The Union County journal. [volume] (Marysville, Ohio) 1875-1951, 1949-01-13

When thoroughly mixed, these
ingredients are melted at approx
imately 220O degrees F. furnace
temperature into a molten mass
which is about the consistency of
heavy cream. 1t is then discharged
into a body of water where the
particles of pure porcelain or
frit are formed. The frit is then
dried and ground in mills to an
average finenesS Of about sixty
mesh, after which it is ready for
use.
The primed casting is placed in
one of the many ovens and heated
to just short of the melting point
of the iron fuse on the first coat.
While the casting is still red hot,
the enamel powder is sifted on by
experts who are trained to obtain
an even application, and a sec
ond fusing is made in the great
ovens of the plant.
After final inspection and ap-
proval, ware is Grated for ship
ment by rail or truck. Loading
platforms at the Eljer plants are
placed at strategic spots and at
Salem the siding for the railroad
runs through the shipping build
ing.
The Men Behind Eljer's Success
With this brief picture of ad-
vanced science in the manufac-
ture of plumbing fixtures, the
story cannot be concluded with
out some mention of the men who
have made this progress in Eljer
possible.
The management of Eljer is one
of those rare combinations which
stand for achievement. 1t is
youthful, alert and interspersed
with enough veterans to effect
the perfect balance needed in
successful industry.
From reprint of an article in
The Plumbing Trade Journal, Of
January l, 1927, we quote the re-
porter, in speaking of interesting
on the men who direct
the business affairs of Eljer.
''Mr. Crane is native Califor-
nian, He began his business ca
reer as office boy with George
H. Tay Co., wholesalers in San
Francisco; was manufacturers
agent for the Pacific Coast and
Orient. After a brief experience
as a manufacturer in Oakland,
across the bay from San Francis
co, he and his cousin, o. ]. Back
us, went East and started the
of a flush valve at
Newark, N. j., and in 1907 or
ganized the Eljer Co. pottery at
Cameron, West Virginia.
"He is the proud father of
three fine boys. These boys keep
him so busy he hasn't had time
to acquire any other habits than
a keen interest in the Eljer or
ganization."
Now, twenty years later, these
three boys are associated with
their father in the management
Of Eljer. Raymond Cranes abili-
ty to judge competence and ap-
preciate loyalty is why so many
of his executives and employees
have been with Eljer for well ov-
er twenty years and, in some
cases, for over thirty-five years.
Executives of Eljer, besides
President Crane are: Radford R.
Crane, vice-president; David j.
Crane, vice-president in charge
of sales; Robert F. Crane, vice
president and general manager
of Eljer's Ford City factory;
Louis Probst, vice-president and
general manager of Salem and
Los Angeles factories; Robert ].
treasurer; David E.
vice-president in charge
of design research; Arnold E.
Thiesfeldt, manager, advertising
and sales promotion; Loren H.
assistant sales manager
and Douglas M. Reynolds, export
The various plant sup
erintendents and department
heads are, with few exceptions,
men who have grown up with the
from subordinate posi-
tionS.
Eljer has direct representation
to the trade by competent sales
personnel who do their share in
expanding the growth and popu-
larity enjoyed by the company
today. In the words of Raymond
Crane, the company comprises
IAN unusual team"