Studebaker

Jane Anderson speaks of her time as a secretary at Studebaker. She recalls the phase-out period of the company, being one of the few employees to remain until the very end, shifting through files, dealing with pensions, and so on. Anderson also discusses the roles of women employed at Studebaker during her own employment.

Jane Anderson, born on August 1, 1917, discusses her early employment before going to Studebaker for higher wages. She worked at Studebaker as a secretary for both the aviation and the automotive plants from the early 1940's until its final days in the 1970's. Anderson expresses her enjoyment of the job, her displeasure with the Packard merger, and her initial shock at learning that the company would close. She describes the relationship between Studebaker and the community. Anderson also discusses the work of sorting through records following the company's close as well as the pension problems.

Helen Baum, born on July 30, 1908, recalls all of her experiences with Studebaker in both Indiana and California, through transferring to stay with her husband during World War II, and through having been laid off and returning. She discusses her sexist boss as well as the decline of the Plant as it continually combined departments. Baum discusses the Mary Ann club, what it did, and stills does today. She mentions that her husband also worked at Studebaker for a time, and that most Studebaker employees drove a Studebaker.

Joe E. Borsodi, born on June 2, 1909, mentions that his father, an immigrant from Hungary, worked at Studebaker before him. He discusses the various positions that he held both before and after World War I, the layoffs that occurred both during the Great Depression and at the closing of the Plant, and the union and why it was important. Borsodi discusses being one of the "Dirty dozen", one of the last twelve employees to work at Studebaker. Mrs. Borsodi (the wife) also made a few comments throughout the interview including that her own mother worked at Studebaker at one point and how the community felt about the closing.

Harry Brodzinski, born on August 5, 1910, discusses the various positions he held through his years at Studebaker and how he move up in the company. He mentions that his father, a Polish immigrant, worked there for a time. Brodzinski discusses the changing economy over the years and how it effected Studebaker as well as the union and its many problems. He talks a great deal about the factors which brought about Studebaker's decline including management, the failing market, and labor relations.

Clara Brown, born on April 8, 1893, discusses her work experiences and the changes that occurred throughout her time as a secretary at Studebaker. She mentions that several members of her family also held jobs at Studebaker. She remembers relationships between colleagues, the amount of work she had, the salary she received, and her pension. Brown also recalls the differences that became apparent from decade to decade including World War I, the Great Depression, World War II, and the organization of the union. Brown discusses the decline of Studebaker, and the shock she felt at its closing.

Raymond Burnett Jr., born on January 23, 1928, remembers that his grandfather, father, and brother all worked at Studebaker. Burnett discusses the various jobs he did both as a laborer and as a salaried personell. He expresses the loyalty he felt for Studebaker and speaks about the factors which may have brought about Studebaker's decline and eventual closure.

Hugh (born on July 6, 1918) and Irene (born on March 17, 1916) Bush discuss their experiences as Studebaker workers. Irene recalls that her father worked for Studebaker. Both Hugh and Irene discuss getting jobs at Studebaker and the family orientation within the company. They describe their work as well as what the company had to offer its employees. The Bushes speak about the changes that occurred over the years at Studebaker and the factors which may have brought on the Plant's decline including the union and production and marketing problems.

Eugene Crynes, Born on April 4, 1915, speaks about moving to South Bend, Indiana in search of work in the 1930's. He talks about the odd jobs he held before getting a position at Studebaker. Crynes discusses the different positions he held at Studebaker, its family atmosphere, and the changes the company underwent during and after the World War II years. Crynes also discusses the closing of Studebaker and the various jobs he held afterwards.

Elmer Danch, born on December 12, 1913, recalls that his father, a Hungarian immigrant, and brothers worked at Studebaker. Danch discusses his employment at Studebaker as an editor of the newsletter, he discusses the image they wanted to portray, as well as the family orientation of the company. Danch talks about the changes that occurred at Studebaker over the years especially following World War II, the factors which may have brought about the Plant's decline, and the effects its closing had on the community. He also discusses the Avanti, the last car styled by Studebaker as well as the Studebaker Museum. Danch further talks about his work at Da-Lite Screen Co. following the closing of Studebaker.

Christine Drabecki, born on November 21, 1913, recalls that her parents were Polish immigrants and that she grew up in a very large family. Tight times forced her to go to work at an early age. She discusses the various jobs she held prior to Studebaker as well as the different positions she held within Studebaker due to a system called bumping. Drabecki talks about the union and the women who were involved , as well as the social atmosphere within the company. She also speaks a great deal about her personal life.

