On Friday, September 30, 2011, Myrle Phelps walked out the doors of LeClaire Manufacturing for the last time, closing the book on a career that began February 21, 1973. Do the math; that’s thirty-eight years ago. We have many employees that aren’t even close to thirty-eight years old, let alone having worked for that long.
When Myrle started with LeClaire Manufacturing back on that bitter cold, snowy day, he reported to the old white brick building just east of Sneaky Pete’s in LeClaire. His first job was grinding, which he didn’t particularly like but as was typical of Myrle, he performed his duties as requested, never complaining. Shortly, he became a saw operator and held this job until 2001 when he moved on to become a shipping department fork truck operator. Myrle’s commitment to work is easily reflected by his resolve to show up every morning and get the job done, his “absences” through his 38 years with LeClaire can be counted on two hands.
Before Joining LeClaire Manufacturing, Myrle worked at a chicken ranch in Long Grove, Iowa and later at Big River Equipment just down the street from the current LeClaire Manufacturing Casting Plant, as well as a mechanic at a local garage. Myrle has pretty much “seen it all” here at LeClaire Manufacturing.
So what is Myrle going to do with all of his free time now that he’s not reporting to work? For one, I know that he is currently restoring a 1942 Chrysler, a 1947 Plymouth, a 1950 Packard, a 1954 Pontiac and a 1966 Tiempo. In addition, he collects antique gasoline signs and gas pump globes that used to decorate the top of gas pumps. Other than that, he plays ‘em pretty close to the vest and just says, “I’ve got several projects planned.”
“Thank you” Myrle for a lifetime of service to LeClaire Manufacturing.