First Fifty Years, The (1950)

[Music] in this small abandoned Foundry building in the city of akan Ohio RVs Firestone first began the manufacturer of rubber tires from that humble beginning with a working force of 12 men the Firestone Tire and rber Company was destined to expand into a vast industrial organization with plants and factories and offices in every part of the globe building and enriching the economy of every nation in which they were located and employing more than 70,000 people on the 50th anniversary of its founding and in memory of the one who had made possible this remarkable growth and development the Firestone Tyrant Rubber Company held a ceremony of affection for its founder and Builder RVs Firestone here on a gently rolling Hillside in the city of akan Ohio gather the many thousands of his friends to attend the unveiling of a magnificent Memorial created in his honor they have come come from distant places from neighboring cities and towns from just around the corner scientists wage earners Farmers businessmen people from every Walk of Life assembled in tribute to one of whom it was said courageous leader and Pioneer he transformed a gift of nature to the benefit of all mankind for this was a day of dedication a day of great significance to the immediate family and Close Associates of harbs Firestone it was a day of recollection recalling to the world the many outstanding contributions he made to its betterment and to the betterment of the America he loved it was a day that spanned a lifetime of happy memories to his eldest son Harvey s Firestone Jr and now chairman of the company his father founded Mr Firestone introduced the opening event of the program ladies and gentlemen we open our ceremony today with the singing of America by the members of the Firestone Coral Club under the direction of forest Hawk Jr they will be accompanied by the concert band under the direction of the noted American conductor Howard Barlo who has honored us with his presence today [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] I [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] one of the joys which father and mother and we children shared in common was the love of good music We Are delighted to have with us today miss eler steber of the metropol Metropolitan Opera Company who will sing one of Father's favorite songs it his mother's composition in my [Music] garden [Music] and dear [Music] know Lord [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] thank you Miss f my brothers and I are gathered here with you to pay honor to the man who we were privileged to have as a fathers and today I should like to speak of him as a father in this relationship he possessed those rare qualities of greatness which distinguished him throughout the course of his life much of Father's lifetime time was of necessity spent in building the company which Bears his name when he founded the company on August 3rd 1900 just 50 years ago today he entered upon an Enterprise that call for vision and courage and an unswerving confidence in the future the struggle for survival was constant and ever present the weeks and the months and the years took their steady toll of time and effort his every waking moment must have been filled with a sense of heavy responsibility his was the burden of the never ending resolve to go forward the determination to create for his company a position of leadership these were goals of attainment which of themselves would seemingly occupy his thoughts in time to the exclusion of all other things things perhaps even of his family yet looking back over those early years and the later triumphs the picture uppermost in my mind is of a father whose devotion and attachment to his family was not one with diminished by the business responsibilities that rested upon him I remember my father as a man of infinite patience he always had time for his children he exercised an affectionate discipline over our childhood he helped us in our schoolwork and to tried to make us see the difference between learning and merely being taught he gave us responsibilities and along with them the kindly advice and welcome encouragement needed to fulfill those responsibilities he imparted to us the simple fundamental precepts of honesty and integrity which guided his life and which God willing will always serve to guide the Firestone organization to the years to come his memory and the memory of all he stood for shall Inspire us to continue to build upon the firm foundations which he built so soundly and so well [Music] the founder of the Firestone Tire and rber Company would have taken a great personal pleasure in this 50th anniversary of his company not in the acclaims paid to his accomplishment or he was a kindly and modest man but in the arrival and welcome of the Firestone District and plant managers who gathered early in the week from all over the world to participate in this memorable anniversary these were his boards many of whom had been his personal selection he knew the man of his organization and nothing pleased him more than the opportunity to be with them to discuss their problems to help them over the rough spots to urge them on to ever greater goals of achievement to enjoy with them the excitement and anticipation just such a homecoming holds for the men of Firestone for this is a gold and Jewel an event of high promise a time to greet old friends and welcome new ones and happily exemplified in the reception extended by the administrative staff of the Firestone organization RVs Firestone Jr headed his executive group in the official greeting to the district and plant managers and just as delighted to see everybody was Harold D tumpkins vice president in charge of sales as was James E trainer Vice Pres