THE PANAMA CANAL REVIEW October 7,1955

^-/^3o; Gift ofthe Panama Canal Museum .US.

Vol. 6, No. 3 BALBOA HEIGHTS, CANAL ZONE, OCTOBER 7, 1955 5 cents

COMPANY BUDGETS EXPENDITURE OF $7,170,000 FOR REPLACEMENT OF LOCKS TOWING LOCOMOTIVES

Canal Zone's Front Door Specifications Call For Speedier "Mules"

With Greater Pull

The biggest single replacement order for Canal equipment—cost-wise— in the history of the waterway is scheduled for this fiscal year when the Panama Panama Canal Company will award a contract for the replacement of its locks towing locomotives. An expenditure of $7,170,000 was authorized in the Company's 1956 budget for the replacement program which will include, at a later date, three towing locomotives modified for seven-ton crane use on the Canal Locks. Proposals will be invited for manufac- ture and delivery of locomotives of Pan- ama Canal Company design and also locomotives designed by the manufac- turer. A total of 57 locomotives will be required of the design to be furnished by the Company. Other towing methods CRISTOBAL TODAY bears little resemblance to Cristobal of 1907 and absolutely none to the old French village of the 1880's. Here, looking across the railroad tracks is the Cristobal fire station, will also be considered. on the right, with part of Steamship Row in the background. Cristobal's story begins on page 8. Test Models The specifications which are scheduled to be ready about October 15 will call for test models to be furnished and tested "Good School System" Is Opinion Of at the contractor's expense prior to the fulfillment of the entire order. Proposals will be received next February. Evaluators Who Visited Canal Zone The design to be furnished by the Com- pany will call for locomotives to operate on direct current with a "pull" of approx- (Following is the first in a series of four fields in the continental United States, articles Balboa and imately 35,000 pounds, as compared with reviewing reports on these reports have been forwarded as a Cristobal High Schools and the Canal Zone the 25,000-pound pulling capacity of ex- guide for use in further improving the Junior College as prepared by Visiting Com- isting equipment. It is also planned to mittees representing the Middle States school system. The findings provide a increase the idle running speed from five Association of Colleges and Secondary highly professional and objective list of to eight miles an hour. Schools who were here in February and both commendations and recommenda- March 1954 for the purpose of evaluating The increased towing capacity will tions. the three schools for accreditation.) permit the use of fewer locomotives per school Placed against a severe yardstick of "A good system, intelligently ship in many instances. The increased administered for the welfare of excellence, the Canal Zone schools have boys and idle running speed will result in savings girls" is the way the Zone's educational measured up to size. in lockage time at Gatun and Miraflores plant is described in the overall special Locks where the return of locomotives The degree to which a education sound report written by Dr. Ira K. Kraybill, from one towing job to the next is a fac- program is being conducted in the Zone is Executive Secretary of the Commission tor. The return speed of the locomotives enunciated in a special written report and on Secondary Education who was as- is not a significant factor in lockage time in graphic summaries received by the signed by the Middle States Association at Pedro Miguel. Schools Division from the Philadelphia to serve as Chairman of the Visiting Com- With the improved design, the ship- Pa., Office of the Chairman of the Com- mittee to study and evaluate the Balboa handling capacity of 57 locomotives will mission on Secondary Schools of the and Cristobal high schools. equal that of the 67 now in service. Middle States Association. The detailed In his paper, furnished as being of If the contract is awarded on the basis reports are the tangible outcomes of an "some value in presenting overall impres- of the design calling for direct-current extensive evaluation and inspection pro- sions of the two schools by someone who equipment, rectifiers will be installed at cedure which had been in progress over has no local connections," Dr. Kraybill the three locks to supply direct cut rent the past two years. praises the "fine caliber of the personnel to the towing tracks. Offering convincing evidence that it of the school system in the Canal Zone. The provision in the specifications for is no myth that the Canal Zone school From the Superintendent down to the testing the ship-handling equipment will plant, teachers, methods, and pupils, com- newest teacher excellent background, apply to locomotives of the Company's pare most favorably with the best in their good professional skill See page is) design, as well as to those (See page IS) THE PANAMA CANAL REVIEW October 7,1955

Second Inoculations Complete Fire Prevention Week Last Of "Mass" Polio Program To Begin Next Monday

The message of fire prevention will be brought home to Canal Zone residents during the coming week as the Canal Zone Fire Division joins forces with other fire- fighting organizations on the Isthmus in observance of Fire Prevention Week. This year's observance has been planned to emphasize the importance of prevent- ing fires by people of all ages. Particular emphasis will be given to the program in the schools. The entire week of October 9-15 has been designated as Fire Prevention Week as a national observance by a proclama- tion issued by President Eisenhower. Overall plans for the observance on the Isthmus have been made by a special committee composed of representatives from the fire fighting organizations of the Canal, Army, Navy, Air Force, and Re- public of Panama. The Canal's representatives were Capt. W. H. Casswell, Chief of the Cristobal District; Capt. W. E. Jones, Chief of Balboa District; and Lt. P. F. Graham of Balboa Central Station. Parades On Monday

like this were last month all over the Canal Zone when of children SCENES enacted hundreds were The week's observance will start Mon- given Salk polio vaccine inoculations. Miss Jeriline Patrick and Mrs. Catherine C. Reid gave the day with parades on both the Atlantic vaccinations; Frances Brandl, far left, and Forest Wise, far right, handed out the lollipops, and Lt. Gov. H. W. Schull, Jr., and Col. Charles 0. Bruce, Health Director, watched. This picture was and Pacific sides. The Atlantic side par- taken at Paraiso. ade is scheduled to start at 1:20 o'clock in the afternoon from the Fort Sherman The last of the "mass" poliomyelitis Of the 15,761 children between six Ferry-slip, while the Pacific side fire inoculations planned by the Health months and 15 years of age eligible, 6,956 fighters and their equipment will start at Bureau in the Canal Zone was completed had received two inoculations, and 1,664 9 o'clock from Plaza Porras in Panama last week when second vaccinations were others received first injections last week. City. The line of the parades, to be an- given to 3,046 children between six These figures include both military and nounced in the daily newspapers, will months and 15 years of age, inclusive. civilian. cover most of the principal residential The Salk vaccine program will be The inoculating teams visited the areas. continued but the inoculations will be Latin American schools on Thursday A series of school lectures coupled with administered individually at the medical morning and children were excused from demonstrations of fire fighting and first clinics or first aid stations. The program classes individually. All classes in the aid equipment has been planned for the will continue on a voluntary basis with United States schools were dismissed Canal Zone schools. Several public dem- the same eligibility rules. The inocula- Friday afternoon to expedite the program. onstrations of equipment also are planned. tions are now being given free of charge Three centralized vaccinating stations The latter will be mostly in industrial since Federal funds became available for were established—at Balboa Gymnasium areas for the benefit of employees, but this purpose. Gamboa Medical Clinic, and North Mar- the general public is invited to attend. Second Injections Given garita School Gymnasium for civilian All Canal Zone fire stations will be on dependents. The dependents of military an open-house basis throughout Fire Pre- Most of those inoculated in last week's personnel were inoculated at the various vention Week and residents are invited program were given second injections. Army, Navy, and Air Force dispensaries. to visit the stations in (See page W) They were in the new age groups not eligible under the program at the beginning. It was announced early in Sep- tember that the age groups would be expanded to include those between three Your COMMUNITY CHEST and 12 years of age, and a short time later a further expansion was made to include those from six months to 15 Aids years, inclusive, and pregnant women. Balboa Armed Services-USO Girl Scouts of America More than half of the eligible children have now been inoculated. Figures re- Boy Scouts of America International Boy Scouts vaccine program after leased on the Salk Congress of Local Rate Councils International Girl Scouts the vaccinations last week showed a response of more than 50 percent Corozal Hospital Jewish Welfare Board-USO Cristobal Armed Services-USO Salvation Army Service Centers Selling Cristobal-Margarita Civic Council Summer Recreation Programs "Special Delivery" Stamps This Year's GOAL is United States special-delivery stamps J* are now available to customers of the Canal Zone Service Centers. $35,000 The Service Center Division has just installed stamp-vending machines at the m Balboa and Cristobal Service Centers Give Generously where those who want their mail deliv- Or ered right now can buy the 20-cent Cash or Payroll Deduction special-delivery stamps. As is true of all stamp-vending ma- October 23 - November 14 chines everywhere, there is a surcharge for the special-delivery stamps. October 7,1955 THE PANAMA CANAL REVIEW Company Purchases In Panama Set Record Of $2,778,865 During Past Fiscal Year

Direct purchases of food, supplies, equipment, and services by the Panama END OF A JOB Canal Company from sources in the Republic of Panama set a new high record of $2,778,865 during the past fiscal year. The total exceeded the previous fiscal year figures by more than $225,000. L During the past five years purchases in Panama by the Canal organization have .^^HH amounted to over $1 1,400,000, or a yearly average of more than $2,225,000. These purchases were exclusive of any made by other U. S. Government agencies in the Canal Zone, contractors, or individuals. .--**,( Totals for the past five fiscal yeais are:

1951_. -,.-.. $1,525,000 *, M 1952 2.062,000 '-- .. ; ' . --^ . : . 1953 2,585,000 f 1954 :l 2,451,000 1955 2,779,000

Total $11,402,000

The increase during the past fiscal year

* over purchases in previous years was fF*W due largely to heavy purchases of forest products, Panama-produced sugar, and the additional of several new food or agricultural products, such as fresh eggs. The amount of meat products bought '•. in the Republic last year was below the dollar value of those in the two previous years as a result of the continued decline in the Canal force. This decrease, however, was more than offset by heavier buying of other products and the purchase of products hitherto unavailable at com- petitive prices. The following table gives the compar- ative statistics on purchases in the various categories by the Canal organization during the past two fiscal years:

19S4 195S Meat products $705,000 $631,400 Fruits and vegetables 120,000 120,000 Other agricultural products- 90,000 185.000

Other food products 31 , 000 50, 000 Beverages 141,000 154,000 Sugar 488,000 569,000 Forest products 50,000 166,000 Industrial products and mis- cellaneous purchases 826,000 879.000

Total $2,451,000 $2,779,000

A notable increase was shown last year in the purchase of native lumber and forest products. Total purchases were more than triple the value of such products bought in either the fiscal year 1953 or 1954. All plywood now being purchased for THE CONTRACTORS HILL PROJECT became a part of the Panama Canal history early last month when Governor Seybold accepted the job as completed from Tecon Corporation officials. use by Panama Canal units is being At the project site the Governor expressed appreciation to the Texas Company for "its superior obtained in Panama. In addition, con- performance in this critical undertaking." In the upper picture some idea of the size of the big tracts for a considerable supply of native stairsteps cut into the side of the hill facing the Canal is gained by the truck standing on one of the lumber were awarded to five principal big berms. The last truckload of rock is being loaded as the group of Canal and Tecon officials watch. In the picture below, Governor suppliers last year. The types of lumber Seybold is chatting with A. Ray Smith, center, President of Tecon Corporation, over aspects of the project. Facing the camera is Col. Hugh M. Arnold, Engineering include chiefly mahogany, cedro amargo, and Construction Director, who supervised the work from beginning to end. At the right are R. L. cativo, maria, and a variety of cedars. Hallbeck, Tecon's Vice President, and Mr. Smith's son, Joel, who made the trip to the Isthmus with Much of the hardwood timber will be his father to attend the ceremony held on the site on September 13. used during the coming Atlantic Locks overhaul in the replacement of lock wall offer fresh eggs at prices nearly competi- beer, $18,000; soft drinks, $16,000; auto- fenders. Hardwood lumber from Pana- tive with other sources. mobile batteries, $7,000; and automobile ma's forests is also extensively used in The amount of purchases during the tires and tubes, $10,000. general maintenance of Canal buildings. last quarter of the fiscal year 1955 totaled The amount of fruit and vegetables Among the food products shown in the $725,000. The principal items and their bought during the last three months of past fiscal year's purchase list were 47,500 value in round figures were: Panama beef the past fiscal year totaled over $36,000. dozen fresh eggs bought at a total pur- cattle, $125,000; sugar, 2,400,000 pounds, Among the individual items with a value chase price of $33,900. This was the $154,000; native lumber and plywood, of $5,000 or more were bananas, cab- first time that fresh eggs have been pro- $78,000; cement, $31,000; office machines bages, and tomatoes. Those with a total cured in substantial quantities from and supplies, $50,000; magazines, peri- value of $1,000 or more included papayas, poultry farms on the Isthmus, since the odicals, printing, and textbooks, $76,000; alligator pears, watermelon, cucumbers, industry has been unable previously to film rentals, $27,000; green coffee; $10,000 green peppers, and yams. THE PANAMA CANAL REVIEW October 7, 1955

Bids To Be Asked Soon STATUTORY VALUATION OF INVENTORY,

On Facilities Required APPRAISAL PROGRAM BEING ACCELERATED

and divisions whose services will be used For Conversion Project in special areas where they are qualified.

