Whitall Tatum, Millville, New Jersey

High Tribute Paid George S. Bacon

At Testimonial Dinner In Millville

Leaders in the industrial, financial and political life of South Jersey joined with representatives of the glass bottle industry, friends and neighbors in an impressive tribute to George S. Bacon, vice president and general manager of the Whitall-Tatum Co., the evening of April 21. The occasion was a testimonial dinner, sponsored by the Millville, N. J., Board of Trade, in celebration of Mr. Bacon's half century of service with the Whitall-Tatum Co. The affair, attended by more than 200 loyal friends and admirers of the honor guest, was held in Trinity Social Hall at Millville.

It was held on March 21 last, our readers will recall, that Mr. Bacon observed the 50th anniversary of his connection with the glass industry and period of uninterrupted service with Whitall-Tatum. He also has completed his 33rd year as general manager of the company's activities, a record for continuous service in this important capacity.

Speakers at the testimonial dinner included former Governor Edward C. Stokes, of New Jersey; James Maloney, president of the Glass Bottle Blowers Association; former County Clerk Leonidas H. Hogate, of Millville; Fred C. Tatum, president, and Howard V. Brumley, secretary of the Whitall-Tatum Co., and Harry Jenkins, secretary of the G. B. B. A. Clarence Wolf, president of the Millville Board of Trade, acted as toastmaster.

During the evening Mr. Bacon was presented with a handsome grandfather's electric clock, a token of esteem from his fellow townsmen. Engraved upon a silver plate on the inside of the door were the words: "Presented to George S. Bacon by the citizens of Millville, April 21, 1931." The presentation was made by Mr. Hogate.

Visibly moved by the splendid demonstration of fellowship and laudation of the speakers, Mr. Bacon, in a brief response, expressed deep appreciation of the honor accorded him and declared that he is "now prouder than ever to be a citizen of Millville." Pointing to the growth and development of Whitall-Tatum throughout the years, Mr. Bacon said: "We advertise that we make goods of quality and dependability. We feel we have workmen of ability and dependability. It has always been our aim to have intelligent workmen. We have tried to meet competition fairly and successfully and to do so have been obliged to keep abreast of the times."

The brief response of the honored guest followed the glowing tribute paid him by former Governor Stokes, who was the principal speaker of the evening. In his opening remarks the former governor referred to Mr. Bacon as "still a youth," saying that "as long as a man is doing things he is a youth. Deduct the days, the weeks and years which our guest tonight has devoted to his city and his employes [sic] employees and he is still a youth."

The speaker called attention to the progressive spirit which has actuated Mr. Bacon in all his business and civic activities, adding that it was an incentive for others "to go and do likewise."

"Our guest was born in this country, over at Greenwich, and, in the fifty years which have sped by, he has climbed the ladder of success, round by round, until tonight he receives his highest tribute - and good-will and best wishes of his fellow citizens," Mr. Stokes continued.

"When he began, his prophetic eye could not have foreseen the evolution of the glass industry, but he has passed through and experienced this evolution from man production to machine production. He has become a success because of his loyalty and faithfulness. I draw this picture for every boy, so that he might know that success can be obtained by loyalty, faithfulness and hard work.

"I have listened tonight to a representative from the glass bottle employes [sic] employees, who spoke of Mr. Bacon as a man with a heart and I say that no man should be elevated to any position or office, who does not have his fellow citizens at heart."

Mr. Stokes briefly eulogized the memory of the late Mrs. Rebecca Mulford Bacon, wife of the guest of honor, and paid tribute to the memory of her many commendable acts of service in conjunction with those of Mr. Bacon.

In concluding his remarks, Governor Stokes said: "No words can really portray or add to the record of Mr. Bacon, his life speaks alone."

High tribute to Mr. Bacon's fairness and impartiality as employer was voiced by Mr. Maloney, president of the Glass Bottle Blowers Association.

"Whitall Tatum Company has always had a reputation for a high grade of merchandise," Mr. Maloney said. "The company produces the best. The best government is the one that produces the best men, and after all the stability and permanence of our nation depends upon the people who compose it. But all those qualities that go to make up men, all of them go for naught unless the man has a heart, and I can truthfully say that Mr. Bacon is a man with a big heart.

"Those who know him, know that he turns no sharp corners. He fought for what he thought was right and permitted us the same privilege, but he has always kept his word and every letter of his contract."

Mr. Tatum, president of the Whitall Tatum Co., and Howard V. Brumley, secretary, spoke briefly in appreciation of Mr. Bacon's long period of service with the company. A short talk was also made by Harry Jenkins, secretary of the G. B. B. A., who commended the community for its fitting tribute to an outstanding citizen.

Telegrams and letters expressing regret at their inability to be present were read from William P. Clarke, president of the American Flint Glass Worker's Union; Walter Wood, owner of Wood utilities at Millville; Richard Wood, of the Millville Manufacturing Co., and from scores of others. Five letters of tribute from pastors and congregations of Millville churches were also read by Toastmaster Wolf.

The speaking program was interspersed with a number of musical selections rendered by the Kiwanis Quartet and Holmes trio of Millville.

The guests of the evening included members of Mr. Bacon's immediate family and representatives of the City Commission, the representatives of national organizations affiliated with the glass industry, and close friends of the honor guest.