The women all began working for Studebaker in the 1940's, many of their spouses worked there as well. Each woman recalls the various jobs they did. Louse Dzierla discusses being the first woman to work on motors at the aviation plant. The women discuss the differences that occurred during and after World War II within the company and among the laborers. They talk about the layoffs that occurred at Studebaker before and after the war and at the Plant's closing, as well as 'call backs' to return to work. They discuss the union, its activities, and female involvement, and they discuss juggling a job and a home as a women. The women also speak of the closing of Studebaker and the effects it had on them and others.

Ed G. Dunbar, born on July 3, 1924, recalls that several of his family members had held jobs at Studebaker. He discusses coming to work at Studebaker after the decision to close had already occurred to help with the phase-out and the divestments. He discusses all the traveling his position called for and the many subsidiaries involved with Studebaker. Dunbar talks about working with the Dirty Dozen, the last employees at Studebaker. He discusses further divestments he worked in later, when the company merged to become Studebaker-Worthington. Dunbar also talks about the jobs he's held since leaving the company.

Byron A. Ewing (Jack), born on January 30, 1896, talks a little bit about his life, serving in the United States Army Navy, and the job that brought him to South Bend, Indiana. He discusses the various jobs that he held at Studebaker before and after a layoff until becoming a foreman. Ewing discusses the changes that occurred at Studebaker from decade to decade including the Great Depression, World War II, and the union. Ewing also discusses the mergers Studebaker was involved in towards its end as well as what may have contributed to the Plant's decline.

Lester Fox, born on August 8, 1928, talks about coming to South Bend, Indiana in search of a job, he describes different positions he held at Studebaker before and after serving in the United States Army. Fox discusses getting involved with the union, becoming increasingly interested in it, and moving up the ranks within the union. He further discusses the different struggles and roles the union was involved with including contracts with management, strikes, and the closing of Studebaker. Fox speaks a great deal about the closing and his involvement with the workers who had been laid off.

Martha Gadowski, born on June 18, 1893, recalls going to South Bend, Indiana in search of work and the various jobs she held prior to getting one at Studebaker. She describes the various jobs she did at Studebaker and mentions that many family members worked there as well. Gadowski discusses the union and its activities and the social atmosphere on the job . Gadowski speaks a great deal about her personal life throughout this time.

Robert "Bob" Hagenbush, born on September 9, 1923, states that many of his own family members as well as the families of much of his town worked at Studebaker. He talks about the different jobs he did at Studebaker, getting into the union and the bargaining committee. Hagenbush discusses the changes in the company following World War II as well as the issues the union faced including the movement from piecework to day work, right wing and left wing ideals. He discusses the strikes and the inevitable closing of Studebaker. His wife also makes a few comments throughout the interview.

Donald Handley, born on October 6, 1927; his wife; and Marion Zielinski, born on August 14, 1918, discuss the fact that many of their family members worked at Studebaker, a common practice. The two men describe various jobs at Studebaker, the overall attitudes of the workers, and common layoffs. They discuss the changes in labor that occurred following World War II and the relationship the community had with the company. They discuss the decline of Studebaker and the factors which may have contributed to it including lack of modernization and management problems. The men talk about the closing of Studebaker and its effects on the former workers such as pension problems. They also talk about the automobile industry today and how it compares to Studebaker back then.

Helen T. Hesler, born on October 16, 1913, discusses the different jobs she worked at Studebaker as well as the organization of the union, joining, and union activities especially strikes. She Talks about the role of women in the union, attitudes toward women, and juggling work and home. Hesler describes the changes that took place at Studebaker following World War II particularly within the labor. force. She also speaks of jobs following the closing of Studebaker. A friend of Hesler's also makes comments throughout the interview on the various topics, especially on the role of women.

Evelyn B. Kendziorski, born on October 20, 1921, talks about jobs she held before during and after Studebaker. She talks about her experience working at Studebaker and about family members and friends that also worked there. She discusses the social atmosphere among office workers and the MaryAnn Club for office women. Kendziorski discusses the closing of Studebaker, how she found out, working during the phase-out period, and the sadness she still feels that its gone.

