Rocker Shaft bearing. 3. Casey Self Tightening Gear and Pulley Attachment. 4. Casey Check Strap Holder.

The last of his patents has only been out about a month. Mr. Casey is a booster for Victor Settlement. He is the publicity agent for the Victor Improvement club. His efforts are for a better community. Help him.

[Top of column 3]

J.L. GOURLEY (pictured J.L. Gourley)

J.L. GOURLEY, general secretary of the Victor Y.M.C.A., has been connected with the pressent organization for five years. He says the has seen service from the Gulf to the Great Lakes, but Victor beats them all. His effort in blowing the Bugle is his first attempt in journalism. We trust not his last.

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REASONOVER

If I were a famous artist, And could paint a landscape grand, I would go up to the mountains With my paint and brush in hand.

I would paint for you a picture Of a lake so clear and bright, Where you gaze in wonder viewing Reasonover - Gorgeous sight.

All surrounded by the mountains, All the mountains with their trees, And the air is so delightful, Made so by the mountain breeze. Reaonsover is so charming - Swimming in the placid lake, When the days are hot and sultry, Hot enough almost to bake.

If by chance when you are thirsty, Go to Cool spring for a drink, Cool spring boasts the coldest water In the montas, so I think.

Reasonover with its comforts - Houses built of hardwood trees, There are none howe're fastid-eous, But those cottages will please.

[article continues to middle of column 4]

Water, lights and stoves to cook on, Dishes too, from which to eat, Is there any campsite ever, Can compare with our Retreat ?

But permit just this one reference To the Mess Hall - don't you know When the bugle gave the signal How the men would rear to go.

And such eating and such eaters, On the bneches side by side, Kept our cooks all in a worry, If enough they could provide.

In the evening they would gather At the "Building" for to sing, Did you ever hear such music? Didn't they make the welkin ring?

If, my friend, you've never been there, Try to go, reserve your space, Take your family all with you, For Reasonover, that's the place.

J.L.G.

[return to top of column 4]

THOMAS J. CLARK (picture of Thomas J. Clark)

THOS. J. CLARK, president Y.M.C.A., is one of ur home boys and no one on the hill has more friends than Tom. He acted in the capacity of postman for several months and thereby learned the names of all the folks and all the folks knew him and looked longingly for his approach. He is interested particularly in church work, being assistant superintendent of the Methodist Sunday school and church treasurer.

[bottom of column 4]

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SHE OUGHT TO KNOW Nervous woman (to persistent beggar) - If I give you a piece of pudding, you'll never return, will you?

Beggar - Well, lady, you know your pudding better than I do.

The YMCA Bugle [title spans across top of page]

[column 1] F.L. Still [photograph of F. L. Still]

The Victor plan has had some very fine superintendents in its history, and it might be well to mention their names as they have served here. Mr. H. F. Moody was one of the early day Supers and he was followed by our affable Mr. Bates. These two held fourth for a number of years only to be succeeded by two of lesser length, namely Mr. Tidwell and Mr. Montjoy.

We take great pleasure in presenting to the employes a picture of the present superintendent with a few facts that we were able to get from Mr. Still.

He is a native of Greenwood, S.C. and the year of his birth has slipt our memory. He has held positions in various plants where he has gleaned a vast amount of knowledge as to the succesful options of a mill. Coming from Rock Hill tyo Victor a few months ago, he has shown his ability and we predict thart he will give good account of himself. Mrs. Still and their three children comprise the rest of the family. The first time that young children have ever been on the beautiful lawn in front of the superintendent's home.

Mr. and Mrs. Still are Presbyterians and it is rumored they vote the democratic ticket.

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Christmas Tree To Be at Victor

Victor is all dressed up for Christmas. With the large tree which has been the one big event in childhood life, placed where all can see it and with the electric sign proclaiming to the passing by that here is VICTOR, we feel that we have gone a step forward in the beautifying of our village, and the lights, the beautiful colors, here, there and everywhere. The old folks admire it and the children can never forget these early impressions.