president in charge of manufacturing and John J Shay vice president in charge of finance and John W Thomas honorary chairman of the board who cordially greeted his many old friends Roger s Firestone had a hearty hand clasp for all he met and his brother Raymond C Firestone shared in the pleasure of meeting these Firestone representatives from all over the world Leonard K Firestone appreciated their coming and his smile of Happiness showed it and right with him in the joy of the occasion was his brother Russell a firestone rvh Hollinger treasurer of the company had a cheerful hello for all a pleasant assignment that was shared by Joseph Thomas secretary and Claude poy controller of the company these were hand clasps of friendship and of respect for each other's abilities and pledges of confidence in the continuous success of their company and of their combined efforts to lift it to new triumphs to the furtherance of that aim morning and afternoon conferences were held for the purpose of acquainting the managers with the Firestone objectives for the coming year objectives that dealt with the new Firestone products and the proven merchandising approach in their display their advertising and their sales Mr Tomkins opened the conference on sales much has been said about the Firestone franchise I'd like to give you my reasons why I think it is the greatest franchise in the first place based on the money invested it's the best money-making franchise in the automotive industry it has no equal in the tire industry it's the only franchise that is backed by a company that is sincere in its efforts to build a franchise for the independent dealers it's the only franchise that a dealer can build with security and confidence for the future because the record is clear of our interest in the independent dealer and that as Mr Tomkins continued was the thinking of the founder of the fir Stone tire and Rubber Company RVs Firestone had been a small independent businessman and knew knew from experience that the small businessman needed support and help and he needed a supplier who was thinking about him and had his interests at heart in support of that policy continued Mr Tomkins RVs Firestone never formulated a policy or program of any kind that was not for the best interests of the independent tire dealer sales with a keystone of the arch in his plan of organization and to his district managers went the respond responsibility of an ever increasing sales effort no less true today than when he first enunciated the high standards of attainment that were to be [Music] followed at the closing ceremony of dedication around which all other activities centered John W Thomas lifelong friend and Associate of Harvey sire Stone reaffirmed to the district and plant managers and all assembled the business philosophy and Credo of Mr Firestone namely that nothing was so good that it could not be made better to me one of the most outstanding characteristics of Mr Firestone was his indomitable courage he was absolutely Fearless through faith he conquered fear he was never happier than he was than when he was called upon to meet a challenge he infused into all of those around him this same fighting spirit and he has always ready and to lead his men to victory in the NeverEnding Battle of competition to meet that challenge of competition RVs Firestone built an organization that he liked to regard as his team of Champions they still are Roy Cheney is on the team been a regular for 28 years steady Dependable he never fails his assignment Jim crisp is on the team he's courteous he's friendly he's efficient he builds good will for Firestone Dr glimp is on the team seeking through research to make Firestone best today still better tomorrow Joe cotch is on the team resourceful industrious Pleasant he's alert to every sales opportunity and every sale he successfully concludes helps to turn the wheels of Firestone production Zin GIS is on the team he has patience and energy in far off Liberia on the west coast of Africa he helped last year to ship millions of pounds of natural rubber for Firestone products George Peabody is on the team he has the skill and training that fits into the manufacturer of synthetic Rubber and the skill and the training that makes him an invaluable member of the team Ed swinhart is on the team he's one of the thousands of dealers representing Firestone in every community of the United States he's a key member on an unbeatable team of Champions let's call the role Mary arburn is on the team and Emory brusen and Bing [Music] sweep and Ike Swain and Lee R Jackson president of the Firestone Tire and rubber company is a member of the team you bet I'm a member of the team been on it a long time ever since I started as a Salesman 38 years ago and when I can't stand up there and take my cut at the ball I want to carry water for the fellow that can that's the way I feel about Firestone and I know you do too we're in a great business and we're associated with a wonderful company and believe me we're going to do everything in our power to keep it just that [Music] way a 50th Anniversary calls for many celebrations and to observe it properly there were many social functions held during the week for the district and plant managers the Noonday gathering on the roof top Terrace of the research building was a colorful High spot of this joyous Memorial week and the occasion for many reminiscent Yarns of bygone days yes these were times of enjoyment and particularly so was the luncheon held at harbell Manor the home of Mr and Mrs Harvey s Firestone and the scene of many such gett togethers in Mr firestone's lifetime here these men of the Firestone organization captured a new the pleasant Recollections of earlier years and found the happiness that always