Among these is John D. Hollen, Executive Plans and specifications for two addi- Planning Staff Chief, who will advise in of the Power Conversion tional contracts areas requiring management decisions. be ready for distribution to Project will Paul Fahey, who came to the Isthmus prospective bidders within the next few- as a consultant on the program in Feb- weeks, while design work on three other ruary and March 1953, returned for two phases of the project is being started. weeks in September in the same capacity. Bids for the latter three are scheduled to Mr. Fahey was here on a loan basis from next year. be advertised early the Tennessee Valley Authority where he Meanwhile, a pre-bidding conference is Chief of the Division of Materials. His was scheduled at Balboa Heights Wed- headquarters are in Chattanooga. nesday of this week, for prospective The appraisal of assets transferred from bidders and others interested in the the former Canal agency to the Panama equipment conversion on the Atlantic Canal Company was authorized by the side. This will be one of the major con- Board of Directors at its first meeting this fiscal and tracts to be awarded year after the reorganization. It is intended bids are to be opened November 15. to make a complete physical inventory The conference on the Atlantic Area and appraisal of property, plant, and domestic and industrial equipment con- equipment of the Canal Zone Government version was called by Col. Hugh M. and the old Panama Railroad Company Arnold, Engineering and Construction after completion of the statutory valua- Director, to provide prospective bidders tion program. Completion of the later with the opportunity to obtain an answer phase will provide a more accurate set to any questions concerning this work. of plant accounting records necessary for Contracts Awarded efficient management cf the Company. The plant inventory and appraisal is a In addition to these developments in complicated and technical project since the Power Conversion Project, work is it entails a physical inspection of the progressing on several contracts already properties, large and small, an awarded. These include the manufac- and appraisal of the value of each installation ture of four generators for the Gatun and its principal components. Hydroelectric station by General Electric A complete valuation of the Company; construction of a complete capital assets is also required for rate-fixing new substation at Mount Hope and the purposes. It has an important bearing the installation of the Gatun Hydroelectric on rates of tolls and other major tariff Station control board by L. R. Sommer; rates which are partly based, through interest conversion and modernization of the and depreciation, on the value of Gatun Hydroelectric station equipment capital assets of the Company-Government. and other allied work by Sachse Electric The assignment of Colonel Jennings Company; and the relocation of a portion to supervise the closing phases of the project of the Agua Clara Diesel Plant control PAUL FAHEY makes the third important assignment board by W. A. Rogers. of widely varying nature which he has had Bids have also been asked for the The phase of the plant inventory and since he came with the Canal organiza- rebuilding or replacement of a fifth gen- appraisal program required by Section tion a year and a half ago. He was first erator at the Gatun Hydroelectric station. 246(b) of the Panama Canal Act, as assigned as Project Engineer for the Con- These are to be opened October 10. amended, to determine the statutory net tractors Hill work when he came to the projects for which specifica- direct investment in the Panama Canal The two Canal from the Nashville, Tenn., District by the Canal Company which has been in progress for tions are being prepared of the Army Corps of Engineers. He was Company are the replacement of the the past three years is being accelerated transferred from that job early this year high transmission line conductors to complete the project within the next voltage to be Project Engineer on the Power Con- Miraflores few months. between Madden Dam and version Project. Substation, and the construction of a Col. E. B. Jennings has been tempor- new switchgear and transformer yard at arily assigned as Chief of the Plant In- Agua Clara Diesel Station. ventory and Appraisal Staff to take Usually-Busy Pardon Board Other Changes charge of the project at the request of the Deputy Comptroller. He will coor- The replacement of the transmission dinate the closing phases and supervise Suddenly Has Nothing To Do line conductors between Madden and the preparation of the final report to be Miraflores is required since the size wire submitted to the Bureau of the Budget Consider the plight of the now in use would result in wider voltage Pardon after approval by the Board of Directors. Board with no requests for fluctuations in transmission after the pardon—not Also assisting in the closing phases will even a commutation of change to 60 cycles. This phase of the penitentiary sen- be a large group of engineers and other tence or revocation work will also include the replacement of of deportation. technical assistants from various bureaus some transmission towers between Sum- Last month the Canal Zone Pardon mit and Paraiso and the reinforcement of Board did not meet because, for possibly other towers to bear the added weight of existing 44,000-volt cables and overhead the first time in its history, no business the heavier lines. lines into the new station. was on the agenda. The work at Agua Clara Diesel Station The firm of Robert & Company Asso- The Pardon Board usually has a busy will permit the combining of the two ciates of Atlanta has been engaged to pre- time. During the past fiscal year, mem- Fort Davis switching stations and a trans- pare designs for carrier current and super- bers met 10 times. Five were regular former station into a single installation visory control equipment to remotely meetings and five were special meetings. adjacent to the diesel station. This control all power plants and substations, During that time they considered 38 appli- change will eliminate two 44,000-volt the protective relaying for the 44,000- cations, 29 of which were for commutation underground cables which now connect volt transmission system, and the con- of penitentiary sentences to the portion the Fort Davis switching stations to the version of all Madden Hydroelectric already served and nine were for pardons. Agua Clara plant and the two Fort Davis station equipment except the main The Board also considered and submitted switching stations themselves. This pro- generators and transformers. recommendations on five applications for

ject will include construction of the new The bids for these projects are sched- i evocation of orders deporting persons installation as well as rerouting the uled for advertisement early next year. following imprisonment. October 7, 1955 THE PANAMA CANAL REVIEW Children Of Canal Zone Are Healthy And Well-Adjusted, School Nurses Say

Canal Zone boys and girls are, by and large and large and small, pretty healthy, well-adjusted specimens. If they share any outstanding physical defect, it is probably bad teeth. Dental decay is more prevalent among children of school age than it should be and may be due to the quantities of sweet drinks which the average Canal Zone child consumes in un- limited quantities, given half a chance. These are the conclusions of the Canal Zone's two school nurses, Mrs. Erma Forbes who makes her headquarters at Balboa High School and from there makes trips to 11 Pacific side schools, and Miss Eller Jane Holcomb who bases at Cris- tobal elementary school and whose duties take her to all Atlantic side schools and to Gamboa, Santa Cruz, and Pedro Miguel on the Pacific side of the Isthmus. Mrs. Forbes and Miss Holcomb are medical detectives rather than healers. Their main job is to spot physical defects among the younger Zonians and see that they are corrected before they become major. In the course of an average day, they may bandage a cut finger or put ointment on a burn but most of the time they see that the eyes and ears and teeth and height and weight of the Canal Zone children are what they should be for their age groups. Then they recommend cor- rective measures if they find something irregular. OPEN WIDE! And Susan Coffey, 7, does just that so that Mrs. Erma Forbes, one of the Canal's Statistics Impressive two School Nurses, can check her teeth. Susan is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert L. Coffey of Balboa and is a first-grader at the Balboa Elementary School. Each of them works with about 6,000 children a year in one way or another. with the physical examinations given by pected trouble of one sort or another, or Statistics of what they did during the the medical staffs of Coco Solo and Gorgas to students who have not had a compre- last fiscal year are impressive: 10,901 Hospitals to all new students, to boys hensive physical examination within the children tested for height and weight; and girls taking part in organized sports, previous three years. 6,018 students given dental examinations; to boys in their first year of ROTC Whenever they can, Mrs. Forbes and 9,217 boys and girls examined for visual training, to girl cheer leaders—whose Miss Holcomb talk to the school children defects; 1,699 pupils examined for per- activities are just about as strenuous as on good health practices, such as the care sonal hygiene. the sports for which they cheer, to stud- of teeth. These naturally lead into a This year the school nurses are helping ents referred by their teachers for sus- discussion of nutrition and explain why a child who would never touch anything but the finest white bread suddenly J^ develops a veritable passion for whole ^k^a&- wheat or rye or shuns his usual after- school soft drink in favor of a glass of ^r^B milk. The talks are given to children from kindergarteners on up. Both of the nurses say that the pupils frequently interrupt with to-the-point questions, and that means that they are interested a in what they are being told. P Mrs. Forbes also has an older group of ITtu m conferees, the Junior College students. — ... Hk B Ke 3 She occasionally has pre-marital talks with young women who are contemplating matrimony.

j Teeth And Eyes W- « Last year the two nurses found that ~* iMBS^ about a fifth of the children they examined had dental defects, mostly decay. The dental examinations are given primarily to children in the lower grades on the ounce of prevention theory. In each case where they found need for dental attention, the nurses sent a note to the child's parents, recommending that he see a dentist. Visual defects are, next to dental troubles, the most frequently found juvenile deficiencies. For instance, last year Miss Holcomb gave 4,491 eye examinations, and discovered 880 children with defective vision. The percentage was BIG E's take the place of a line of mixed-up letters for the younger children's eye test. Here page 12) Miss Eller Jane Holcomb checks the vision of a small lad who will tell her which way the Big E's go. about the same for the (See THE PANAMA CANAL REVIEW October 7, 1955

FOR YOUR INTEREST AND GUIDANCE IN ACCIDENT PREVENTION L3W. UL i£ GOOD BUSINESS

No matter what subject we may think earned?" Well safety does just that. about, at one time or another we all ask It saves money and any business that HIGHWAY ZOO ourselves the question—WHY? Take saves money is good business. It is good the business of SAFETY, for instance. business for your company, for your Have you ever asked yourself WHY family, and for YOU. safety committee meetings? WHY safety It is good business for your company posters? WHY such thorough investiga- because it profits by not having to pay tions of accidents? WHY the insistence out so much in compensation, by not that everyone become familiar with our having to pay overtime to someone to do safety rules? The answer is—these things your work while you are laid up, by not are a necessary part, but by no means having to foot the bill to recruit and train place if can't all, of a good safety program. Perhaps someone to take your you you have said WHY have a program? come back. Serious accidents shut down tries Simply because it is good business. WHY all operations while everyone to help person. equip- is it good business? Remember the old the injured Damaged is repair still more saying "A penny saved is a penny ment expensive to — The ROADHOG costly to replace. There are dozens of

reasons why Safety is good business for This animal has been around for a HONOR ROLL most your company. long lime. He combines all the distasteful characteristics of the barn- Bureau Award For Safety is good business for your family. yard hog without any of the useful BEST RECORD No compensation check is ever as big as attributes the real porker offers. AUGUST your regular pay check. Think how if impossible, it difficult, not would be NATIONAL SAFETV COUNCIL ENGINEERING AND CONSTRUCTION for you to try to make ends meet with BUREAU nothing but a compensation check. Could you pay your commissary bill, keep up yours because of your ability to earn a SERVICES BUREAU COMMUNITY your insurance, meet the monthly pay- living. ments on the car and save something for Our safety program is being carried on AWARDS THIS CALENDAR YEAR your children's education or for the with the intention of helping you to keep Community Services 4 vacation that your family needs, if all that earning power. Yes, Safety is Good Supply 3 you had to do it with was a compensation Business for you and it is your business. Engineering and Construction 3 check? Perhaps you could but it wouldn't A safety program is not something that Health 3 be easy. That is one reason why Safety can be carried on for you. It has to be Transportation and Terminals 1 is good business for your family. carried on with you. Accept your respon- Civil Affairs 1 And don't forget, Safety is good business sibility to the safety program. Be your Marine • for you. Just about everything you brother's keeper as well. Watch out for value, everything you enjoy, is tied in your fellow worker. Watch out for your Division Award For with your ability to earn a living—the big division's Safety Record. Watch out for NO DISABLING INJURIES things you need—food, clothing, and your company's equipment. If you do AUGUST security. The small things that give this you will save money for yourself, you pleasure—a gift for your wife, a new your family, and your company. And SERVICE CENTER DIVISION bicycle for your child, that fishing pole don't forget—saving money is good busi- MAINTENANCE DIVISION or gun for yourself. These things are ness. Be a good business man. DREDGING DIVISION Disabling Injuries per 1,000,000 Man-Hours Worked INDUSTRIAL DIVISION AUGUST 1955 (Frequency Rale) ELECTRICAL DIVISION GROUNDS MAINTENANCE DIVISION Engineering and Construction Bureau MOTOR TRANSPORTATION DIVISION STOREHOUSES DIVISION Community Services Bureau

HOUSING DIVISION Supply Bureau SANITATION DIVISION Health Bureau

AWARDS THIS CALENDAR YEAR Marine Bureau Housing - 7

Cm t -Panama i This Maintenance — 7 C. Z. Canal Co. Month!

