Joe Holwager
Charlie and I were friends in our hometown of Scottsburg, Indiana, and thereafter. He is greatly missed.... There are many fond memories... here is one.
We lived within walking distance of the "corn factory." Owned by Morgan Packing Co., this canning factory was operated annually for the sweet corn pack in late summer. Area farmers trucked loads of picked corn to the factory which ran pretty much non stop until the pack was in. The call went out for workers and Charlie and I presented ourselves at the age of 16. Since they needed all the help they could get for the intense few weeks, we were hired. It wasn't a full-time job, wasn't even a steady temporary job. The factory sprung to life when the farmers showed up at the gate with corn and stayed on the job until all the corn on hand was received and canned. It went quiet when the flow of corn paused temporarily due to rain hindering field work, and, of course, it halted for good when the season ended. To call workers and signal that there was work, the factory whistle blew and blew until enough hands reported..
Sometimes I think I still hear that whistle calling and see Charlie and I grab our work gloves and head out, practically at a run. Generally, we'd meet on the way and report for work with the eager expectation of earning a dollar per hour. A few times when the factory was running all out we'd be asked to stay on for a second shift. Punching out at 2 a.m.once after completing newly two continuous eight-hour shifts, we stumbled home in the dark, weary from the long hours and monotonous labor..
Looking back, I realize we were "coming of age" that summer.... Charlie may you rest in peace.... My condolences to Aldena and your surviving family.
Your friend: Joe Holwager, Scottsburg H.S. class of '58.
