V.1 No. 3 - The Y.M.C.A. Bugle

[seven stars was drawn on the paper] The Y. M. C. A. Bugle Vol. 1. Victor Plant, Greer, S. C., December, 1926 NO. 3.

[picture of the Superintendent to the left]

The Season's Greetings

To you whose days are spent in bettering Victor Products go my heartfelt wishes for a happy hoaliday season. It is your faithful cooperation which has made it possible for us to look back with pleasure on the year now drawing to a close

Your continued loyal support, your espressions of friendship thru-out the year, have meant much to our Victor and to me personally.

May you and those dear to you enjoy a Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

F. L. Still, Superintendent.

[picture of manger to the right]

Greetings

To loyal people of Victor I extend my heartiest greetings on this happy season of the year.

As we look back over the events of the year that is almost gone we recall many happy moments of association with you, and take this opportunity to thank you for your untiring efforts to make Victor what we think is the best community in the world.

My wish for you is, that this may be the most joyous Christmas, and that health and prosperity may be yours for the New Year.

Cordially yours, C. R. Ballenger, Manager

[page have four column this will start from left to right]

[first column]

[first article] The Y. M. C. A. Bugle

Published Quarterly in the interest of the Victor Mill employes

J. L. Gourley -- M. R. Casey.

One year ago we handed to the press a lot of news which the type setters, after careful reading and rearranging formed into columns and by adept manipulation brought forth what we have known as "The Y. M. C. A. Bugle." We were doing a stunt which we had never attempted before and from the press comments have been so encouraged with our undertaking that it seemed fitting that this Christmas season should find another issue of the Bugle sounding forth its notes, telling to all our employees that our Bugle is the only Bugle that blows to any extent.

Many things have happened during the past months and it would take many pages to chronicle all the happenings and tell to all our friends what we have done, where we have been or how we have lived. In the matter of running the plant, there was a remarkable improvement along all lines. Greater production has come to the front. Less waste than has ever been known in the history of the mill. Greater variety of styles and much more elaborate, or should I say intricate styles of weaving. Self improvement among departments, among individuals and I might say quality of cloth manufactured. These combined traits have caused Victor to forge to the front and to be recognized as the leader in the group of the Victor-Monaghan Company.

[second article] "As goes the home, so goes the nation"

Character is largely a product of the home. The Church is important, and the school is important, but the home is more important than either, as a character builder and a citizen producer. The life of the nation will not rise higher than the life of the homes of the nation. Children who have not been taught honesty at home easily fall victims of the lure of dishonesty and expediency when they venture into life in he open. When America needs most is homes of the right kind.

A home is what a woman makes it. As are the mothers, so are the homes. The ideals of the home are not likely to rise higher than the ideals of the mother in the home. Fathers are useful, but their role is less potential in shaping the intimate life of the home. Boys are what their mothers make them. .... It is the mother who holds the key to the home.--James I. Vance, D. D.

[second column]

[first article] Victor Improvement Club.

The Victor Improvement clb On October 26th at the Imperial Hotel in Greenville the Club held its first annual Banquet which was attended during our connection with the Victor-Monaghan Co. This Club, as most of our readers know, is composed of the overseers, second hands, section men, loom fixers and others. The name, Imperovement Club, is significant of its policy and its is running true to form. Mr. Still the organ izer and president has been able to direct some helpful improvements, not only in the different departments but has inspired all of us t oimprove ourselves. Only recently he was talking with the writer of this article and one of the good things he said was that every man ought to strive to get ahead. Self improvement is the basis for job improvement Mr. Still is anxious to promote any man who shows that he is aggressive.

The meeting of the Club durin [during] gthe [the] month of December was taken of with a round table discussion of subjects relating especially to the Weave Room and splendid suggestions were made relating to some of the worries of the weavers and their remedies. Preceding the discussion, the Y. M. C. A. secretary held forth for about minutes on the subject of geography with a large map for illustrating. It was surprising some of the facts brought out in the discussion and the vast amount of facts stated. Further study will be resumed from time to time.

[second article] Insurance

The Victor Monaghan Co. has insured with the Aetna Life Insurance Co., all employees in what is known as a Group Policy icy. The operator pays 65 per cent of the premium and the Victor Monaghan Co. 35 per cent. This is a splendid form of insurance and we are glad and proud to announce that the employees at Victor made the highest average of the number taking this insurance of any of the plants. This insurance costs $7.20 per year per thousand dollars. It might be of interest to all those who were insured to know that James Genobles, who was so unfortunate to lose his life by the accidental discharge of a shot gun, was paid his insurance before the first premium of 90 cents was ever paid. His estate received a check for $501.00, the $1.00 being the interest on the money from the time of death until it paid. Gentlemen, in these days of accidents, you can not afford to let this chance to protect those dependent on you slip.