Sanitation , 7 C. Z. Govl.-Panama Canal Co.( Last 3-Year Av.) Aids to Navigation 6 Motor Transportation 6 Civil Affairs Bureau Electrical 5

Grounds Maintenance 5 Transportation and Terminals Bureau Industrial 5 Railroad 5 20 Service Center 5 30 40 50

Storehouses 5 Number of Disabling Injuries. 23 Man-Hours Worked 2,242,380 Dredging 4 LEGEND Commissary 3 Amount Better Than Canal Zone Government—Panama Canal Company Last 3-Year Average Hospitalization and Clinics 3

Locks. 1 Amount Worse Than Canal Zone Government—Panama Canal Company Last 3-Year Average Terminals 1

Navigation. T r , T „--.„ P9%$&i$J Accumulative Frequency Rate This Year October 7, 1955 THE PANAMA CANAL REVIEW OF CURRENT INTEREST

Official Panama Canal Company Publication Transferred To Coco Solo Published Monthly at BALBOA HEIGHTS, CANAL ZONE

Printed by the Printing Plant

Mount Hope, Canal Zone

John S. Seybold, Governor-President

H. W. Schull, Jr. Lieutenant Governor

William G. Arey, Jr. Public Information Officer

J. Rufus Hardy, Editor

Eleanor H. McIlhenny Assistant Editor

SUBSCRIPTION—$1.00 a year

SINGLE COPIES—5 cents each

On sale at all Panama Canal Service Cen- ters, Commissaries, and Hotels for 10 days after publication date. ATLANTIC SIDERS now have the eye, ear, nose, and throat clinic which officials of the Health Bureau and the Civic Council have been attempting to set up for some time. Transferred last month SINGLE COPIES BY MAIL—10 cents each to Coco Solo Hospital were Dr. Jaime L. Barraza, standing, and his wife, Dr. Evelyn K. Barraza, from the staff at Gorgas Hospital. Both served residencies at the Eye, Ear, Nose, and Throat Hos- BACK COPIES— 10 cents each pital in New Orleans before coming to the Isthmus last year. Also transferred from Gorgas Hospital to the Solo Coco Hospital last month was Dr. Walter H. Goggans, a general surgeon. He is a Major On sale, when available, from the Vault in the Air Force and came here recently from Park Air Force Base in California. Clerk, Third Floor, Administration Building, Balboa Heights. The function of issuing licenses permitting and the members of his staff. the sale of alcoholic beverages by organiza- The party tomorrow night will be the tions in the Canal Zone was transferred on fifth annual celebration of the opening of Postal money orders should be made pay- October 1 from the office of the Assistant the now famous Rancho Ramos which was able to the Treasurer, Panama Canal Com- to the Civil Affairs Director to the License built in 1951 near Brazos Brook by members pany, and mailed to Editor, The Panama Section which is located in Room 111 of the of the National Guard under the direction Civil Affairs Building in Ancon. of Major Canal Review, Balboa Heights, C. Z. Ramos. Each year since then Also transferred to the License Section, the Canal Zone Police have been hosts at a effective October 1, was the responsibility good-neighbor stag party in honor of the of issuing "runners permits," which allow Panama Guardsmen. SPECIAL ASSISTANT entry to the dock areas of persons selling In addition to Major Ramos and his staff, ships chandlery and ships stores and those the guests will include Henry L. Donovan, soliciting patronage of hotels and boarding Civil Affairs Director, Maj. Rodger W. houses. Griffith, Chief of the Canal Zone Police, Both transfers were made as a step toward and a number of police and National Guard consolidating all licensing responsibilities officials from both sides of the Isthmus. of the Civil Affairs Bureau in one office.

Bids were to be opened this week for Two steam locomotives, one of which the new high school building at Paraiso, was used last January to draw a special an adjacent vocational building and music train of 16 cars across the Isthmus as part room, all to be located at the intersection of the Panama Railroad Centennial celebra- of Paraiso Road and Acla Street. The tion, are now being advertised for sale by buildings are to be completed next March. the Panama Canal Company. The en- Equipment and supplies from La Boca gines -Nos. 803 and 804 —are the Rail- High School will be moved to the Paraiso road's last two steam locomotives; their buildings during the long school vacation sale will mark the passing of the steam age and high school classes will be held at on the trans-Isthmian line. Paraiso when the Latin American schools The locomotives are two of an original open next Iviay. six built by H. K. Porter and brought to the The main high school building will be Isthmus in March 1943. During the war provided by a complete remodeling of the years they did a roaring business hauling large Locks Division storehouse. The freight across the Isthmus and their days walls will be replaced by concrete blocks of active use did not end until after the and the windows by glass jalousies. The purchase of the three ALCO-GE diesel- new high school will have 10 classr oms, electric locomotives which have been in laboratories, school offices, and a library. service since 1953. Since their retirement locomotives 803 Dr. F. E. Council, Chief of the Board of and 804 have been housed in the Balboa Health Laboratory at Ancon for the past Roundhouse and used only on special jobs. two \ears, left the Isthmus last One of these was the Railroad centennial month and has been assigned to the Office of the Chief when No. 803 was chosen to pull the special of Pathology and Allied Science Consultant train which commemorated the first railroad PAUL M. RUNNESTRAND, Assistant Secretary in the Office of the Surgeon General in crossing of the American continent ioo and Attorney of the Panama Canal Company and years ago. Washington, D. C. Dr. Council had been former Assistant General Counsel, returned to the Chief of the laboratory since his arrival Bids on the two old locomotives will be Canal Zone last month on temporary duty as Special here in 1953. Dr. opened early in November. Gerald Cosgrove, a mem- Assistant to Gov. J. S. Seybold. His office is on the ber of the Board of Health Laboratory second floor of the Administration Building. Until staff since June of this year, has been his transfer to the Washington office two years ago, There will be hearty abrazos and a swap named Acting Chief. Mr. Runnestrand had been with the Office of the of trade secrets tomorrow night when mem- Dr. Ferruccio Bertoli, another member of General Counsel for about 12 years. A native of bers of the Canal Zone Police and the the Board of Health Laboratory, left for the is a of the University Litchfield, Minn., he graduate Panama National Guard gather for the United States October 1 to attend the of Minnesota Law School. Prior to his entrance annual dinner and stag party given in annual meeting of the American Society of into the Canal service in 1941 he was Law Editor honor of Maj. Pastor Ramos, Jr., Command- Clinical Pathologists which is to be held in of the West Publishing Company in St. Paul, Minn. ing Officer of the National Guard in Colon, Chicago October 10-15. — ; — YOURTHE PANAMA CANALTOWNREVIEW October 7, 1955 2d and 3d streets, stood on a knoll between the house and the sea.

Cristobal at first was a municipality, one of five in the new Canal Zone. It was bounded by the sea on the north and stretched along the Canal line to include Mount Hope and Mindi. One of its early mayors, from October 12, 1905, until the municipalities were abolished in 1907 was M. C. Rerdell, later District Judge at Cristobal. Because of Cristobal's importance as the port of entry for construction equipment, high priority was given to construction there; Master Builder W. M. Belding was constantly under pressure for faster work. At one time Chief Engineer John F. Stevens warned him that "we are already cramped there (Cristobal) for room and must immediately stop bring- ing any more white men until additional $&&&*&!: quarters are provided." 1906-1907 like this in the "good old The caption on this old photograph says, CRISTOBAL looked days." By April, 1906, Cristobal had a popu- merely, "Cristobal before paving, 1907." The trees bordering the unpaved streets are coconut palms. lation of 2,010—489 of them Americans. The Cristobal Club had been organized Cristobal is the Canal Zone's front door section—from about the present railroad the big clubhouse at Columbus and and its kitchen door, too. tracks to the old Fort Sherman ferry Broad Christopher Streets came later—and given temporary Most of the Canal Zone family—the slip Christophe Colomb, or the quarters. There was a postoffice which people who live and work here^entered Columbus. It was an easy step from handled mail for the West Indies that their new home through that front door French Ckristophe to the Spanish Cris- tobal. formerly had been routed through New and if they didn't, their fathers or grand- York. An eight-room school house was fathers did. By the time the American Canal build- being built and a brick-and-cement jail, Guests have come through that front ers reached the Isthmus, Manzanillo "amply commodious to meet all existing door, too, on a good many occasions. Island was divided, like Gaul, in three requirements," was accepting its first Presidents, Cabinet Members, Congress- parts: The Panama Railroad area from involuntary guests. Its commodiousness men, and even Queens and Dukes have the old freight house to the section where the was happy foresight; for years, the num- seen the Isthmus for the first time from the empty windows of now unused ber of arrests in Cristobal was higher a ship entering Cristobal harbor. Colon Hospital look out to the Caribbean the railroad tracks than in any other Canal town. The kitchen door is where the groceries Colon, inland from of Island; The Cristobal Fire Department was one are delivered. A good part of the food toward the marshy center the of two paid companies in the Canal every Commissary-supplied Zonian con- and Cristobal, the French village. Zone—the other was in Ancon and the sumes starts its trip to his table from "Old" Cristobal — offices of the Fire Chief were at Cristobal. Cristobal. Before the Canal was opened The Canal Commission of 1904 set up The department's hose wagon, chemical in 1914, most of the material to build it provisional headquarters in Cristobal "in engine, hook and ladder truck, and steam and the supplies to keep it running were the buildings erected for the residence of engine were local wonders. unloaded from ships docking at Cristobal. Mr. DeLesseps." Mr. DeLesseps was Cristobal was never headquarters for a Even today, three times as many ships Charles, son of Count Ferdinand DeLes- construction division but it was head- dock at Cristobal as at Balboa. seps. These buildings were on Cristobal quarters for the Division of Materials and Manzanillo Island Point, facing the sea; oldtimers place Supplies, something like today's Supply geographic layout of the Atlantic them at the very end of Roosevelt Avenue The Bureau. Its bakery, cold storage feet from the present Sea side is confusing, even to those who have a few hundred plant, and warehouses lined one side of time. Cristobal, Scout shack in Old Cristobal. The lived here for a long Point. maid, Cristobal The present Sea Scout Cristobal are all on Man- statue of Columbus and the Indian Colon, and New shack and the big masonry building of the Wash- zanillo Island, connected to the Isthmus later in the courtyard Hotel between adjacent to the Maintenance Division of Panama by the fairly narrow strip on ington, and now on Broadway yard were commissary structures. The which the Motor Transportation Division concrete bases of others are barely visible now stands. There is not now a swim- y in the tall grass along the bayside. ming beach along the whole shoreline Cabbage Patch except at Fishermen's Village in Colon. of the officials, The island was a virgin swamp of Most like W. G. Tubby, about 650 acres when the Panama Rail- Chief of the Division of Materials and ' Supplies, and Lorin C. Collins, Associate road selected it for its headquarters in ij r'" Justice of the 1850. On Manzanillo Island, the Rail- 4 Supreme Court, lived in t houses along the road Company established its offices, its waterfront west of the DeLesseps house. In the less choice docks, its railroad terminal, and quarters section further inland four-family for its officers and employees. were houses bachelor When the French forces first arrived in and quarters. One neigh- borhood Panama in the early 1880's, they found was known as the "Cabbage the Railroad Company, as first comer, in Patch." An early resident complained to the Canal Record that wandering goats the choice site along the northern tip Imm \| of the island. Colon was only a few ate up his rosebushes. streets wide and long and the rest of A commissary "for the exclusive use of Manzanillo Island was still a swamp. gold employees" was opened on the site Throughout the history of the Isthmus, of the present commissary about Decem- land has been made when it was not P^4 ber 1, 1907. According to the Canal naturally at hand, and this the French Record it dealt in "mens' furnishings and did. Next to Colon, on a coral reef, they articles for ladies" and had a "waiting dumped spoil from their canal and on this 1 Hi a room for ladies from the Line in which artificial plateau they built their ware- they will be made comfortable until the CIVIC COUNCIL President Virgil C. Reed heads departure of the trains." houses, shops, roundhouses, office build- the group representing Cristobal and their suburban ings, and quarters. They named this neighbors from the town of Margarita Social life in Cristobal in 1907 was October 7, 1955 CRISTOBALTHE PANAMA CANAL REVIEW typical of that of the larger Zone towns; by that time Cristobal's population was over 4,000, a quarter of them Americans. Lodges were important and numerous. The Improved Order of Red Men, then the largest fraternal order on the Isthmus, had a Tribe in Cristobal, and the Knights of Pythias organized their first local lodge there. The Elks and Masons were both active. For the women, there was the Cristobal Woman's Club; organized