Otto Klausmeyer, born in 1898, discusses the history of the Studebaker company from buggies to automobiles and the whole transition. He describes the different jobs that he did at Studebaker and the changes that occurred from decade to decade, from the 1920's until the close in the 1960's. Klausmeyer talks about the many struggles Studebaker went through as an automobile industry including receiverships, bankruptcy, union issues, bad management, and corruption. He also discussed the decline of the company, how he saw the end coming, and what contributed to the downfall.

Harry Kowalski, born on March 21, 1923, describes various jobs he did at Studebaker including his part in the union. He discusses union activities including strikes and grievances. He discusses problems within the company which may have brought about Studebaker's decline, particularly poor management and flaws in the product. Kowalski talks about the closing of Studebaker and the disbelief he, and many co-workers felt when it occurred, and about what he did following the closing.

James Kowalski, born on April 6, 1934, discusses coming into sales at Studebaker during its time of greatest decline. He discusses the factors which may have had a part in bringing about the decline including management problems, lack of modernization, union problems, sales problems. Kowalski talks about the jobs he held after leaving Studebaker based greatly on the experience he gained from working at the company. He also talks a little about the social atmosphere within Studebaker, its relationship with the community, and the effects of the closing that still linger in South Bend, Indiana.

Joe Kuminecz, born on February 1, 1909 in Austrio-Hungary, came to South Bend, Indiana at a very young age with his family. He states that most of his family worked at Studebaker, which was very common in the company, and described the work that he did. Kuminecz talks about the many social events the atmosphere offered to Studebaker employees. He discusses the beginning of the union, Local 5, and its growth as well as his involvement especially in dealing with insurance. Kuminecz speaks of the great quality of Studebaker automobiles.

Joe Kuminecz, born on February 1, 1909, recalls working alongside family members at Studebaker. He describes various jobs that were performed, the social atmosphere(s) in the different plants and at different levels in the workplace as well as out in the community, and the common layoffs. Kuminecz discusses the changes that occurred at Studebaker during and after World War II such as the change from piece-work to group work. he speaks of Studebaker's closing and what the workers faced afterwards. He also talks about the jobs he held after the closing and compares them to working at Studebaker.

Clifford MacMillan, born in 1908, talks about his different occupations prior to getting a job at Studebaker. He discusses the various problems the company faced, particularly in the years following World War II, such as union activities, strikes, and bad management as well as his involvement. MacMillan describes a number of the jobs that were performed at Studebaker, both skilled and unskilled. He speaks of the closing of Studebaker, what led up to it, and the effects it had on its former workers.

Stephen Megyesi, born on June 10, 1922; and Doris Megyesi, born on January 3, 1925, husband and wife, emphasized the family atmosphere at Studebaker due to the fact that many of their own family members were also employed there, and that labor relations in general were good. They discuss working in salaried positions as opposed to labor work. The Megyesi's discuss the closing of Studebaker, how upsetting it was and the effects it had on the town of South Bend, Indiana. They also talked about the growing interest in Studebaker automobiles and the Studebaker Drivers Club of which many former employees are members.

Joe Meszaros, born in 1908, discusses working at Studebaker from an early age. He describes the various jobs that he did and the working conditions before and after the union was organized. Meszaros talks about the changes that occurred within the company following World War II, especially in the labor force. He discusses the closing of Studebaker, factors that may have contributed to it, and working afterwards. Meszaros also talks about the great quality of Studebaker cars.

Irene Mucha, born on December 18, 1913, discusses working at Studebaker, that many family members also worked there, and the various jobs she did. Mucha discusses other women working in the plant, juggling home, job, and motherhood.

Frank Nemeth, born in Hungary on October 24, 1914, emigrated to Indiana with his family at a very young age. He discusses his life before, during, and after working at Studebaker along with family members. He describes each job he did at Studebaker especially dealing with design and layout. Nemeth talks about the various models of automobile put out by Studebaker. He discusses the Packard merger, which he referred to as a submerge, and how it may have facilitated Studebaker's decline. Finally Nemeth discusses the closing of Studebaker, events leading up to it, worker's thoughts about it, and working afterwards.

Odell Newburn, born on April 18, 1918, describes the different jobs he did at Studebaker, how he worked his way up to the positions of supervisor and steward, and the training he received for those positions which aided him in the long run. He talks about the family-like atmosphere of Studebaker with its many social activities as well as many family members actually working together. Newburn discusses the many problems Studebaker faced that led to the Plant's decline and subsequent closing such as poor management, mass production, the Packard merger, and labor issues. He discusses the closing of Studebaker and the negative effects it had on workers, union leaders, and the community, some of which still linger.