The Swedes play at Victor December 23rd.

[third column] [first article] Athletics.

Victor boasts the best Basket Ball tea mof its life this season. Some good games have already been played and more are to follow low. We have lost to the strong Dunean team and also to the American Spinning Company, but as is generally the case with losers we had an alibi. Perhaps the most outstanding and overtowering (Dr. V.) game of the season will be nest Thursday night when Olson's Terrible Swedes will be here for an engagement. As a preliminary to this game, the strong Class B team from Monaghan will meet the equally strong team from the Greer Mill. The first game will start at 7:30 and the Swedes game at 8:30. Those who want to be sure of a seat had better get a reserve seat. They are on sale at Efirds and the Victor Y. M. C. A.

Make a note on your diary: Dec. 23, Swedes vs. Victor. We have two games this season which have helped us more than drawing a lucky number at some of the recent auction sales. Twice we have sent the Spartan Mill team to the floor for the count and the last game played Dec. 117, was for the coun 41 to 23. Mooneyham, their long, lean, lanky player could not fathom our fice men defense. Theirs is a good team though and we compliment our friend Grover Suttles in playing the game for all its worth, regardless of any handicaps which may arise.

Victor boasts about five distinct teams of Basket Ball players. The latest team is the Midgets, which hopes to enter at the Greenville Y. M. C. A. Victor's Class C. team has been able to meet all comers in their class without a single defeat. We do not know what will be the outcome when they run against the strong Class C team from Managhan which takes place next Monday night. (Dec. 20).

[second article] The Reason.

Tommy did not come to school last Wednesday, and Tommy's teacher received the following note from his mother:

Dear Teacher--Tommy won't be coming to school today. He's timing his father, and it's your fault. You give 'im a sum for his homework what said: 'If a man can run 100 yards in two minutes, how long would it take him to run around a two-and-a-half-mile field three times?'

"Tommy isn't a man, so his father's doing it for him and Tommy;s timing him. But please don't give 'im no such sums again, as 'is father can't lose no more time away from his work."

The Swedes play at Victor December 23rd.

[last column] [first article] Victor.

In eighteen hundred and ninety six, As history tells the date, A few men gathered round one day With tools to excavate.

A cotton mill is no small thing To build, as you well know-- For days and weeks the work went on; And progress seemed quite slow.

But finally, when all was done And everything complete The folks began to move to town At Victor they did meet.

Now thirty years have passed since then, The old mill still keeps going, Our fame has spread throughout the land A fact to all worth knowing.

The years roll by. And you, my friends, Know well of Victor's glory, Of all it's products I'll not speak-- "Twould make too long a story.

You'd be surprised to know amounts, The number cotton bales That we have used in thirty years-- Sounds lik Bert Blanton's tales!

If all the pays rolls, I would say Were place in one big pile "Twould make a load two horses Could hardly pull a mile.

And so you see the greatness Of Victor's work these years, To other phases of the place Please lend me now your ears.

Kind hearts have lived with us we know When we look round about us To see all things provided. Can any one here doubt us?

Churches will good preachers, Schools of which we're proud Fair maidens for our teachers The fairest of the crowd.

A building for our athletes-- Our own beloved Y, Where men and boys all gather, Yes, men as old as I.

And so we say to everyone Who stand for our improvement To put your shoulder to the wheelThis is a worthy movement.

[second article] A big man needed. A Western rancher had asked the district superintendent that a pastor be assigned to his community. "How big a man do you want?" he was asked. "Well elder," the wily man of tan replied, "we're not overly particular, but when he's on his knees we'd like him to reach heaven."

Seneca plays at Victor December 25th.

[picture of people, spanning columns 1 through 4] Victor Mill Second Hands

[column 1] The Office Force

Walter Leon Bruce-- Paymaster and farmer.

Mr. Bruce came to the rescue of the Company in 1910, A. D. He has made a splendid paymaster and has served well in every capacity for the upbuilding of the community. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., Masons, and K. P. Mr. Bruce is following in the steps of the Bible patriarch, Jacob, who had 12 sons. Mr. Bruce has seven sons and we predict that the name Bruce will not become extinct at least for a generation or two. He says of himself:

He handles the cash He eats the hash: And when at home, He applies the lash.

We presume that is said in connection with the chastisement of the boys as we readily believe Mrs. Bruce could easily defend herself with the aid of the famous rolling pin.