September 27, 1907, it is still functioning and has the longest continuous life of any woman's group in the Canal Zone. The Clubhouse had a first-rate basket- ball team and Nelson R. Johnson, Clerk of the Circuit Court and once a professional acrobat, offered lessons in tumbling. The July 4 celebration that year featured such events as a ragamuffin parade and a fat man 's race. The winner of a greased pole climb was rewarded with a $5 gold- piece— it was glued to the top of the pole.

That was Cristobal, once a French CAPTAINS W. H. Casswell of the Fire Division and CRISTOBAL'S school principals are Mrs. Helen L. village. Eugene S. Shipley of the Police Division are respon- Rushing for the elementary school and Paul L. Beck "New" Cristobal sible for policing and fire protection of Cristobal. of the senior and junior high schools by the sea's edge Meanwhile, in the old Panama Railroad by the Panama Railroad in 1865; other companies moved from the freight-house area at the tip of Manzanillo Island quarters which had been made from a section into Cristobal proper. things were humming. Before the Amer- remodeled storehouse; and Garfield, Mc- The other major change was the con- ican canal forces arrived, there had been kinley, and Lincoln Houses which at the struction of Fort DeLesseps, a Coast two hospitals on the beach—the Rail- time sheltered both families and unmar- Artillery post, on the shoreline of Man- road's 30-bed hospital for its employees ried employees. Lincoln House is gone zanillo Island between the freight house and the larger French hospital which but the boarded-up shells of Garfield and and the Hotel Washington. This meant adjoined it. The railroad hospital dated McKinley Houses are still standing. The the loss of what had been a residential back to the early railroad days, the original Washington House, later the area and led to a revision of the entire French hospital to 1883. Washington Hotel, was the fourth of this Atlantic side town planning. These two were combined as soon as residential group. It was both a lodg- Cristobal itself was set aside primarily the Americans began work on the canal. ing house and "eating house" for railroad for a commercial section—the center of New buildings were put up and by employees long before 1904. It was civil administration for the Atlantic side November 1906, the hospital consisted of replaced about 1913 by the present and headquarters for shipping agencies, 40 frame buildings. Five of these stood Hotel Washington. banks, freight handlers and the multiple on brick and concrete pillars on a coral Not far away, about where the present activities of a busy port. The location reef which was covered by the sea except elementary school stands, was the four- of a residential section was not so easy to at low tide, and the rest were in a 35-acre story, brick Mechanics' Building, a decide. The Canal administration finally plot with a sea frontage of about a quar- swank apartment house of its day. Mrs. ruled against a townsite at Mount Hope ter of a mile. Ida May Cotton, a real oldtimer, remem- and decided to expand the first Manza- The first school on Colon Beach— it bers living there when she was about 12 nillo Island settlement—the Panama had 38 pupils—was opened early in Feb- years old. The Mechanics' Building was Railroad section along Colon Beach. ruary 1908. Up to that time the only torn down in the 1930's. This meant a great fill, to build up the school available to the younger children of Two major changes came to Cristobal swampy heart of the island, and eventu- American employees of the Railroad had about the time the Canal was opened to ally the new fill stretched from Melendez been the Cristobal school, a good distance traffic. Work began in earnest on the to Roosevelt Avenues and from 3d to 9th away in that pre-motorized age. great piers which today protrude like out- Streets. Along the waterfront the old In this section were four rows of quar- spread fingers into Limon Bay. This radio station and quarantine station dis- ters near Christ Church, which was built meant, among other things, that shipping appeared, new hospital buildings were constructed, an elementary school (1918) and a new high school (1933) appeared. Quartets were built gradually from 1917 through 1938. Today the population

trend is away from Manzanillo Island and toward Margarita and many of the New Cristobal houses are vacant. Under the terms of the new Treaty, the United States agrees to seek legislation for transfer of these lands to Panama. Cristobal In Wartime No story about Cristobal could be complete without mention of the part it has played in two world wars. During

World War I, censorship headquatters for the Canal Zone and Panama were established above the Cristobal postoffice. Servicemen from the new Army posts at Fort Sherman, Fort DeLesseps, Fort Randolph and the Coco Solo Naval Base jammed the streets and filled the commissary and clubhouse. Atlantic siders turned out each week for Liberty Bond rallies and there was a War Savings HOUSING MANAGER Wendell G. Cotton and COMMISSARY MANAGER O. W. Ryan and Stamp drive, headed by Emmett Zemer, Postmaster Otto L. Savold are in charge of shelter Service Center Acting Manager Joseph Pustis pro- {See page 10) and mail facilities for residents of the Cristobal area. vide the meat and milk and movies for Cristobal. then working at the —

10 THE PANAMA CANAL REVIEW October 7,1955

years she sang the National Anthems of Forty-four Years Continuous Service the United States and Panama—each in its own language—at Atlantic Side Record Of Senior Canal Employee Memorial Day services. The Engelkes have two sons, John and Forty-four years ago, on September 5. Paul, both of whom are now in the aimed 1911, George Newcomb Engelke checked forces here, and innumerable relatives on his first lot of merchandise into the Para- the Isthmus. iso Commissary. Paraiso was then the Four of the Engelkes who came to the fifth largest of "the Canal Zone towns and Canal Zone, way back when, are still its commissary was bustling. here. Robert A. Engelke is Admiristra- Today he is no longer checking porter- tive Assistant with the Dredging Division house steaks at 20 cents a pound, eggs at at Gamboa; Herbert 0. Engelke is a 28 cents a dozen, or breakfast bacon at Leadingman Painter in the Industrial 23 cents, sliced but who is, these days? Division at Cristobal; Howard S. Engelke Instead, as Assistant Manager of the is Chief of the Communications Branch of Commissary Division, he is keeping an the Electrical Division; and Mrs. Ben- eye on checking and shipping and per- jamin Favorite, their sister, lives in sonnel and stock and the million and one Cristobal. problems which pass through his hands at Jennings, his Mount Hope Office. Another sister, Mrs. Susie His 44 continuous years give George and three brothers, Harry, Stephen, and Engelke the longest unbroken service of Richard, live in the United States. any American employee in the Company- Although George Engelke was born in GEORGE N. ENGELKE Government organization. By the time Athens, Ga., grew up in Washington and he retires next year he will probably have has spent most of his life in the Canal is not classed as a Master but does, his the longest service of any American who Zone, he has lately transferred his allegi- friends say, "give the Masters a run for ever came to the Isthmus to work for the ance to Arkansas. He reaches retirement their money." Panama Canal or Railroad. age next June and along about then Mrs. Engelke, whose father, S. H. In these 44 years, he has worked at expects to move to the land of the Ozarks. Powell, worked at Pedro Miguel Locks, almost any commissary one can name There will be golf courses and chess is as well known in the Canal Zone as her Paraiso, Balboa, Pedro Miguel, Camp matches for him there, but there won 't be husband. She is an active Red Cross Bierd, Cristobal, Gatun, Silver City, An- worker and much interested in the Cris- any commissaries. con, La Boca—and a couple, like Corozal tobal Woman's Club. Her birthday and After more than 44 years of constant and Las Cascadas, which no longer wedding cakes are masterpieces. Her and continuous commissary association, exist. For several years he was Super- fine soprano voice is famous and for many we'll bet George Engelke misses them. visor of the Commissary Division's Retail Stores and has been the Division's Assist- ant General Manager since 1951. Your Town Cristobal was 562— 119 of them Americans. New Father Came In 1909 Cristobal, with a total population of (Continued from page 9) Hotel Washington. 1,130, was far smaller than it had been. George Engelke was not the first of his From the hotel's porch, guests watched Nine steamship companies have build- family to come to the Canal Zone. He the Navy stretch a submarine net across ings in Cristobal, all clustered around had an uncle here and his father, H. N. the breakwater entrance each evening at Steamship Row. Practically all of them Engelke, preceded him by two years, 6 o'clock. Ships caught outside had to combine office space on the ground floor leaving his family of seven sons and two wait until it was removed the next morn- and living space above. Handily nearby daughters in Washington, D. C, while he ing. Convoys of ships, their hulls paint- is the All America Cable Company's worked as a machinist at Balboa Shops. ed in stripes or mottled like World War Atlantic side office. When the family did join him, they II's jungle uniforms, formed in the harbor. The Veterans of Foreign Wars and the could not get quarters in the Canal Zone Cristobal women were angels of mercy American Legion have meeting places in and lived for about six months in the old for troopships bound to and from New Cristobal, but the latter is talking of giv- Hotel Normandie in Panama City, just Zealand and Australia and Europe. They ing up what was once an old church to about where the Singer Sewing Machine took the "walking wounded" on sight- move to Margarita. Company is now located opposite the seeing trips, ending up for luncheon at Cristobal Today Cecilia Theater, until they finally got a the old Gilbert House or dinner at the French house in Empire. The people of Cristobal—the old Hotel Washington. George Engelke, meantime, had located village—may shop, select books at their Close a job as a freight checker in Balboa with War Came library, consult the housing manager, the shipping firm of Bates and Chese- Twenty-three years later, during World attend movies, mail letters, buy tickets brough, where he stayed for three months. War II, war came much closer to Cris- for police or firemen's balls, be brought In September 1911, he began the Com- tobal. There were the crowds of service- before the courts of justice, all without missary career which kept him shuttling men, the food shortages, the convoys, this leaving their home base. But for church from store to store and back and forth time of solidly gray ships. But this time going, with very few exceptions, for social across the Isthmus as successive promo- there were blackouts. Hotel guests stum- life, or for sports they must go elsewhere. tions came his way until he finally settled bled along darkened corridors to the dim Their sole club, and its membership is down at the General Manager's office light of a kerosene lantern turned low, composed of small-boat fanciers, is the about 10 years ago. and every room displayed directions for Panama Canal Yacht Club where the Although his commissary work kept the quickest route to the air raid shelter steaks are famous. distinction him busy all week and sometimes on under the building. Every few days Modern Cristobal has a weekends, Mr. Engelke still found time Fort DeLesseps' anti-aircraft batteries, enjoyed by no other Canal Zone com- for a number of hobbies. He was Isth- on a revetment above the swimming pool, munity. It has a coconut collector. The mian Amateur Golf Champion in 1929 shook the Washington's west wing. law of gravity never having been repealed and runner-up the next year. He still One dreadful month, in July 1943, and falling coconuts being potentially has a handicap of only six and plays Cristobal's streets were full of survivors lethal, a concessionaire makes frequent around the Brazos Brook course when- from ships torpedoed in the Caribbean. rounds harvesting the ripening nuts. ever he gets a chance. Some had gone down only a few hours Cristobalites share with other Atlantic At one time he was an excellent swim- out of Limon Bay. And one morning, siders a philosphy of their own: They mer. In 1924—he was manager of Gatun August 19, 1942, a Navy seaplane, taking don't see why anyone ever wants to live Commissary then—he rescued a young off, crashed into a Panama Canal tug, anywhere else. They resent, quite vocally, Panamanian from drowning in Gatun killing practically everyone aboard. Men being considered "second-class citizens" Lake after a launch accident. Although and women watched the flames helplessly as they feel they are sometimes treated. he doesn't do much hunting and shooting from along the beach. J. C. Randall, They yield to no one in the defense of these days, he still has what his friends now Chief of the Housing Division, was their community, their pride in the describe as a "reading interest" in them. one of the horrified witnesses. sparkling blue bay and its palm fringed Matches with his chess club every Today, Cristobal is far more a center of shore, their great piers and the trade Wednesday night have gradually replaced commerce than a residential community. winds of the dry season. They are some of his more strenuous activities. He Its population in last November's census Cristobalites first, Zonians second. —