[column 2] P.A. Bolt [photograph of P. A. Bolt]

Overseer of card room. Mr. Bolt was employed in 1908 for the chain of mills known as the Parker Mills company, and like Mr. Ballenger started his career at Apalache. He has seen service at Greer mill, Monaghan and Victor plants. That he is strong in his line is evidenced by the length of service with this company. Mr. Bolt's family consists of Mrs. Bolets and three living children, Rev. L.D. Bolt at Lancaster; Mrs. C. H. Brooks at West Huntsville Ala., and Miss Lillian Bolt, of Greer.

[Following text spans bottom half of columns 2 &3]

My Creed

To LIVE each day as though I may never see the morrow come; to be strict with myself, but patient and lenient with others; to give the advantage, but never to ask for it; to be kindly to all, but kindlier to the less fortunate; to respect all honest employment ; to remember always that my list is made easier and better by the service of others, and to be grateful.

To be tolerant and never arrogant; to treat all men with equal courtesy; to be true to my own in all things; to make as much as I can of my strength and the day's opportunity, and to meet disappointment without resentment.

To be friendly and helpful wherever possibly; to do, without display of temper or of bitterness, all the fair conduct demands; to keep my money free from cunning or the shame of a hard bargain; to govern my actions so that I may fear neither reproach nor misunderstanding nor words of malice or envy, and to maintain, at whatever cost, my own self-respect.

To keep faith with God, my fellow men, and my country.

This is my creed and my philosphy. I have failed it often, and shall fail it many times again; but by these teachings of my mother and my father I have lived to the best of my abilitgy; laughed often, loved, suffered, grieved, found consolation, and have prospered. By friendships I have been enriched, and the home I have builded has been happy.

- EDGAR A. GUEST

[top half of column 3] J.J. Barrett [photograph of J. J. Barrett]

We take pleasure in introducing to our people the overseer of weaving in number one mill, Mr. J. J. Barrett. The youngest man (not in years) in the employ of our compant, he comes highly recommended from the Savona Mills at Charlotte to hold down our weaving. Previously he worked for twenty-four years for the Chadwick Hoskins company at Charlotte. His family has just moved to Victor and we trust you will show them the Victor spirit by letting them know we are interested in them.

[column 4] C.R Ballenger [photograph of C. R. Ballenger]

Mr. C. R. Ballenger, plant manager, has been in the employ of this company since the year 1908, and from the present indications he will be here for at least fifty years more.

Mr. Ballender began his work as many of our successful men have, at the Apalache plant. Born in Greenville county, they say he has never gotten out of it, but some have doubts as to that statement, as he married in Due West and no doubt he did go courting in his early days. Mr. Ballenger, while a comparative young man, has a son in the tenth grade at the high school. His outstanding honors have been that he has been superintendent of Sunday School for a number of years, and is at present the retiring president of the Civitan club of Greer. Mr. Ballenger, while a conservative type, is also a progressive, as all will readily agree since his improvement in the appearance of the village since he became plant manager.

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FUNERAL CHEAPER

A doctor was called in to see a negro who was down with influenza.

"What I gwine to git him?" asked the wife.

"Give him whisky," the physician responded.

"How much does it cost?"

When the doctor named the price of good whisky per quart, the wife responded:

"I can bury him for cheaper dan dat." - Everybody's Magazine

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"There's not another boy in this town as clever as my Charles!"

"How's that?"

"Well, look at those two chairs. My Charles made them our of his own head, and he has enough wood left to make an armchair!" - Good Hardware

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Teacher- Children, can any of you tell me what is the most dangerous part of an automobile?

Tommy - Yes, Miss, I can. It's the driver.

[left]4 [center] The Y.M.C.A. Bugle

[columns count will start from left to right]

[first column] W. B. SHANNON [his picture]

W. B. SHANNON, Overseer No. 2 mill. Mr. Shannon came to Victor from the Walhalla plant as overseer and has been in the employ of the VictorMonaghan company since May, 1924. His previous experience was with the Dunean mill, where he worked for eight years. Mr. Shannon seems especially fitted for an overseer, not only because of his technical training, but has even temperament and his kind disposition make him a favorite with his men. He is an active church worker and is always ready to help in any enterprise which means for a better community.