Joe Panzica, born in 1934, discusses working at Studebaker for a short time just before it closed down, both in labor and in the office. He discusses the problems that he witnessed throughout the company among the workers such as over-employment, theft, and corruption. Panzica talks about problems within management as well. He further speaks about his work after leaving Studebaker.

Casmer Paskiet, 1901-1985, started working at a young age, he describes the different jobs he did both in and outside of working at Studebaker. He talks about the many changes Studebaker underwent over the years including the conversion from manufacturing buggies to that of automobiles, the introduction of the union, and labor changes. He discusses union activities and his involvement with the union and through that, the corruption of the foremen that he witnessed. Paskiet talks about the closing of the Studebaker and the pension problems which occurred as a result.

John M. Piechowiak, born on December 26, 1913, describes his work experiences before, during and after being employed at Studebaker. He discusses labor problems, especially in the years following World War II when quality was sacrificed for quantity, and when labor attitudes changed. He discusses the union, his strong support of it, and his involvement as a chief steward; as well as union bargaining, contracts, and compromises. Piechowiak talks about the styling of later Studebaker cars and their good quality. He discusses what may have contributed to the Plant's decline including bad leadership and financial difficulties. He also talks about the closing of Studebaker, how his union involvement prevented him from getting a job in the area, and what was learned from the closing in such issues as pensions.

Harry Poulin, born on November 3, 1913, discusses getting a job at Studebaker, working his way up in the accounting department, and describes the work he was involved in. He talks about the social atmosphere within the office and outside among co-workers as well as the father-son employee base of the company. Poulin discusses the various mergers Studebaker underwent and the many changes the company went through over the years. He speaks about the closing of Studebaker and some of the reasons for it. He also talks about the phase-out period, when he became involved in Studebaker Corporation working subsidiaries.

Otis Romine, born on January 24, 1923, discusses working at Studebaker, the various jobs he did especially in engineering, and the classes that were available through the company. He describes the family-like environment of the workplace as well as the actual family employment at Studebaker. Romine discusses the changes that occurred throughout Studebaker following World War II in labor and in management. He discusses the decline of the Plant and its contributing factors such as finance problems and bad management. Romine also talks about all that he learned from his work at Studebaker and his work experiences following the close.

Frank Rosenbaum, born on July 12, 1917, talks about his life before, during and after being employed at Studebaker. He describes each job that he did at Studebaker, the bumping system of getting jobs, and how he moved up from hourly pay to salaried positions. He speaks a great deal about his involvement with the United States Army Air Corps and how that helped him with and complemented his work at Studebaker and in future employment. He also talks about his side job as a mechanic, which was a common practice for many workers. Rosenbaum discusses the labor problems that occurred following World War II, for which he blames the union's mega-strength and poor management. He attributes this to the decline and subsequent closing of the plant among other factors.

Mary Schoonaert, born on August 28, 1907, talks about growing up in an ethnic neighborhood as a child of Belgian immigrants. She discusses going to work at a young age and the jobs she held before going to Studebaker. She describes her many jobs at Studebaker and the interactions between workers especially in the sewing room. Schoonaert explains the bumping procedure for changing jobs and the roles of women within Studebaker and within the home. She discusses management problems and the subsequent closing of the Plant as well as its effects on the community.

Raymond D. Sharp, born on September 8, 1901, describes working at Studebaker, especially in the engineering department. He talks about working conditions and how workers were treated by foremen. Sharp discusses the organization of the union, situations that led to it, and how management reacted toward it. He also discusses World War II and the changes that occurred within the company both during and after. Sharp further discusses the closing of Studebaker, how workers reacted upon finding out, and jobs afterwards.

Raymond D. Sharp, Born on September 8, 1901, talks about the various jobs he has worked throughout his life. He talks about being a natural mechanic, probably from early work on a farm, which eventually led him to a job at Studebaker. He describes the different jobs he worked at Studebaker, especially in engineering, and the uncertainty of the work due to frequent layoffs. Sharp discusses the organizing of the union, its relations with management, and different issues it faced. He discusses the changes that took place at Studebaker after World War II, particularly with labor after cost- plus contracts with the government. He recalls how these had a great deal to do with the decline of the plant among other factors such as poor management, lack of quality in the product, and pressure on employees to drive only Studebaker vehicles. He also compares Studebaker automobiles to various other cars of the time.