October 7, 1955 THE PANAMA CANAL REVIEW 11 Atlantic Side Is Full Of Woe; CANAL ZONE CLERGY Santa's Moved To New Jersey

Santa Claus isn't coming to town this year in Cristobal and Colon and Margar- ita and Coco Solito. At least Santa Claus won't be the same person, in private

life, as in the past eight or nine years. Santa, in the person of Roland J. Lees, of the Electrical Division, left the Isth- mus late last month en route to Plain- field, N. J. where he will live. With him he took, among other things, a citation from the Cristobal-Margarita Civic Coun-

cil, honors from the people of Colon, and the memory of the happy faces of thou- sands of children from all over the Atlantic side. Maybe, before the Christmas season arrives, somebody will appear to take over the role of Santa Claus but as of the moment Desmond Doig, of New Cris- tobal, who has been Santa's principal helper for years, doesn't know about it. Began By Chance Mr. Lees began his career as Santa Claus quite accidentally. He was drafted RABBI NATHAN WITKIN or volunteered—he doesn't remember quite which—to appear in a long white Son and grandson of rabbis, Nathan UNDER the beard is Roland J. Lees beard and a bright red suit at a Knights Witkin never considered any other career of Columbus Christmas party about eight Party. At New Cristobal, for instance, although he knew what rigorous training years ago. He made such a hit that a parents would wrap and label gifts for this meant. Today he is the only rabbi number of other organizations com- their youngsters. In some miraculous in the Canal Zone and the Jewish Welfare mandeered his services the following year fashion—special delivery to the collecting Board on La Boca Road in Balboa is the and he set up headquarters at the Hotel center at the Doig residence—these gifts Canal Zone's only synagogue. Washington. would be transferred to Santa's bulging There, on September 16, Rabbi Witkin Everything would have been just fine sack. But he always carried a few extra, conducted the ceremonies which ushered had he been able to forget the disap- just in case. in the Jewish New Year—5716th of the pointed faces of the Colon children who In Colon the candy and toys he handed Jewish calendar. watched him from the sidewalks as he to the eager big-eyed boys and girls were A native New Yorker, Rabbi Witkin traveled from the Hotel Washington to purchased by Santa Claus's crew—D. attended the Jewish Theological Sem- parties in the Canal Zone. He knew Doig, foreman in charge—with funds Rabbinical Seminary inary there and the that they'd have a slim Christmas—if they collected from local businessmen or from at Jerusalem. He was ordained in had any. others who couldn't bear the thought of a Jerusalem by the Chief Rabbi of Palestine. So the third year, he and Mr. Doig giftless child. One year recently, he After three years in Red Bank, N. J., got together well before Christmas and handed out 8,000 packages of candy; Rabbi Witkin returned to Palestine to packed 10,000 bags of candy themselves. 1,000 balls; 1,000 whistles; 7,000 packages attend Hebrew University and take post- With these and with some other contri- of gum; 5,000 packages of sweet crackers; the he had candies footballs graduate rabbinical work. Then came butions from Navy 100 and 50 dolls. And these and toys to give away as he made his were in addition to great lots of canned two years as a chaplain with the CCC. expanding rounds. goods for the old people at Puerto Pilon. His first assignment to the Canal Zone Grew And Grew For several years he has arrived at was from 1937 to 1943. During that Lees-Doig Christmas Colon airport by plane, transferring there building was con- By bounds, the period, the JWB to a gaily-decorated float bearing a sled program grew. The past few years they structed; earlier, Jewish services were held and reindeer which was built by the have spent several weeks before Christ- in what is now the ROTC building. Lees-Doig combination. mas making preparations and almost the Second Tour Here entire week before Christmas Day going Santa's Helpers In May 1943, Rabbi Witkin was re- from party to party, from the Salvation Santa Claus-Lees has had many assist- called to the United States to head the Army centers to the Puerto Pilon home ants—Girl Scouts and occasionally the Overseas Department of the JWB. In for old people, from schools in Colon to Governor and the Alcalde of Colon this post, he was in charge of all Jewish the children's wards at Coco Solo and but his number-one helper has been chaplains overseas. He returned to the Amador Guerrero Hospital. Mr. Doig. Claus-Lees appeared in Isthmus on January 1, 1945. When Santa "The work that I did could not have the Canal Zone or New Cristobal, he managed without his help," he told As the Canal Zone's only rabbi, he been usually distributed gifts provided by the The Panama Canal Review. ministers to all Jewish civilians and their organization sponsoring the Christmas Another special helper has been his families, to Jewish servicemen and to good friend Tita Doig, now 11. She has visiting merchant seamen and tourists. been the official driver of the Donder and As Jewish Auxiliary Chaplain for the REVIEW Subscriptions Blitzen team for several years. Command, his work takes him Caribbean This Christmas "Riley" Lees will be the Jewish faith are wherever men of For College Students able to spend at home with his family, for requires frequent trips to stationed, and a change. He won't have to strap a little Guantanamo Bay, Trinidad, and Puerto THE PANAMA CANAL REVIEW, for the pillow around his middle and he won't Rico. third year, is offering special subscrip- get prickly heat from a set of whiskers United States col- Mrs. Witkin taught English at Balboa tions for students in and a fur-trimmed hat. He'll be in leges. The rate is 50 cents for the High School before her marriage and now - Plainfield where the weather will be eight issues beginning with this one helps him with his work. Their daugh- October—and extending through May. considerably cooler. is applicable only to Clauses ter, Naomi, is married and lives in Peeks- This special rate Up there, there will be Santa or a college students. Cash money in department store. He could kill, N. Y. Michael is a senior at Balboa every order, together with the student's name give any of them a few pointers. High School. Samuel and Judy both and address, should be sent to the — attend Balboa elementary school where Editor, The Panama Canal Review The maximum civilian population of Samuel is a fifth grader and Judy is in Balboa Heights, C. Z. Zone was 61,279, in 1912. second grade. the Canal 12 THE PANAMA CANAL REVIEW October 7, 1955 TRANSFERRED

THAT OLD CHRISTMAS feeling is some- a more complicated train assembly, however, thing most people don't expect to get until should be delighted with a little cable engi ne after Thanksgiving. With the Commissary and trailer which operates on one flashlight Division, however, October is later than you battery and follows a rubber cable which can think and most Canal Zone residents will be laid out anywhere in Ihe house. Available agree that is the time to shop when they see also using the same battery principle are a the array of Christmas toys which will be red tractor, a Buick car with headlights that unveiled Saturday, October 22. The unveil- light, a searchlight jeep, a stratocruiser with ing and the sale of toys will take place propellors that turn, and a washing machine s multaneously on both sides of the Isthmus that washes. None of these toys will cost in Toy Centers in Balboa and Cristobal. Toy more than $2.00. centers in the local rate communities will In the wheel-toy section, in addition to the open at a later date wiih a complete assort- usual bicycles, tricycles, automobiles, and ment of toys. fire trucks, the Commissary will On the Pacific side the Toy Centers will be Things With have a 1956 junior-size model located on the second floor of the Balboa Wheels station wagon (no Irade-ins Commissary Housewares Annex and in the accepted), a Good Humor Tivoli Commissary area. truck, a police radar-patrol cycle with a Cristobal toylands will be set up in the built-in compartment, and a jet-ride, chain- building opposite the Cristobal Service Center drive, pump car with a bucket seat. This

