This blog is maintained for the sole purpose of allowing the people of Peru and those interested in the cities of the Illinois Valley to express their views.
“It doesn’t take a majority to win, just a tireless minority that will keep starting brush fires in the mind and hearts of their fellow men.” Samuel Adams
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Westclox the Place to Work in Early Peru
3 comments:
Art Giese
said...
Lois, do you have any idea the date of this photograph and what was happening when it was taken? Westclox, was such a great part of the history of Peru, as are many of the other manufacturing plants of our area. I would enjoy it if former employees would correspond with their job experiences and family members would share some of their hand me down tales that they treasure.
I venture to say that most families in our area have had at least 1 member of their family employed at Westclox. I know that in my own family that both my Mother and Father worked there plus several Aunts and cousins and myself. This picture is sure out of a different time. The honor given to Old Glory flying from each side of the main entrance, the street car tracks lain in the brick road, and everyone assembling in front of the work place.
The work place was a family environment with its activities-the Tick Tock, bowling league, Christmas Party, train and bus excursions. Remember when Thibert Bus Lines would line up on Rte 6 4X's a day in front of the factory.
I will never forget when Westclox shut down for 2 weeks for summer vacation. It seemed as if everyone left the area. LaSalle-Peru almost became a ghost town.
I think it would be great to hear and see more about our local work places past and present. This could be a good community endeavor that would remind residence of our local history. As local tourism becomes a growing industry for the IL Valley, people from all over the country who pay attention to the blog and learn of our pride in our work ethic.
I worked at Westclox in the late 60's and early 70's. Things had already started to go downhill with Tally running the place but it was a good place to work. Is the Art Giese who posted above the same one that had the tavern?
Harry, The initial owner of the tavern was Art Giese whom I am proud to say was my Father. He started the ART GIESE'S TAVERN IN 1936 and owned it for over fifty years. After my Fathers death my Mother conducted the business for a number of years and I, Artie Giese followed her in ownership. My son, Kris Giese has since taken all responsibility of ownership and is successfully managing the business. Now Harry if all this hasn't confused you as much as it has me please comment back with a explanation even I'll understand. Harry, I appreciate hearing from you. Could you please inform us of your last name and what you have been doing with yourself the last forty to fifty years. Wishing you a Joyous Christmas Season and a Happy New Year.
3 comments:
Lois, do you have any idea the date of this photograph and what was happening when it was taken? Westclox, was such a great part of the history of Peru, as are many of the other manufacturing plants of our area. I would enjoy it if former employees would correspond with their job experiences and family members would share some of their hand me down tales that they treasure.
I venture to say that most families in our area have had at least 1 member of their family employed at Westclox. I know that in my own family that both my Mother and Father worked there plus several Aunts and cousins and myself. This picture is sure out of a different time. The honor given to Old Glory flying from each side of the main entrance, the street car tracks lain in the brick road, and everyone assembling in front of the work place.
The work place was a family environment with its activities-the Tick Tock, bowling league, Christmas Party, train and bus excursions. Remember when Thibert Bus Lines would line up on Rte 6 4X's a day in front of the factory.
I will never forget when Westclox shut down for 2 weeks for summer vacation. It seemed as if everyone left the area. LaSalle-Peru almost became a ghost town.
I think it would be great to hear and see more about our local work places past and present. This could be a good community endeavor that would remind residence of our local history.
As local tourism becomes a growing industry for the IL Valley, people from all over the country who pay attention to the blog and learn of our pride in our work ethic.
I worked at Westclox in the late 60's and early 70's.
Things had already started to go downhill with Tally running the place but it was a good place to work.
Is the Art Giese who posted above the same one that had the tavern?
Harry
Harry, The initial owner of the tavern was Art Giese whom I am proud to say was my Father. He started the ART GIESE'S TAVERN IN 1936 and owned it for over fifty years. After my Fathers death my Mother conducted the business for a number of years and I, Artie Giese followed her in ownership. My son, Kris Giese has since taken all responsibility of ownership and is successfully managing the business.
Now Harry if all this hasn't confused you as much as it has me please comment back with a explanation even I'll understand.
Harry, I appreciate hearing from you. Could you please inform us of your last name and what you have been doing with yourself the last forty to fifty years. Wishing you a Joyous Christmas Season and a Happy New Year.
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