The Shannon family consists of Mrs. Shannon and three children, two girls and one boy.

W. B. Major [picture of him]

W. B. Major, overseer outside force. Mr. Major, or as he is familiarly known, "Big Boy," has been with the Victor-Monaghan company for about one year. If you were to ask who is the jolliest person on the hill or even in the town, the answer would be forthcoming. His smile is so hearty that you can hear it coming around the corner. Being new to the style of work he was called upon to do, it has been rumored that Mr. Major would sit up till late at night studing his geography [cont. bottom of second column]

[second column] E. C. HERRIN [picture of him]

E. C. HERRIN, overseer of spinning. Mr. Herrin came to the rescue of this company thirteen years ago from the Loray mill, at Gastonia. He is regarded as one of the best spinners in the South, although he is not responsible for the home spun yarns which appear elsewhere in the columns of The Bugle. If you ask me what are Mr. Herrin's chief delights, I can readily assure you of two or three at least. Go to any of the boxing bouts which are held in Textile Hall and you will find Mr. Herrin there. Arrange a fox hunt and when the party is all made up, Mr. Herrin will be among the number. If he is lost and can't be found anywhere--go to the sub station and you will find him there playing his favorite new game. Mr. and Mrs. Herrin have three sons and one daughter.

W. R. MOSELEY [picture of him]

Mr. W. R. MOSELEY, master mechanic. Probably the oldest man in employ of the [cont. at middle of the third column]

[cont. from Major bio] so as to able to locate the places where his duties called him. We are reliably informed that when a bale of cotton has to be weighed that Mr. Major sits on one end of a beam and places the bale of cotton on the other and with the balancing of the beam he says "400 or over [cont. at bottom of the third column]

[third column] H. M. BRANNON [picture of him]

H. B. BRANNON, overseer of supplies. When Mr. Brannon was approached as to the length of service with the Victor-Monaghan company, he replied "I have been working for the company for twenty-five years--off and on," so we give it to the readers as he gave it to us. Part of this time has been at the Greer Mill and part at Victor. Much like the little girl giving the pedigree of their dog, said, "He is half hound, half bird dog and half shepherd"

Mr. Brannon is a talented man, as all who know him will agree. He is a musician and has played for break-downs from mountains to seashore. He is a trader from pocket knives to real estate. So if you want to trade, go to see Hol.

The Brannon family are a happy lot, and if you doubt this statement, drop into their home some evening and enjoy yourself with just his family.

[cont. from Mr. Moseley bio] company in point of service. For twenty-eight years he has looked after the machinery which goes to make up what we call Victor mill. Having installed the boilers which drive a good part of the mill, he knows its characteristics from A to Z.

Uncle "Sten," as he is known to the force, is one of the fixtures of the organization because of his knowledge of details.

When asked as to what were his chief sources of delight, he was a little reluctant to give us the correct data, but when we made a guess as to what it was we were assured from bystanders that we had placed him right. So we place him in the column as one who admires fine cattle exceedingly, a great lover of hunting partidges and above all, a great admirer of pretty girls. I now introduce Mr. Moseley.

[cont. from Mr. Major bio] 400." Just the two weights is all that is necessary for the record. Mrs. Major and their daughter are the greatest persons in the world in Big Boy's estimation.

[fourth column] J. P. BAGWELL [picture of him]

J. P. BAGWELL, overseer of cloth room. Mr. Bagwell has only been in the employ of the Victor-Monaghan company for one year, but in that short space of time he has made good on his job and won the friendship of all who have worked with him. For a short while he worked at the Walhalla plant, when he was transferred to Victor. Mr. Bagwell is an active church man and likes to see his community advance. He is an important member of the Masonic fraternity and ranks well in the order. His family numbers Mrs. Bagwell, two sons and five daughters. He has been twice married.