Shoe Repair Shop on Tobago Street and in last item, which is operated on the same Camp Bierd Commissary. The Toy Centers principle as a railroad hand car, was popular EDWAR D M. ALTMAN, above, has been appointed will be open until Christmas during the same a number of years ago as the Irish Mail and Claims Examiner in the Office of the Comptroller on hours as the Balboa and Cristobal Com- even then was considered |ust the thing for completion of his four-year term as Masigtrate of the missaries, except Camp Bierd which will the little darlings to work off excess energy. Balboa Court. The appointment to the post of Claims operate on its regular schedule. Examiner will be effective this month. WHAT WOULD Christmas be without a A native of Lawrence, Mass., Judge Altman joined Commissary officials have made arrangements doll? Up to now we thought we had seen the Personnel Bureau of the Canal organization about to place all toys on sale when the toy cen- everything in dolls. They have learned to 14 years ago and served there until his appointment ter in each community opens—that is, wheel talk, walk, cry tears, drink water, take baths, to the Balboa Court in 1951. toys and electric trains and other items which roll their eyes, turn their heads and dance. will be succeeded He by John E. Deming, of sometimes were brought in later, will be This year, believe it or not, they open their Omaha, Neb., who will arrive in the Canal Zone late displayed for sale at the same time as every- lips and bare their teeth. The teeth can be this month. thing else. Christmas ornaments, however, brushed by their proud mamas with tooth- will go on sale in November. brushes which come as part of their complete Children Of Canal Zone Are Healthy Santa Claus has sent word that he will be wardrobe equipment. These special dolls, unable to be present at the opening day of costing about $1 3, can also do ordinary things (Continued from paged) pupils Mrs. Forbes the toy sales but he will be like walk and talk. Their hair can be washed examined. Tests are made with stand- Santa Later around later to visit the Canal and curled and they will stand up to being ard eye charts, letter for the older child- Zone boys and girls. An an- dipped in a tub of hot water. nouncement will be made in plenty of time dancing doll as large as an ordinary ren and "E's" in various positions for A for everyone to get to one of the toy centers five-year-old child, is one of the special items children who have not yet learned their to have a chat with Saint Nick. in the doll department this year. Made of alphabet. The toys themselves, which the Commissary flexible stuffed cotton, they have yarn hair For some reason, some children like to people claim are the finest line to be assembl- and are dressed in various bright costumes. ed in recent years in the Canal Zone, were is with dancing straps into wear glasses and the nurses must watch Each equipped ordered earlier this year by Lew W. Mcll- which a small child can slip her feet and thus carefully to prevent them from giving vaine, local Santa Claus representative, who convert dolly into a realistic dancing partner. incorrect readings just to get a pair of went to the United States in March and Other dolls come with and without ward- spectacles. Of course, they would be attended the 1955 Toy Fair to make his robes and some of the baby dolls have lay- for sales. washable and most of found out later anyhow, when they were selection the Christmas ettes; all of these are them practically indestructible. Prices range tested by an eye specialist. Then, there's AFTER A QUICK glance at the list of things from as low as $1 to $14.25 for the more the other side of the picture: The child- he ordered and at a token shipment being elaborate models. ren who won't wear glasses when they unpacked in the Commissary warehouse won't have to pretend to recently, it would appear that Canal Zone Little women should. Mrs. Forbes recalls one such if they have of small fry will be able to ask Santa for almost put the food in the oven one young lady; she said her "boy friend" anything from a super-duper set of building the aluminum cooking sets put out also didn't care for her in glasses. She was blocks to an outdoor gymnasium complete Starting by Mirro, the company which There Early makes standard-size kitchen ware. all of 8 years old. with slide and chinning bar. are also junior-size badminton sets, containing two In addition to the usual pots and Last year Miss Holcomb had to arrange which racquets, two birds, and a net, for as little as pans, the sets include percolators, can appointments at the Gorgas Hospital eye $3.25; professional looking archery sets for make real coffee and an electric mixer for clinic for Atlantic side students who the older children; and pogo sticks, those $2.95 which operates fine on a flashlight battery. needed prescriptions for glasses. She is wonderful contraptions which can be used by any agile person weighing from 40 to 150 Sturdy tables and chairs on which children delighted that this year Coco Solo Hos- pounds. up to eight years of age can sit comfortably, pital will have its own eye clinic. are to be sold this year in the Commissary For the younger children, emphasis has Toy Centers. The tables, 21 inches high and Children who need to wear glasses but been placed on educational toys, many of the chairs about 13 inches from the floor, whose parents are not able to provide them made by the well-known Holgate provide a good place for small children to have been aided by several people toys that are muscle builders and them Canal eat their meals, play games and serve refresh- stuffed toys made now of foam rubber and a Zone organizations, the nurses said. The ments to their friends. Best of all they can soft fuzzy covering guaranteed to be sanitary the Lion's be folded and stored away in the nearest Unitarian Society, Ralboa Club, as well as hugable. closet. and the Junior Red Cross have all given Good for a small child just beginning to of an exciting Christmas Day, help of this sort. walk is the Whimsy Horse, a type of rocking BY THE END most parents will be delighted if their off- Parents Notified horse which gallops like mad on a patent swing arrangement guaranteed to be child- spring and their friends would curl up by the As in the cases of dental defects, par- proof. For his slightly older brother or sister Christmas tree with a good book. In this ents are notified of children suspected of there are two- and three-seated "teeters" department, the Commissary has an excep- faulty vision. Not infrequently the or metal see-saws which take up little space tionally good selection this year. In addition to story books for all ages, there are paint nurses followed up these notes with per- and are easy for father to assemble. books, coloring books, and sketch books for sonal telephone calls to the or parents, All children, from the time they can talk, want the little folks as well as for the older child, most such calls being made after working electric trains, (and so do their dads, of who has a flair for art. Painting sets and table hours or during weekends. course). The famous Lionel trains, separ- games also are in this department and happy ately and in sets both in 027-gauge and 0- will be the parent who finds that a number The heaviest workload for both nurses gauge, will be sold by the Commissary toy of these items have been presented to younger at the of the has always come beginning centers again this year. Those too young for members of the family by good old Santa. school year. This load will be better distributed now that the Latin American some time but both took brush-up courses when Canal Zone children received their school year has been changed to conform recently and now use that language second inoculations, Mrs. Forbes and Miss with that of the Panama schools. wherever they can to the Latin American Holcomb worked all day supplementing The change to Spanish-language in- students. the regular nurses assigned to the program. struction in the Latin American schools Both of the school nurses have helped Mrs. Forbes and Miss Holcomb both has brought new problems to both nurses. during the past few months in the Salk have backgrounds of public health work; Both of them have known Spanish for polio vaccination program. Last Friday at first this was a hindrance (See page is) October 7, 1955 THE PANAMA CANAL REVIEW 13 HOLD THA T LINE

CANAL ZONE CHAMPIONS for the past two years, the Junior College left end. Center row: Kenneth Mohl, mascot; Alfonso Blackall, fullback; Green Devils are ready to take on the Balboa High School team tonight in Reginald Hayden, quarterback; Richard Gau, halfback; William Maloney, a football classic at Balboa Stadium, knowing that Balboa will do its best halfback; William McKeown, quarterback; Lambert Montovani, halfback; to knock them out of the championship, just as Cristobal will when it has James McKeown, halfback; Richard Seeley, guard; Stewart Brown, coach. an opportunity. Members of the Green Devils' first and second string Top row: Robert Fogel, end; Ralph Connor, tackle; Michael Hopiak, teams are: Bottom row: left to right: Michael Zimmerman, right end; Joseph guard; Vowel, right tackle; Calvin Fishbough, right guard; Burton Mead, center; John Riley, center; Douglas Gibbs, guard; Ricardo Royo, tackle; John Stephen Herring, left guard; John Thomas, left tackle; and Curtis Jeffries, Wood, center; and Gary Maddox, end.

"Good School System" Is Opinion Of program and a joint pupil-teacher drive tions in the United States which together for assembly programs that would use form the General Committee in Charge of Evaluators Who Visited Canal Zone the abilities and the skills of a great Cooperative Study of Secondary Schools.

(Continued from page l) and conscientious many students, and installation in the The General Committee establishes the devotion to the welfare of boys and girls Central Office of a plan for a follow-up criteria schools must meet in order to was found everywhere. of students both in college and in the attain formal accreditation. "The administration of a school system work-a-day world. The latter would be Individual schools voluntarily solicit such as is found in the Canal Zone has helpful in many ways, Dr. Kraybill accreditation which not only is important many peculiar aspects," the report con- writes, and "particularly helpful in in improving the opportunities of stud- tinues. "In the first place, there are placing students in colleges when the ents seeking higher education in the virtually two school systems for which great rush for college comes on as it will United States but to the schools in the administration is responsible. In in a very few years." It also is suggested measuring their own quality and excel- the next place, the community itself has that opportunities should be offered for lence. The first-hand examination by an no direct control over the administration in-service training of the staff in view of impartial accrediting agency with per- of the schools, either financial or in the ad- the fact that the Canal Zone is far away fection as its goal stimulates the school to ministration of the educational program. from great centers of intellectual life. accomplish continuous improvement and "It should be mentioned that in spite The contents of Dr. Kraybill's special insures the education program being kept of these differences all responsible agen- summary and the accompanying reports close to the realistic needs and to chang- cies concerned seem to be quite sensitive are not only important to the Canal Zone ing conditions. The "look-in-the-mirror" to the needs of the boys and girls in the c immunity locally, but to the Commis- process is an incentive for the schools to schools. This applies to the Governor, sion of the Middle States Association maintain flexible curricula giving recogni- the Lieutenant Governor, the Director of which will utilize the results of the Visit- tion to the needs of both students who Civil Affairs, as well as to the professional ing Committees' work in determining will not attend college and students who members of the staff. This is a fortunate whether the Balboa and Cristobal High will continue their studies elsewhere. circumstance because it could easily be Schools and the Canal Zone Junior Col- How well Cristobal High School, Balboa otherwise. In addition to these prob- lege should be accredited. Accreditation High School and the Canal Zone Junior lems, many matters must be cleared is granted only by the Commission at its College scored individually in the 1955 through Washington in the Executive and annual meeting in November, following accreditation test will be discussed, in the Legislative branches of the Government." an analysis of the many phases of the order named, in the next three issues of Recommending that the educational school program. Notification of the The Panama Canal Review.

program could be greatly improved if the final action is not scheduled to be received Central Office were granted some addi- until January of next year. Upon accred- Children Of Canal Zone Are Healthy tional supervisory assistance, Dr. Kray- itation of school, its a graduates may be (Continued from page IS) rather than bill writes that comparisons are accepted for the following "When 10-year period a help in the school program. Some of made, it must always be kept in mind for admission to most colleges without the younger children associated them the situation in the the of that educational requirement entrance examinations with something mildly unpleasant like Canal Zone is not that of a normal muni- or other qualifying rules. vaccinations or inoculations and were not cipality with a population of 50,000 As described in the June 1954 and inclined at first to believe that an eye or people. great diversity in the popu- The March 1955 issues of The Panama dental examination wasn't going to end lation, the impermanence of residence of Canal Review, the evaluation activity up with a "shot" for something. the pupils in the schools, calls for addi- leading to the writing of these reports "Or maybe," Miss Holcomb says in tional and thoughtful effort on the part involved a minute investigation of the her pleasant Southern drawl, "they think the educational staff." of schools, ranging from the qualification of anybodv in white's going to give them Suggested Improvements staff members and the program of studies a shot." Suggestions for improvement include to library services and the school plant. The school health program in the Canal wider use of audio-visual aids; more The evaluation was requested by the Zone is financed by the Division of attention to health services; a gradual Canal Zone Schools and was conducted Schools but carried out administratively transfer to students of a greater share of by the Middle States Association which under the supervision of the Division of responsibility for their own program and has jurisdiction over this area. This Preventive Medicine of the Health activity; better facilities for an auditorium Association is one of six regional Associa- Bureau. 14 THE PANAMA CANAL REVIEW October 7, 1955