Frank Sitarz, born on August 15, 1915, discusses his experiences as a Studebaker employee. He talks about the family employment that was so prevalent and about the working conditions before and after the union organized and before, during, and after World War II. He discusses the social organizations that were available through Studebaker prior to the war and speaks about the various other changes that also occurred following World War II. Sitarz speaks about the closing day at Studebaker and the reactions of the workers as well as the disbelief they all felt. He discusses problems that may have led to the closing lack of modernization, poor dealer organization, and the Packard merger.

Alyce Speeks, born on July 9, 1911, describes the different jobs she worked at Studebaker. She talks about the women that also worked at Studebaker and their role of juggling work and home. Speeks discusses the bumping system used throughout the company to secure jobs according to seniority. She speaks of leaving Studebaker suspecting it would soon close, its actual closing, and pension problems many workers then faced.

Vera Stroup, born on March 31, 1914, speaks about her experiences working at Studebaker. She talks about family members who also worked at the plant, the friendly atmosphere, and the activities that were available through Studebaker. She describes the different jobs she worked at Studebaker and the changes that took place in the conditions once the union became organized and during World War II. Stroup talks about other women who worked there and juggling work and home. She discusses the closing of Studebaker and the disbelief that many felt.

Carl Thompson, born on May 17, 1909, describes the positions he held at Studebaker, the social atmosphere in the company and the activities that were offered. He talks about the changes that occurred in the company through the years especially during the receivership, and during and after World War II. Thompson discusses the factors that contributed to Studebaker's decline and eventual closing including its New York lawyers, management, and the union. He talks about continuing to work for Studebaker following the closing. He also talks about the Studebaker Drivers Club and Studebaker Museum.

MaryAnne VanDaele, born on September 7, 1916, states that many of her family members worked at Studebaker. She describes the many jobs she held at Studebaker due to the bumping system. VanDaele discusses the role of women in the company and the juggling of work and household duties. She also talks about the social aspects of working at Studebaker. VanDaele speaks of the closing of the Plant, what happened, and the effects it had on the workers.

Ray Walters, born on November 16, 1910, discusses being a third generation worker at Studebaker. He describes working in the engineering department and the experimental engineering that was done during World War II. Walters discusses working with friends and the social atmosphere in the company. He talks about the closing of Studebaker and finding another job afterward. Ray's wife Tillie Walters, born on April 17, 1912, also comments on these subjects throughout the interview. The talk about the Avanti automobile as well.

Margery Warren, born on August 17, 1915, discusses working at Studebaker in secretarial and legal work, and the different men she worked for. She discusses the changes over the years, the Packard merger and how that made a negative impact on the company. Warren speaks of the closing of Studebaker, events leading up to it, its effects on the workers and the community, and the great deal of work that followed during the phase-out period. She also talks about the great quality of Studebaker automobiles.

Dale Wiand, born on January 31, 1915, discusses his life up to, including and after working at Studebaker. He talks about getting a job at Studebaker during the Great Depression and describes the job he did. Wiand discusses World War II and the changes that occurred in the company during the following decades including labor attitudes, job standards, wages, and union activities. He also speaks about the closing of Studebaker, problems leading up to it- mostly pertaining to money- and the struggles that followed such as pension problems, and finding work.

Charles "Chuck" Wolfram, born in 1926, discusses his experiences at Studebaker as he worked his way up from hourly pay to salary and then up in management. He talks about the training that was provided for workers and how that aided him. He discusses issues that came up between the union and management from both angles including time-studies, strikes and agreements. Wolfram discusses many misconceptions about what caused Studebaker to close down, especially to do with union/ management problems, stating that the major problem was instead in sales. He speaks about the actual closing of the plant and what a shock it was as well as the hardships many faced afterwards.

Theodore Zenzinger, born on May 17, 1908, discusses his experiences with Studebaker. He describes the different jobs he had at Studebaker, especially in the business aspect such as mergers, production, and dealerships. He discusses the father-son employment of labor and how that was used for publicity. He discusses World War II and the changes that occurred within the company during and after that time that led to some problems like over-employment. Zenzinger discusses foreseeing the close of the plant due to a number of problems including poor dealer organization, poor management, poor auto-body design, and the New York lawyers. He talks about working after the closing of the Studebaker in South Bend, Indiana and about the production and closing of the plant in Canada.