attends the reunion of old friends and good companions yes there was fun and with it the Deep Down Glow of Pride and satisfaction one felt in being part of the Firestone company they were in a key industry perhaps the greatest business in the world that's what Harvey s Firestone would have told them that Here and Now were opportunities that offered a continuing challenge to their ability and skill that in their capable hand was a business that had grown great and would grow still greater with every passing year he would have reaffirmed the Firestone pledge of always giving extra quality and extra value in both products and services at no extra cost a policy that carries the Assurance of Harvey s Firestone Jr that no product bearing the name of Firestone will ever be placed on the market that has not his full endorsement and approval or that of his brother Leonard K Firestone president of the Firestone Tire and rber Company of California or his brother Raymond C Firestone vice president in charge of research and development or his brother Roger Firestone president of Firestone Plastics Company and his brother Russ a firestone who like his brothers is a director of the company all are actively engaged in the manufacturer and distribution of Firestone products and all as these district and plant managers know have pledged themselves to stand for the same high principles the same high resolves their father brought to the company to the continuation of the same high production standards that have made the name of Firestone synonymous with highest quality over the entire 50 years of their company's existence yes RVs Firestone would have partly approved this Gathering of his boys and their support and furtherance of his business philosophy he would have liked too that in honor of the 50th anniversary of his company a firestone exposition of historical product and displays held at top the research laboratory was open to the public here for all to see was the old and the new and the promise of what was to be the early Tire building machines equipment of but half a century ago and yet so outmoded in the rapid advance of tire manufacturer as to seem of the days of antiquity and this model of the first Firestone Factory Workshop of the Pioneers who laid the groundwork for the many Firestone developments that made Transportation history such as the first mechanically fasten straight Side Tire the first commercial demountable Rim the first angular rubber nonskid tread the first pneumatic tractor which led to putting the farm on rubber the first balloon tire and the Revolutionary effect it had on Tire development Firestone was the first to put the farm on rubber a milestone in the progress of farmers everywhere and visitors to the exposition noted the advances that had been made in Farm tires from the early ones of plain design to the massive Spade grip of today they inspected the huge Firestone Earth moving tires that have contributed to the excavation work on the nation's important hydroelectric dams airports and Highway building projects they learned of the ship by truck movement which Harvey s Firestone inaugurated in 1918 and which has had such a profound effect on the transportation of goods and products in this country and indeed on the entire econom om of the nation the exposition offered a glimpse of the Firestone rubber plantations established in 1926 in the Republic of Liberia as a result of the crusade of Harvey s Firestone under the banner Americans should produce their own rubber during World War II these plantations were one of the few sources of natural rubber which remained open to America and her Alliance the visitors to the exhibit found a fascinating display of Rubber products developed by Firestone for an extraordinary number of purposes FX for mattresses and pillows for furniture and transportation seating contol elastic yarn for bathing suits girdles and hundreds of other uses they were pleasantly surprised at the items in daily use made of Firestone Balon film of their patterns in many colors and the complete practicability of each as was true of the display featuring Firestone Von flex and the beauty and durability it gives as an upholstery material for dozens of products essential to Everyday [Music] living they learned that Firestone steel products was the largest manufacturer of truck bus tractor and farm implement r rims in the world that it made more stainless steel beverage containers than any other company and that it is an important supplier of cabinets parts and stampings for home appliances they saw the model Stone of the future as devised by the Firestone store planning division they were excited at the sight of the famous racing car driven to Victory by Johnny Parsons in the Indianapolis race of 1950 and the Firestone racing tires that have won 27 consecutive victories at this greatest of speed Classics to anyone who has seen the terrific impact and strain of that gruelling race it must come to mind as a miracle of construction that tires could be made to withstanding thrilling and exciting yes as was all of this wonderful Exposition and the Glorious anniversary week that held so many interests for the men and women of Firestone and what happier surprise than to find the greatest show on Earth that pitched its tents in the very shadow of the Firestone factories and that is exactly what happened in honor of their 50th Anniversary the Firestone company brought the famous wringling brothers and barnan ba circus to akan just as it was brought to other plant cities throughout the country so that fire St employees might see and enjoy this mightiest of [Music] spectacles it was a Gaya event filled with a never ceasing Wonders that always seem to accompany the circus when it comes to town the sideshow