PROMOTIONS AND TRANSFERS ANNIVERSARIES

August 15 through September 15 (Editor's Note: For the very senior man of them all see page 10 of this issue.) Employees who were promoted or trans- and Payroll Clerk, Payroll Branch, to 30 YEARS ferred between August 15 and September IS Clerk-Typist, Engineering Division. Two employees who celebrated their are listed below. Within-grade promotions HEALTH BUREAU thirtieth year of Government service last and administrative changes are not listed. Ramel H. Masters, Raymond E. Forbes, month are twins in service date and career. Health Reginald D. Armstrong and Clair E. CIVIL AFFAIRS BUREAU Sanitation Inspector, from Panama Ewing went to school together in Seville, Policeman and Office to Division of Sanitation. Walter G. McBride, from Ohio, their association pre-dating high Officer to Police Sergeant. MARINE BUREAU Motorcycle school. So it was quite natural that when Hiland, Police Division. Harry Van Loon, Arthur M. they grew up they should look for jobs from Assistant to Mrs. Eula R. Driscoll, from Guard, Locks Security Branch, to together. Mr. Ewing's uncle, C. A. Mclll- Director, Personnel Bureau, to Pacific Locks. Personnel Towing Locomotive Operator, vaine, was then Executive Secretary of The Division of Schools. Bell, Gilbert High School Teacher. Elvis H. Robertson, Billy D. Panama Canal. He told the young job- from Fireman, Fire Fireman Charles A. McGlade, M. Smith, Frank R. Costanzo, from hunters of two openings in what was called Clerk, Postal Division. Security Division, to Postal Fire Division, to Guard, Locks in those days the Receiving and Forwarding Mellander, from Tabulating Gustavo A. Branch. Agency, and is now the Terminals Division. Machine Operator, Payroll Branch, to Harold G. Crawford, from Chauffeur, Their Canal service began September 8, Postal Division. Transportation Division (Car of Postal Clerk, Motor 1925. Both started as clerks and neither Pauline E. Long, from Elementary President, Canal Company), to Mrs. Panama has ever worked for any other Canal unit. School Teacher to Kindergarten Assistant, Guard, Locks Security Branch. Mr. Armstrong is a Claims Investigator in ision of Schools. Dn PERSONNEL BUREAU Cristobal and Mr. Ewing is Supervisory Mrs. Carol M. Swenson, from Substitute Mrs. Barbara B. Ramey, Clerk-Stenog- Administrative Assistant in Balboa. Teacher to Elementary School Teacher, rapher, from General Services Section to Another of September's 30-year men has 1 >i\ ision of Schools. Office of the Personnel Director. unbroken Canal service. He is Kenneth Mrs. Miriam S. Hirschl, Mrs. Marion L. Margaret A. Zent, from Student Assist- D. Slowick, Master Machinist with the Girard, Mrs. Bessie C. Herring, Mrs. Era ant to Clerk-Stenographer, Wage and Industrial Division in Cristobal. Born in L. Greene, Mrs. Vera G. Irving, from Sub- Classification Division. Niagara Falls, N. Y., he served for three stitute Teacher to Kindergarten Assistant, years in the U. S. Navy aboard the USS Division of Schools. SUPPLY BUREAU Huntington. Except for a few months with Francis W. Hickey, from Locomotive OFFICE OF THE COMPTROLLER the Locks Division, all of his service has Crane Steam Engineer to Salvage Yard Systems Account- been with what is now the Industrial John E. Fisher, from Lead Foreman, Division of Storehouses. ant, Accounting Systems Staff, to Assistant Division. Division. TRANSPORTATION AND TERMINALS The other two employees who completed Chief, Accounting BUREAU Thomas H. Scott, from Systems Account- 30 years of government service in Septem- Repair Shop ant to Supervisory Systems Accountant, Wilson H. Waldron, Body ber, Robert S. Wood, Supervisory Signal Accounting Systems Staff. Supervisor from Cristobal to Ancon, Motor Engineer for the Railroad Division, and Robert Lessiack, from Budget Analyst Transportation Division. Charles P. Shay, Assistant to the Chief of from Body Repair to Supervisory Budget Analyst, Budget Walter H. Hobby, the Commissary Division's Retail Stores Shop Supervisor, Ancon, to Motor Trans- Branch, have broken service. Both began Branch. . Clerk, portation Supervisor, Motor Transporta- their Canal careers as boys and Mrs. Mary J. Yaeger, Accounting resumed from Agents Accounts Branch, to General tion Division. them after they were grown. Ledger and Processing Branch. Fay M. Brown, from Painter-Body Mr. Wood, whose father was an account- Typist, from Repairman to Body Repair Shop Supervisor here for many years, w-as Mrs. Ruth J. Bain, Clerk ant born in (Cristobal), Motor Transportation Division. Central Typing and Clerical Unit, to Washington but came to the Isthmus when Treasury Branch. he was less than two years old. He worked Earl C. Keeney, from Cash Accounting as a "boy" and as a gardener during school Clerk (Collection) to Cash Accounting vacations. His adult career began when he Division Clerk (Teller), Treasury Branch. OCTOBER SAILINGS joined the Electrical in 1927 as a maintainer; he has been John Montayne, from Systems Account- signal with the Railroad since 1945. ant to Supervisory Systems Accountant, Mr. Shay, a native of Oil City, Pa., came Methods and Relief Assignment Staff. From Cristobal to the Isthmus when he was eight. Carl M. Pajack, from Accountant to He Ancon October 1 Relief worked one summer as a messenger in the old Systems Accountant, Methods and October Panama 8 Record Bureau. When he was 18 he took Assignment Staff. Cristobal October 15 Accounting Assist- off for the States to work and eventually William E. Hall, from Ancon October 22 Branch, saw a good deal of the world in a three-year ant, Reports and Reconciliation 29 1'a mi ma October hitch in the Marine Corps. He has been to Systems Accountant, Methods and Relief with the Commissary Division since 1930. Assignment Staff. From New York Stephen A. Bissell, from Supervisory Cristobal October 6 25 YEARS Accounting Clerk to Accounting Assistant, Ancon October 13 Two employees completed a quarter of Methods and Relief Assignment Staff. Panama October 20 a century of Government service last month. Charles M. Middleton, from Chief to Cristobal October 27 Robert C. Smith, a Filtration Plant Oper- Valuation Engineer, Plant In- ator with the Maintenance Division at Supervising (Southbound the Haiti stop is from 7 a. m. and Appraisal Staff. Mount Hope, has unbroken service with the ventory to 4 p. m. Monday; northbound, ships are Canal organization. He was born in Mass- ENGINEERING AND CONSTRUCTION also in Port-au-Prince Monday, from about achusetts. His first Canal job was as a BUREAU 1 to 6 p. m.) Clerk in the old Municipal Engineering from Powerhouse Donald E. Judson, Division. Operator to Senior Powerhouse Operator, Russell J. Parsons, an Auto Repair Electrical Division. Machinist with the Transportation and Morris, from Construction James J. Terminals Bureau, is a native of Michigan Inspector, Contractors Hill, to Contract RETIREMENTS but has spent most of his life in the Canal Contract and Inspection Division. Assistant, Zone. He attended school in Empire, TJlrich W. Hughes, from Instrument Re- certificates were presented worked as a messenger and a towerman with Electrical Leader to Foreman, Retirement pairman the old Central Division when still in his Repair Shop, Elec- the end of August to the following employees Electrical Instrument and later served his apprenticeship who are listed alphabetically, together with teens, trical Division. machinist in the Canal Zone. birthplaces, titles, length of Canal as a His Harry E. Pearl, from Construction Man- their addresses: father was a railroad conductor. agement Engineer, Contractors Hill, to service, and future 20 YEARS Civil Engineer, Engineering Division. Thomas E. Bougan, Louisiana; Chief, Robert G. Laatz, from Construction En- Retail Stores Branch, Commissary Divi- All but one of September's 20-year em- gineer to Maintenance Engineer, Mainte- sion; 22 years, 1 month, 5 days; St. Peters- ployees have continuous service with the nance Division. burg, Fla. Canal organization, and several have the Bob D. Maynard, from Assistant Plumb- Mrs. Eva E. Dickson, Pennsylvania; same service dates. Those with unbroken ing Supervisor to Lead Foreman Plumber, rime and Leave Clerk, Balboa Port Cap- service are: Maintenance Division. tain's Office; 10 years, 8 months, 4 days; John R. Bruland, Jr., born in Ancon, l Northern District). Fred L. Watson, from Repair Shop Fore- Bangor, Maine. one-time apprentice, and now Boilermaker man to Heavy Duty Equipment Mechanic, David L. Gatz, Louisiana; Auditor, Office and Tank Tester in the Industrial Division; Maintenance Division. of the Comptroller; 26 years, 7 months, '24 Thomas J. Pimento, born in Pedro Miguel, Manuel Quintero, from Contract Assist- days; address uncertain. also a one-time apprenticeship and now a ant. Contract and Inspection Division, to Frank W. Hohmann, Pennsylvania; Au- Machinist with the Industrial Division; Civil Engineer, Engineering Division. ditor. Office of the Comptroller; 31 years, George J. Herring, a native of Washington, James A. Van Dyke, from Crater and 3 months. 22 days; St. Petersburg, Fla. now a Railroad conductor; Maxwell S. Packer Leader to Crater and Packer Fore- William R. Knox, Kansas; Postal Clerk, Sanders, another native Zonian, now man, Maintenance Division. Balboa; 16 years, 2 months, 9 clays; near Assistant Marine Bunkering Foreman with William H. Will, from Bricklayer and Topeka, Kans. the Terminals Division; William E. Kirk- Plasterer and Tilesetter to Brick or Stone Mrs. Ella E. Wertz, Louisiana, Mail land, Scotch-born, a Diesel Operator- Mason, Maintenance Division. Clerk, Administrative Branch; 16 years, Machinist with the Electrical Division; Mrs. Rose L. Thomas, from Time, Leave 2 months, 17 days; New Orleans, La. Adamary Anderson, Cristobal High School ;

