(from the Tool & Die Institute’s Golden Anniversary Commemorative Booklet published in 1975)
1946–1955
“…267 strong and progressing steadily”
The outlook for the Tooling Industry in Chicago was good at the beginning of 1946. The war was over, Truman removed price ceilings on heavy machine tools, dies, jigs, fixtures, molds … and wage controls were ended. The complexion of the trade was healthy as T&DI enthusiastically stepped into its third era.
Programs that developed during the late forties included the “Technical Luncheon,” a forerunner to our present day “Technical Travelogue,” and an extensive local area industry advertising campaign. The campaign attempted to influence captive houses to “farm out” work to contract plants. During this same period, T&DI President Bob White (1946) activated the “Flying Squad.” This group, comprised of Board members, promoted attendance for meetings, social affairs and stimulated interest in various T&DI projects. Many times these men came to the rescue when the occasion demanded, to give the Institute a lift. Each of these programs gathered momentum and were useful in the growth of the Association.
By 1948, the Institute was 267 strong and progressing steadily. T&DI’s night school design course was reinstated after being discontinued during the war. So great was the interest in the revival of this course that by the end of the year more classes had to be added.
Another area of important to the Institute was legislative affairs. This was seen in the statement communicated to Congress by T&DI and NRDMA. It concerned itself with the “Needs of Contract Tool & Die Manufacturers in Labor Legislation.”
Although Americans quickly adapted to the pleasures of peacetime, their enjoyment was short-lived. The “Cold War” between Russia and America brought new fear into the world, … then on June 25, 1950, North Korea crossed the 38th Parallel and invaded South Korea. With this invasion U.S. ground forces went into battle and America was again at war!
The same problems that plagued our industry during WWII became issues once more in the Korean War. New and old war restrictions were imposed and Federal controls on industry were again reimplemented. The drafting of skilled craftsmen also became an important situation. Although the government listed the tooling industry as an essential activity and tool & die makers and mold makers as critical occupations for war production, the draft still posed obstacles for T& DI members.
It was during the Korean War that the Institute implemented a group insurance program for its members. The service was destined to be a major addition to T&DI. The Benefit Association of Railroad Employees (B.A.R.E.) was the original carrier/underwriter and has remained with the Institute since that time. Now renamed the Benefit Trust Life Insurance Co., BTLI’s aid and expertise was greatly utilized in the organization of the insurance trust and in June of 1952, the first trust meeting was held. Twenty-six companies, representing 316 employees, enrolled in the insurance program at its onset. Twenty-three years later more than 600 companies, representing over 10,000 employees actively participate in this service. Over the years the Group Insurance program has proven to be one of the most significant contributions to membership procurement.
On July 27, 1953, the Korean Armistice was signed, and American troops were on their way home. The Post Korean War years were healthy years for our economy. In 1954 the stock exchange prices were the highest since 1929 with a volume of over 573 million. Three out of five households had TV sets even though the market was only seven years old. Not only was the economy doing well but other areas of American life showed signs of progress. April 12, 1955, Jonas E. Salk developed the Anti-Polio vaccine and perhaps the biggest merger of the decade took place when the AFL and the CIO became one functioning body.
The tooling industry began to breathe more freely once the controls were again eliminated, and this was reflected in the Association’s planning. Our membership was growing, and preparation was taken to purchase land to house our own office building.
1955 T&DI Annual Dinner
Even though this decade, like the previous decade, was marked with the indelible stamp of War, it was a prosperous and active period in our history. Americans experienced the first color television broadcast, the election of General Eisenhower as President, the “Cold War” and the Truman Doctrine. Gary Cooper starred in “High Noon” and popular songs of the day were “Younger Than Springtime,” “Bali Hai,” and “Mr. Sandman.” It was a full ten years packed with war, happiness, sorrow and peace.
The Story of TMA 1925-1975 – Part 1