Olin Alfred Gaines-- Assistant Paymaster and sportsman: Musician (banjo). Mr. Gaines came to Victor in 1904. His service has been continuous and he expects to be retired in twenty years on a pension. Mr. Gaines is a living exponent of optimism. No matter how blue Mr. Ballenger may be or how ho in the collar Mr. Bruce may wax, you can always get a smile and a joke from Mr. Gaines. His courteous treatment of visitors at the window has won friends for himself by the score. It was told the writer of this narrative that Mr. Gaines was very fond of nature and the mountains. His judgment is considered so good that when an opinion is needed regarding the pulchritude of any of the fair sex that a statement from him setttles the whole affair.

Mr. Gaines has traveled extensively but stayed around [cont. in next column]

[second column] [cont. from first column] home more extensively. He fishes, hunts, drives a Ford and lives happily. When he goes to the mountains he says "I Pine by day and Balsam by night"

Ira W. Garrett:-- Shipping Clerk, Notary Public, School Trustee, Mason, I. O. O. F. and Sec. Democratic Club. A splendid Public Citizen.

Mr. Garrett succeeded Mr. T. M. Marchant as shipping clerk here at Victor, coming here in the year 1905. He is acquainted with every department of the office and is well qualified to take care of any work thrust upon him. It was thru his efforts that a Bank was organized atTaylors. Mr. Garrett, while yet a young man has two children old enough to be in college. Gordon at Citadel and May at Limestone. His chief enjoyments are outings wit hhis family. Reasonover is always a mecca for him and his family.

Odd Fellows Banquet.

On November 27th, the I. O. O. F. held their annual banguet in the lodge hall which is up stairs of the Y. M. C. A. A large crowd was present and a very enjoyable time is reported. Several visitors were present and gave inspiring and helpful talks. These meetings always are the means of bringing together the different members and of knowing of the work of this noble fraternal organization.

Mr. J. H. Garrett, affectionaely known as "Babe" won the distinction of having no "seconds" for a continuous run of three weeks. He would doubtless have made a record had not the night shift caused his looms to get out of shape. We congratulate Mr. Garrett and would have put his beaming conutenance in this issue of the Bugle but we failed to get him introduced to the photographer.

[third column] With our churches

Since the last edition of the Bugle some very noted improvements have been made in the heating arrangements at both churches. At the Baptist chruch Rev. Mr. Brock the pastor, has installed a real heating system with steam and to say that it is a splendid success only uses words which any ordinary individual would use. It is the very latest model (1927) and people need not fear of ever getting cold at the Baptist church. The writer has noted with some degree of enjoyment that the Baptists would not be content with any heating arrangements unless the heat came from the water, while our good friends, the Methodists, used a different mode for heating their building. The latter have the largest Hot Air furnace that could be bought to heat up their building. Both systems have their advantages. The steams heat is fine if you get up the steam and do not have too much water in it. Our experience with the steam heaters was that too much water was hard to generate any steam at all and the radiators. As to the hot air furnace, well, the preacher should supply an almost adequate amount. The furnace heats up rapidly and cools more rapidly. It takes very little water to run a furnace. We congratulate both churches in their accomplishment.

The most over owering, over shadowing and over mastering preacher that has come our way in some years was the recent visit of Dr. Vipperman who held a week's revival here at Victor. I do not know when I have heard a man of greater learning pertaining to the Bible nor a more profound scholar. We shall always cherish those splendid sermons and we believe they will bear fruit for many years [cont. in next column]

[last column cont. from pervious column] to come.

The Methodist folks were fortunate in having Mr. Chick sent back to them and feel that he too will enjoy another year in our midst.

The churches are arranging to have Santa Claus land his air plane in the ball park on the night of Dec. 24th, and a committe from each church will meet him and escort him [piece of the page missing, it could possibly be "to the"] churches where exercises [piece of the page missing, it could possibly be "will be"] held. The children will try and be at the churches on that evening and if any children should be sick and could not be at the church, why arrangements will be made to take care of them.

Rev. J. B. Chick has been returned here as pastor of the Victor M. E. Church for the 3rd year. Bro. Chick is and able man and we believe this will be one of the best years in the hisory of the church, if this church will stand by him. He seems to be more determined to put the church on top than he has ever been, and we hope that with the help of the members that this will be a record breaker for Victor M. E. church.

We will have services every Sunday morning at 11 o'clock, and Sunday evening at 7 o'clock. Epworth League meets at 6:00 o'clock every Sunday evening. Mid-week prayer serices every Wednesday evening at 7:30. Sunday school every Sunday morning at 10 o'clock.