October 7,1955 THE PANAMA CANAL REVIEW 15

Teacher; Calmar A. Batalden, Supervisor Golf clubs nation by Canal Zone Government customs officers Other items similar to the that are of household goods, wearing apparel and other of Shop in the Latin-American Schools; above used in or about the house or as recrea- articles, the cording and sealing of which is permitted Dorothy K. Henry, Teacher at South Mar- tional items under current customs regulations, to be shipped to garita School; Richard L. Sullivan, General (c) The shipment of household goods and the United States, is optional to the employee and Manager of the Commissary Division; personal effects acquired in anticipation of for his convenience in effecting customs entry of the termination shall not be made at Government goods into the United States. In view of the incon- Joseph L. H. Demers, Supervisory Storage expense. In the case of new employees, no venience involved and the expense which must be Officer of the Division of Storehouses; and expense shall be allowable for the transportation incurred and paid by the employee from personal Mrs. Mary B. Journeay who, as a Balboa of property acquired en route. funds in connection with the entry into the United (d) In the case of craftsmen traveling by States of uncorded and unsealed shipments, term- High School Teacher, has instructed a good plane the Government will bear the cost of the inated employees should arrange through the Trans- many Isthmians in the tricks of typing transportation of the customary tools, including portation Section to have corded and sealed by and shorthand. container, of their trade deemed absolutely Canal Zone Government customs officers such house- essential in the performance of their duties, as hold goods and personal effects as are permitted Mr. Bruland and Mr. Pimento went to excess baggage up to 25 pounds, in cases in under customs regulations and as are not transported which the inclusion work for the Canal organization on the of the tools causes the com- as baggage. bined weight of the tools and personal baggage 2.16 Certification of weights, cubic measurements same day —September 3, 1935. Four oth- to exceed the free baggage allowance. and contents. The unit or agency with whom arrange- ers— Miss Anderson, Mr. Batalden, Miss (e) Baggage in excess of the weight or size ments are made for the packing and crating of house- Henry and Mr. Sullivan —share September greater than carried free by transportation com- hold goods and personal effects shall furnish the panies will be classed as excess baggage. Claims Comptroller with a certified statement as to the 19, 1935, as their service date. for excess baggage charges will be allowed when weight, cubic measurement, and contents of each authorized in travel orders. shipment. Statements contents shall be The 20-year employee whose service is as to 2.5 Temporary storage. The actual expenses of certified by an employee authorized to supervise or broken is Joseph V. Dignam, Customs temporary storage (not to exceed authorized weight) actually perform the packing and crating operation. Inspector at Cristobal who is now spending shall be allowed not to exceed 60 days, except that The owner of the goods may perform that operation not to exceed 90 days allowed where an his vacation as a crewman on a European- may be but in such event he shall prepare and furnish the employee, pursuant to section 6.3 of these regulations, packing agency with a properly itemized packing bound ship. returns for leave prior to serving a new period of list, including the required certificate, for transmis- service outside the continental United States at a sion to the Comptroller. Packing lists shall not different post of duty. include items not allowable under this regulation. (From section 20 of Executive Order 9805, as amend- 2.17 Preparation and disposition of ocean bills of Eighteen of September's 15-year em- ed by Bureau of the Budget Circular A-4, May 2, lading. The employee shall furnish the Administra- ployees have unbroken Canal service. 1955) tive Branch, Transportation Section, all necessary 2.6 Means of shipment. Transportation services, information required for forwarding the shipment. They are: William N. Arthur, Signalman, including allowances specified in section 2.2 and 2.3 Such information shall be transmitted by the Admin- Navigation Division; Roy F. Burr, Account- hereof, may be procured by the Panama Canal Com- istrative Branch, Transportation Section, to the ing Clerk, Commissary Division; Gilbert pany or Canal Zone Government from any available carrier at the time the goods are presented for ship- common carrier: Provided, however. That an em- ment. Ocean bills of lading shall show the owner of H. Davis, Lock Operator Ironworker ployee may elect to have his effects moved by some the goods as the shipper. Welder, Pacific Locks; Stephen A. Dreyer, means other than the means selected by the Com- 2.18 Routing and consignment of shipments. The Wireman, Electrical Division; Edward G. pany-Government (except as provided in section 2.12 Administrative Branch, Transportation Section, shall of these regulations) on the condition that he shall be responsible for the routing to port of entry of all in the Electrical Haydel, Jr., also a wireman pay the amount, if any. by which the charges for household goods and personal effects shipped to the Division; Marion S. Herring, Chief Tow- the means of transportation selected by him exceed United States pursuant to these regulations. Gener- boat Engineer in the Dredging Division the charges for the means of transportation selected ally, shipments will be consigned to a Government by the Company-Government. representative at port of entry, and routing to the Little, Master, James M. Senior Towboat (Based on section 21 of Executive Order 9805. final destination will be arranged by that official. Dredging Division; Cornelia Malmberg, amended by Executive Order 10381) 2.19 Customs fees. A fee of $1.00 shall be col- Balboa Elementary School Teacher; Porter 2.7 Origin and destination of shipment. The lected by Canal Zone Government customs officers expenses of transportation authorized hereunder, or for each customs certificate made by them. M. McHan, Leadingman Combination reimbursement on a commuted basis within the 2.20 Reimbursement of expenses not authorized. Welder, Industrial Division; F. A. McGuin- continental United States, shall be allowable (a) in The employee will not be reimbursed in connection ness, Conductor, Railroad Division; Fred- the case of transfer whether the shipment originates with the shipment of household goods and personal at the employee's last official station or at some other effects for: erick A. Mohl, Fireman, Balboa Central point, or partially at both, or whether the destination (a) Services or materials furnished in connec- Fire Station; is the new official station or some other point selected tion with packing and crating on the Isthmus. by him, or both; or (b) in the case of new appoint- (b) Expenses incurred for marine or other Mabel F. Peterson, Accounting Clerki ments and terminations, whether the shipment insurance. Commissary Division; David H. Searle, Jr., originates at the employee's actual residence at the (c) Expenses on account of exceeding the Policeman; Balboa Police District; Howard time of appointment or at some other point, or authorized weight allowance. partially at both, or whether the destination is such (d) Excess cost of shipment of household Rail- T. Tettenburn, Locomotive Pipefitter, place of actual residence at time of appointment, or goods and personal effects on account of ship- road Division; Homer W. Watkins, Fire- some other place selected by the employee, or both; ment in more than one lot. man, Gamboa Fire Station; Joseph H. provided, That the cost to the Company-Government shall not exceed the cost of shipment in one lot by White, Supervisory Storage Officer, Divi- the most economical route from the last official sion of Storehouses; Russell T. Wise, station to the new or between the employee's place Company Budgets Expenditure Of $7,170,000 Safety Engineer, Safety Branch; and of actual residence at time of appointment and the Canal Zon? or Haiti, as the case may be. Bricklayer and Boiler- William B. Wray, 2.8 Use of Government bill of lading. Shipment For Replacement Of Towing Locomotives maker, Industrial Division. shall be made on Government bill of lading whenever possible, otherwise reimbursement shall be made to Dreyer, Mr. Herring and Mr. Mol 1 Mr. the employee for transportation expenses actually (Continued from page i) of the manu- all joined the Canal organization on Septem- and necessarily incurred within the limitations pre- these regulations. facturer's design. ber 13, 1940; Mr. McHan and Mr. Tetten- scribed by If property in excess of the amount allowable under these regulations is the next day; Mr. Little, Mr. Most of the towing locomotives to be burn followed shipped on a Government bill of lading, the employee McGuinness and Mr. Wise share a Septem- shall immediately upon completion of the shipment replaced are older than the Panama the proper office of ber 18, 1940 employment date. pay to the Company-Government an amount equal to the charge for the transportation Canal. They were designed by Edward Fifteen-year employees whose Canal serv- of such excess computed from the total charges Schildhauer, electrical-mechanical engi- according to the ratio of excess weight to the total ice is broken are; Robert J. Balcer, Postal weight of the shipment. neer of the Isthmian Canal Commission, Clerk; Joseph M. Hunt, Marine Traffic (From section 22 of Executive Order 9805) also designed most of the electrical Controller; Frances B. Orvis, Clerk-typist, 2.9 Use of lift vans. Charges allowable hereunder who Motor Transportation Division; Wallace for packing and crating and for transportation shall equipment for the Canal. The towing include expenses incurred in hiring, transporting, and Safety Inspector, Terminals F. Russon, packing lift vans when shipments are made in whole locomotives were, in fact, devised for Division; and James E. Stuart, Property or in part by water, but shall not include charges in Panama Canal use and their design was and Supply Clerk, Aids to Navigation connection with any shipments of empty lift vans or for payment of storage charges or import duties patented by Mr. Schildhauer. Branch. on lift vans. (From section 23 of Executive Order 9805) Oldtimers 2.10 Preparation of vouchers. In preparing vouchers for payments under these regulations the follow- Forty of the 67 locomotives were built ing conditions shall be observed: (a) Statement of weight. When charges for by the General Electric Company prior transportation are based upon actual weight, the to the opening of the Canal. The other EXECUTIVE REGULATION 19 (not estimated) weight shall be shown. lb) Payment by more than one voucher. When 30, including three modified for use as all the services rendered are not covered by a single voucher, vouchers covering payment for cranes, were built at various times since. revision of Executive Editor's Note: A subsequent charges all shall bear a reference to Four were manufactured in 1916 and 12 Regulation No. 19, covering travel and the prior vouchers. transportation was issued at Balboa Heights (From section 10 of Executive Order 9805) more between 1921 and 1924 by General 2.11 Valuation. The valuation of property as recently'. It will be published in install- declared for shipping purposes shall not exceed that Electric. The other 14 were built by the with the third installment carried ments at which the lowest freight rates will apply. If the Mechanical and Locks Divisions. in this issue for the benefit of those who employee desires a higher valuation, he shall assume all costs of transportation in excess of the charges at Ample evidence of the difference desire to clip and save the entire regulation. in the lowest rate. costs over the past 45 years is the manu- CANAL ZONE GOVERNMENT (From section 24 of Executive Order 9805) 2.12 Shipment by American vessels. All shipment facturing costs of the towing locomotives. PANAMA CANAL COMPANY of property by water shall be made on ships registered under the laws of the United States whenever such The first group was built in 1913 at a OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR-PRESIDENT ships are available. When American flag vessel is not available within 30 days from desired date of cost of about $13,000 each. Some of those shipment foreign flag vessel may be utilized. built between 1921 and 1924 cost nearly (Based on section 25 of Executive Order 9805, as Balboa Heights, C. Z. amended by Executive Order 10196) $50,000, and those built after World War June 24, 1955. 2.13 Itemization of charges. In case the services rendered cover, in addition to transportation, other II cost more than $100,000 each. Revision 1 — (Continued) services such as packing, crating, drayage, unpack- Most of the towing locomotives in use ing, and uncrating, the total charge for the services II. TRANSPORTATION OF HOUSEHOLD shall be itemized so as to show the charge for each have reached such a degree of wear or GOODS AND PERSONAL EFFECTS service. obsolescence that they would require com- (b) Household goods and personal effects may (From section 26 of Executive Order 9805) include, within the authorized weight limit, and 2.14 Procedure for obtaining shipment of goods plete rebuilding for further serviceable subject to paragraph (c) of this section: and effects. After obtaining necessary travel orders, Furniture and furnishings such as are usual employees shall make arrangements as instructed use. Engineering studies, as conducted by the Transportation Section, Administrative and customary for the maintenance of a by Company and U. S. consultants, household establishment Branch, for packing, crating, weighing, measuring, Books stenciling, temporary storage, and drayage of their showed that it would be more economical Hobby power tools and equipment household goods and personal effects for shipment as Amateur radio equipment consigned by the employees. Such arrangements to purchase new locomotives than to re- made by the employee personally or through Hand tools may be build the old ones which would involve Bicycles an agent duly authorized by the employee in a written Outboard motors communication addressed to the Transportation serious problems such as the replacement Firearms Section. Cameras and photographic equipment 2.15 Customs inspection on the Isthmus. Exami- of parts not now being manufactured. . cv <

16 THE PANAMA CANAL REVIEW October 7, 1955

Panama Line Ship Schedule Disrupted fad SHIPS m SHIPPING ,j^i = By Hurricanes, Strikes, Engine Trouble Transits by Ocean-Going Vessels In August o> = 1955 1954 Commercial 676 652

Total.. 692 683 <3>- Tolls* Commercial $2,985,970 $2,757,574

U. S. Government _ 75, 943 1 80, 794

Total $3,061,913 $2,938,368

* Includes all vessels, ocean-going and small.

The wide fluctuations which occur on a month-to-month basis in Panama Canal traffic were evident over the past three months. A new monthly record number of commercial transits was established in July but traffic dropped sharply in Aug- gust. The total for August was 51 under the July figures. September traffic was running about midway between the figures for the two previous months, the daily rate for the first 27 days of the month being about one transit higher than the daily rate of the previous month.

The average size of ships transiting the Canal and the average amount of tolls paid have risen considerably during this

year. The amount of cargo per ship is also running much higher this year than last. In July tolls averaged $4,494 per ocean-going transit, the highest for any month in several years. The average for this year is $4,317, as compared with last calendar year's average of $4,225. The increase in average tolls and size of vessels is attributed almost entirely to the tanker traffic in recent months. Trans- its by the "super tankers" have been high for several months. Comparatively little change has been noted in the size of dry cargo ships this year as compared with last year.

RAIN and all, these Zonians were glad to be back home. Shown above are some of the 70 persons The Pacific Steam Navigation Com- who were stranded in New York when a shipping strike prevented the sailing of the SS Cristobal and pany has announced that calls at ports the special plane on which they were flown to the Canal Zone through arrangements made by Gov- in Venezuela, Trinidad, and Portugal will ernor Seybold. Above is the special plane just after it landed at Albrook Field; below are some of the passengers waiting to go through Customs. be added next year to the company's European-South American service. The service will be inaugurated with the sail- Hurricanes, strikes, and engine trouble Special," developed engine trouble while ing of the Reina del Pacifico next April. combined to scramble the well-ordered passing the Bahamas and was a day and The new Reina del Mar will join the serv- schedule of the three Panama Line ships a half late in arrival. The ship was fur- ice the following month, sailing from during September so badly that it was ther delayed while necessary repairs were Liverpool to South America on May 3. barely recognizable by the end of the made by the Industrial Division. The air-conditioned luxury call month. Meanwhile, the Panama, northbound, liner will at French, Spanish, and Caribbean ports As a result of the delays, and missed had to be diverted to Baltimore because on its maiden voyage, arriving in Cristo- sailing dates a complete new schedule has of the waterfront strike in New York, and bal May 24. Eight voyages are planned been announced for the coming months the Cristobal, ready to sail southbound, for the two vessels next year making calls for the three vessels. No changes will be was delayed in New York for more than at the additional ports. made in the sailing dates and hours, but a week. the sailing schedules for the SS Panama Seventy of the Cristobal's 150 passen- The Panama liner Cristobal will sail and SS Cristobal have been exchanged. gers stranded in New York were flown to from Cristobal on Friday, November 4, The result is that the order of sailing the Isthmus on a chartered Pan American instead of Saturday, November 5, to per- is now the Ancon, Panama, and Cristobal; Airways plane. Arrangements for the mit its arrival in New York on the day this began with the southbound sailing charter flight were made by Governor before Armistice Day, which is a holiday. of the SS Ancon from New York on Sep- Seybold who was in the States at the tember 22. time. The plane made a direct flight from It was also announced last month that New York wr ith a single stop in Miami Fire Prevention Week To Begin Nexl Monday the assignment of the three ship masters for refueling. has been changed. The new assignments The Cristobal was further delayed by (Continued from page 2) their town where now are: Capt. Charles L. Foley, Cristo- the hurricane lone which swept up the they may inspect and be given explana- bal; Capt. F. DeF. Gorman, Ancon; and eastern seaboard just after the ship sailed. tions of the type of equipment used. Capt. William J. Steffens, Panama. It finally arrived on Friday afternoon, A special feature next week will be a one week and two days behind normal "House of Hazards" planned by the Army Hurricanes And Strikes schedule. It sailed northbound on Sun- fire fighting forces at Fort Clayton. This The Panama Line schedule trouble last day, September 25, and was to take its will be open all week to the general pub- month started on the first northbound place on the new schedule on its return lic. The "House of Hazards" will feature and southbound sailings in September. voyage to the Isthmus, leaving New York the things not to do and the things that The Ancon, this year's "Schoolteacher- vesterdav. cause disastrous fires.