Waltham Watch Company Executive Staff Dinner

From The American Horologist magazine, April 1945

Waltham Watch Company Executive Staff Dinner

When civilian production is resumed, Ira Guilden, president of the Waltham Watch Company, Waltham, Mass., speaking at an executive staff dinner at the Hotel Manger, Boston, February 26, predicted that Waltham watches will lead the field in quality, styling and attractiveness.

In announcing post-war plans for the famous Waltham watches, Mr. Guilden revealed that the N. W. Ayer & Son, nationally known advertising agency, has been engaged to handle the company's advertising campaign, and that he has been assured by agency officials that the contemplated campaign to pro mot e Waltham watches will be one of the most complete and extensive in the history of the watch industry.

Nearly 100 company executives including foremen, superintendents and other key men, guests at the dinner, enthusiastically endorsed Mr. Guilden's progressive plans for Waltham watches and through their warm ovation accorded his message indicated they will support his foresighted preparations for the greater advancement of both the employees and the company.

Despite the fact that February, 1945 had but 28 days, 1. E. Boucher, Vice President and Manager, announced at the dinner that Waltham's war production hit a new high and that during February more war material was produced than in any other month since the start of the war.

Officials attending the dinner were also reminded by Francis P. Curtin, Superintendent of Maintenance, in a brief address of the necessity of maintaining the excellent record of the company in donating vital blood to the Red Cross for members of the armed services and pointed out that more than 600 Waltham Watch employees are regularly donating blood to this worthy cause.

In addition to Mr. Guilden and Mr. Boucher, Waltham executives at the head table included Esmond Bushey, president of the Waltham Watch Foremen's Associaton, and Fred Graves. an employee associated with the company for 64 years. The Three Williams, Erwin, Kilbourn and O'Donnell furnished impromtu entertainment during the dinner by displaying their individual talents at the keyboard of the piano.