Mr. J. H. Lowe is Supt. of Sunday school, and has had charge of this school as Supt. for 7 years and has been very successful. He is a splendid man and we all love him. His whole heart is in his school. The Mens Bible Class is taught by Mr. Hatcher who is one of the ablest teachers in the country. Come and hear him once and be Convinced.

The doors of the M. E. church are open and a hearty welcome awaits you Every Sunday.

[picture of people, spanning columns 1 through 4] The Cloth Room Force

[starting with the left column then moving right]

The above picture which makes such a splendid apearance is the department that looks over the cloth. They not only inspect it, but fold it, bale it, and send it away on its mission of clothing the world. They look over every yard of cloth and the overseer, Mr. Bagwell, said that an average run was [piece of the page missing, it could possibly be "about"] 82 thousand pounds per [piece of the page missing, unknown what it can be] During the week of De[piece of the page missing, it could possibly be "cember"] 6-11th, record run was [piece of the page missing, it could possibly be "done"] of over 86 thousand pounds of cloth. On an average there are to the pound so you can see that we are making a few yards of cloth during the day. For our own amusement we figured it out that our production ran about 112 yards per minute.

The Victor plant has about 75 styles now running. One of the most important or I might add, best seller is print Gingham. We are also running a figured broad cloth that is giving the Gingham a close second as are the draperies. More and more we are getting out a finer product. All those people who visited the Textile Exposition in Greenville were impressed with the strides manufacturing has made in the past two years in the making of splendid and beautiful designs from our own cotton staple.

There are about forty employees in the cloth room--mostly girls and all seem to be happy. We do not know if it is the kind overseer or just such lovely characters who do the work. Mr. J. R. Sawyer, the best looking oldish gentleman at Victor, has worked in this department for 20 years. When you have people who stay by their jobs like that you have eople who are woth something to your community.

Hats off to the Cloth Room Force!

Seneca plays at Victor December 25th.

[second column]

Blacksmith Shop

Our of the outstanding needs for Victor these many years has been a good roomy shop for the kind of work that has always to done around a manufacturing concern the size of the Victor Mill. We want to congratulate our Supt. on his splendid judgment in having all those old boilers removed and in that very convenient and ample space installing a welding outfit, pipefitters equipment and a forge for the blacksmith. The old boilers had served their day and were merely occupying space. Their sale for junk will about pay the cost of their removal and hence will save the expense of erecting new shop.

Morale

"If you think yo uare beaten, you are; If you think you dare not, you don't; If you'd like to win, but you think you can't, It's almost a cinch you won't. If you think you'll lose, you're lost, For out of the world we find Success begins with a fellow's will-- It's all in the state of mind. If you hink you are outclassed, you are; You've got to think high to rise. You've got to be sure of yourself before You can ever win a prize. Life's battles don't always go To the stronger or faster man: Bu soon or late the man who wins Is the one who thinks he can."

"He rarely hits he mark or wins the game Who says, 'I know I'll miss!' while taking aim."

The Barbers are expecting you to see them before Santa Claus comes.

[third column] New Machinery.

Representatives from Barber Coleman Co. have been at work installing Four Spoolers which will do the work of twenty four of the old type of spoolers. They have also installed three high speed Beam Warpers which run ten times as fast as the ones which have been formerly used. Efficiency is the watchword at Victor.

The Swedes play at Victor December 23rd.

[last column] New Opening Machinery.

All the plants of the Victor-Monaghan Company are installing new and up-to-date opening machinery. At the Victor plant we will have the one opening room instead of the two as formerly. This Whitin Machine is reported to clean the cotton better and make the staple in a better condition for the carder than any machine known to the textile world.

The Swedes play Victor December 23rd.

[below the third and last column]

Happy Christmas Time

By Carolyn Wells

When the turkey's on the table and the candles on the tree I'm jest about as happy as I ever wanta be! My children gathered round me an' my neighbors settin' by, I couldn't be no happied an' I don't wanta try. I like the parson's sermon an' I like the ringin' chimes; I like the dressed-up feelin' that's around at Christmas times; But best of all the doin's is the time, it seems to me, When the turkey's on the table an' the candles on the tree!

There's a lot o' solid comfort gettin' ready for the day, A-makin' wreaths of evergreen an' holly-berry spray; An' Mother she gets busy a-bakin' things to eat An' makin' any kind o'food that's savory an' sweet; An' we tie up little presents an' we make up little jokes-- You know--with verses bringin' in the names of all the folks; But it's all a-workin' upward to that very height of glee When the turkey's on the table an' the candles on the tree!

You see, the Christmas ritual is "Peace on Earth," an' then It also has another clause about "Good Will to Men"; The latter, as I take it, bein' doin' all you can To give a bit o' Christmas cheer to any fellow man. So I start in Christmas mornin' with the raisin' of the sun An' I stick at it tll I get my good-will chores all done; An' then I want my "Peace on Earth'" an' that is when Isee The turkey on the table an' the cangles on the tree!