L. R. BEAMAN [picture of him]

L. R. BEAMAN, designer. Lewis has been in the employ of the company for fourteen years, no months and no days. Coming to Victor from Monaghan five years ago, he has had hold of the reins and has been making a good showing.

Mr. Beaman is one of our best citizens and is an asset to the community. He is a member of the board of directors of the Y. M. C. A., church clerk, and treasurer of the I. O. O. F. Mr. and Mrs. Beaman have four children, one girl and three boys, and these when sately placed in his Ford go gliding along with all the happiness that can be found anywhere.

The Y. M. C. A. Bugle 5

Our churches

[starting with left column]

Victor Baptist Church [picture of church] Worship 11:15 A. M. and 7:30 P. M. oswy Rev. J. A. Brock, Pastor

Officers

R. E. Moss, Supt. Sunday School J. L. Campbell, Asst. Supt. Sunday School Allen Leister, Secretary W. L. Bruce, General Treasurer L. R. Beaman, Financial Secretary P. J. Dill, Clerk Mrs. H. B. Brookshire, Pres. W. M. S. R. F. Jackson, General Supt. of all Young Peoples Activities.

Deacons

J. L. Campbell L. R. Beaman R. R. Brady W. L. Bruce P. J. Dill M. H. Jones A. C. Elmore P. F. Jackson R. E. Moss W. O. Waters

[the next is two small column starting with the left]

The cuts in this issue of The Bugle contain pictures of our two churches here at Victor. We regret that we did not have with them, but we must save something for the next edition. We wish to say that you rank far ahead of any village that I know of in church attendance and upon benevolences. To the preachers, we would pay you a compliment which is something like this: We think it is mighty fine when one of you is called away from your church to ask each other to fill your pulpit. On several occasions I have seen manifest what we call brotherly love and the way in which you cooperate makes glad not only the people you serve but those who observe. We trust that this feeling may forever be present at our village. We have been thinking of just rolling the two churches side by side some day and having an auditorium of 1,000 seats, with furnace heat, a choir of 100 with a pipe organ, a sunday school of 1,000 with [cont bottom of next column]

Wesleyan Methodist Church

We are unable to present to ours readers a picture of the Wesleyan church, but we are glad to pulish the names of the pastor and the Sunday school superintendent and to say for them that they are always glad to have you come to their church.

Rev. J. W. Miller is pastor and the preaching service is every first and third Sunday-- both morning and evening.

I. B. Brannon is superintendent of the Sunday school, which meets every Sunday.

Prayer meeting Tuesday night.

[cont. from first column] the preachers both on the job, alternating services, a big, fine car for both to ride in and salaries commensurate with their worth, etc., but they say a little competition is the spice of life and so lets wait till next year before we go any further. Honest to goodness, we'd like to see that done.

[top page right column]

Victor M. E. Church, South [picture of church] Rev. J. B. Chick, Pastor

Sunday School J. H. Lowe, Supt. T. J. Clark, Asst. Supt.

Epworth League Clarence Westmoreland, Pres.

Planist Mrs. Kate Simmons

Choir Leader H. W. Smith

Board of Stewards C.B Clark, Chairman Mrs. Kate Simmons, Sec T. J. Clark, Treas E. L. Cobb B. L. Westmoreland Eva Wilson J. H. Lowe J. T. Brown E. J. Blanton O. W. Carpenter M. R. Casey H. B. Childers G. T. Bailey

[picture of teachers] Teachers of Victor Schools

The above group represent the teaching force at Victor. Miss Frances Wideman and her corps of teachers occupy the most important part of life in Victor, and we are justly proud of them, as we should be. We believe that we have one of the best, if not the best, schools in the state. In the matter of equiement, the management of the Victor-Monaghan company has spared no expense in providing a building which is complete in every detail.

With the group of teachers which appear herewith, we feel that our teachers will compare with any institution in the state, and that our children should be made better citizens, better prepared for lief's battles by the lessons learned and contacts made.