Pumps and People in Four Parts, Part 1

Hi, Jim: One of my degrees was chemical engineering, so pumps have been high on my list. Thanks.

Can't let this go without an(other) anecdote: About 1957 our mechanics went on a (friendly!) strike, two or three weeks. (Believe it or not, we had several.)

I had just bought a used car (Ford coupe) from a recently deceased (my) doctor' heirs. In the trunk was an old-fashioned doctor's case. To my pleasant amazement, it was filled with a fairly new and fairly complete tool set. Lagniappe. Only paid $400 for the car.

Believe it or not, I was good packer of pumps. And assistant to the WR (Wisconsin Rapids) mill production manager. Leaky packing? Call the Dr., me.

I have another, not pump related, story from then, if you want it.

George Mead

Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin

USA

---

Thanks! Other than Bill Laidig, I'll bet there is not another retired CEO that says they can pack a pump. Send the other story, I would be glad to hear it.

Jim

---

1. With the new pumps and packing, I doubt that I could do it today. But I could learn!~

2. Frozen valve on the bottom of a clay tank. Needed to be replaced. Short nipple; my Dr's bag wrench not long or tough enough. 5:30 PM. Me: "Will you need this tonight?" Operator: "No, we can get by."

So the next morning I go to the storeroom and check out a 3-4 foot wrench. Go to tank and attach wrench. Crew watching; I should have been suspicious. Pull and fall on my butt. Crew had broken all union rules and loosened it for me.

I said they were friendly strikes.

George

****

Have a comment? Send your email to jthompson@taii.com. Unless you tell us otherwise, we will assume we can use your name if we publish your letter.