and the little people and the Snake Charmer and Cracker Jack circus day wouldn't be much fun without Cracker Jack or an ice cream cone M good and cotton candy for the customers coming right up say this stuff tastes awful funny hey fellas look at the elephants go real honest to goodness elephants oh it's a wonderful day all right a day when there are no adults just boys and girls and grownup boys and girls and balloons that will never never break never well hardly ever souvenir cane little boy nothing like a souvenir cane to make you feel bigger and souvenir hats every girl knows it's important to have a new hat particularly a souvenir hat it was a grand and glorious thrill and especially to these underprivileged children of akan of whom there were many hundreds and all invited by the Firestone company to see the circus the sound of the circus band heralded The exciting news that the performance was about to [Music] [Applause] begin a capacity crowd of 11,000 awaited the delightful entertainment they knew was in store for them they were one of the four such audiences that attended the four shows given in akan this 50th anniversary week and welcomed on each occasion by their chairman RVs Firestone J and Now ladies and gentlemen Mr Firestone good afternoon men and women of farstone boys and girls it's a very great pleasure for me to welcome all of you here this afternoon a 50th anniversary is a very special celebration when we tried to decide what kind of a party would be good enough there was only one answer what's more fun than the circus in which to share together the birthday spirit I hope that you all have a grand time and now on with the greatest show on Earth here they come the people from never Neverland place of Enchantment Where live the tallest and the smallest and where dragons still survive dragons of Many Colors and pleasantly amiable Charming all and sunry with their good manners and pretty girls such pretty girls from the village of candy strip paying homage to their good King peppermint it's a gay Migra of fun and Frolic and comic page characters come to life the little King Mama and Papa cutson jummer and all the rest stepping out of the funnies to everyone's Delight tumbling Bears rolling over and over and seeming to get as much fun out of it as the crowd tearing performances high above their [Music] heads perfectly trained horse standing in salute to the assembled [Music] guests never anything like it was there little girl and the best things are yet to [Music] come like the pageant of loveliness with great shimmering floats drawn by the Royal elephants of her majesty the queen of Beauty and the clowns there never could have been such funny clowns anywhere jokesters in [Music] Pine and if a laugh was what you needed these fellas gave it to [Music] you their medicine was the kind that resulted in good loud long laughs as everybody at the show can attest and Now ladies and gentlemen one of the world's greatest Feats of Daring juso the man who tumbles backward from a height of 45 ft onto a chair keep your eye on the ladder high at top the center [Music] ring [Music] [Applause] [Music] and it's only the beginning look who's coming a happy reminder to Firestone folks of their golden [Music] anniversary and F in the air the breathtaking pulse tingling area acrobats let's watch [Music] [Applause] [Music] them [Music] [Applause] [Music] and now in the center ring the one and only Unice the most Sensational Act of this kind ever presented to the American [Music] public [Music] so much going on one can scarcely see it all three rings of Happy Time and dancing colors set to gay rhythms and Sury jungle chants pattern to a spectacle of colossal [Music] Grandeur and now the greatest High trapeze performer in the world ladies and Gent gentleman Benito Del Oro from [Music] Seville [Music] la [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Music] [Applause] [Music] pretty wonderful wasn't it little girl A Day to Remember an expression of appreciation to the men and women of Firestone was this testimonial of friendship offered to them by the company on the occasion of its 50th anniversary a memorable week was this 50th Anniversary a week filled with business discussions social Gatherings the circus Unforgettable [Music] memories but none so Unforgettable as the ceremony of dedication that climaxed the events of the week to which we have been recurring as the focal point of our story even as it was the crowning Triumph of a week that will always live with those who participated in it especially appropriate for this occasion is the familiar hymn oh God our help in ages past our hope for years to come Miss fieber and the fire stor Coral Club will sing it for us while my brothers join with me in the unveiling of Father's [Music] statue [Music] be [Music] be thou my God died while life shall last that was the spiritual philosophy of Harvey s Firestone no one knew better than his close friend the Reverend Dr Walter F tunks how closely and devotedly Mr Firestone adhered to the practice of his faith on the memorial we are dedicating today is this inscription he believed what the centuries said as against the years and against against the hours only as we continue to serve ideals that will stand the test of time can we keep our nation brave and strong and free as we honor the memory of our beloved friends let us Sher faith that we live in a moral Universe where the ultimate value is not matter but Spirit may God raise up men like Harvey s Firestone who possess the wisdom courage and Faith to lead our troubled world into the ways of righteousness and [Applause] peace thank you very much Dr let us all now join in singing our national anthem the star spangle [Music] [Applause] [Music] Banner [Music] give [Music] oh