[picture of people, spanning columns 1 through 4]

[following article spans the top of columns 1 through 4]

We are glad to introduce some of the Ladies of Victor to our readers and hope that the next issue will find more of such groups. This group is what is

know (to themselves) as the Tuesday Afternoon Club. It is composed of about fifteen members which meet each Tuesday and work and talk simultaneously.

With the excharge of ideas regarding the improvement of home life we think this club of the ladies will prove as beneficial as the Victor Improvement

Club which meets monthly. New members are being added each week. Inquire of any of the above how you can be indentified with this club.

[starting with the left column and moving right]

Ladies Aid Society

The Ladies Aid Society of Victor Methodist church met Tuesday night at seven thirty with Mrs. Lee Waters at her home on Sixteenth Street. Mrs. Ethel Wood, the president, had charge of the meeting. Scripture reading, second chapter of Luke. Prayer by Mrs. Pearle Mayfield. Roll called, sixteen present, and minutes read of last meeting by the secretary. Then a beautiful Christmas program was carried out as follows:

Song: "Hark the Herald Angels Sings." Reading: "Christmas Message." --Mrs. Pearle Mayfield. Duet--"All Hail the Power of Jesus Name"-- Misses Edith and Mae Waters. Prayer--by Mrs. Eva Wilson. Duet: "Holy Night"--Miss Mae Waters and Mrs. Geraldine Wyche. Reading: "A Story of Jesus' Birth--Mrs. Lois Bailey. Song: "O Little Town of Bethlehem." Closing prayer by Mrs. Lois Bailey.

A social half hour was enjoyed when the hostess, assisted by her daughters, Misses Mae and Edith Waters served refreshments.

[second column] Entertainment.

Victor School Xmas Entertainment was the most specacular that has been staged in the new school building. We want to call especial attention to the leading characters and compliment Misses Ruth Miller and Nelle Mason. Never have the children appeared more beautiful in their lovely little costumes. All the characters were splendid in their make up and in their performance. We were glad to see a good crowd present and know that all feel well repaid for the little admission charged.

The teachers left Saturday for their homes to spend the holidays. The good wishes of the Victor Village accompany them.

Personals

Mrs. Walter Lawson and Mrs. M. S. Greene of Union spent last week end with their sister, Mrs. Geo. T. Bailey on Eighth St.

Miss Edith Greene, J. W. and Harold Greene of Union have been visiting their aunt, Mrs. Geo. T. Bailey

Mr. and Mrs. C. L. Dobbins spent several hours shopping in Spartanburg last Saturday.

[third column] Mr. and Joe and Luther Kirby of Dunean Mill spent last Sunday with M. R. Casey and family.

Mr. Bub Waldrop of Poe Mill was visiting relatives here last Sunday.

If you dont want your boys hair cut, don't let them go up on Hill St. near Shelton's Store.

Mr. Tom Garner has recently purchased a new sedan Hupmobile.

The Rev. Ralph Brady has accepted the call extended to him as pastor of the Fairmont Baptist church

Some of the married ladies of the village have secured positions in the mill and are working every night. We have been told that the husbands of those ladies were on the verge of sueing them for Non Support.

Miss Marion Culbreth has been confined to house for several days on account of the flu.

Mr. Charlie Tipton has been called to the bedside of his father, who is dangerously ill.

The Swedes play at Victor December 23rd.

Seneca plays at Victor December 25th.

[last column] Banquet

Dec. 18th in the Y. M. C. A. the Junior Baraca Class held their annual banquet. The banquet is one of the enjoyable features of this class in a social way. The corresponding class of girls were invited and a great spread of chicken and dressing, peas, potatoes and rice with gravy, cake, coffee and cream was enjoyed by the 135 present.

The officers of the Baraca Class are as follows: Pres. Claude Campbell. 1st vice president, J. B. Leopard. 2nd vice president, H. E. Westmoreland. 3rd vice president, Will Edwards. Secretary, Chaplin McElrath. Treasurer, W. E. Poole.

The banquet was prepared by Mrs. L. V. Rodgers, Mrs. J. A. Brock, Mrs. Lily Brady, Mrs. P. F. Jackson, Mrs. Minnie Edwards, Mrs. Champion.

Waiters: Clarette Smith, Gladys Maness, Maude White, Janet Sudduth, Grace Brannon, Agnes Smith, Della Waldrop, Ruth Bragg, Mrs. Minnie Edwards, Lillie Hutchison.