Comments on: Mathews Conveyer

By: Joanne Offutt Wiedman

Joanne Offutt Wiedman — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 15:52:56 +0000

My father was John W Offutt,Jr who is mentioned in this article as “Chief Draftsman” of Mathews Conveyer. I grew up during his career first at Mailer-Searles then at Mathews in San Carlos, CA and finally in Chico, CA. Many of the names mentioned in this article are familiar to me and brought back good memories.

By: Louise Hancher

Louise Hancher — Sat, 10 Apr 2010 14:56:44 +0000

I keep in touch with Jack & Marjorie Forsyth. Mathews became Rexnord and moved to Danville, Kentucky when I was in college. Jack sent me a copy of an article in the local newspaper(KY) that the plant was closing. There are alot of Mathews folks in Danville.
Tell me where your brothers & sisters are. Andrea used to babysit me when I was growing up.
Louise

By: Lesley Hoffman

Lesley Hoffman — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 19:24:12 +0000

I lived in Ellwood City from birth until I was about 7. My father was transfered there to work for Mathews conveyer. This would have been from the 1960′s to early 70′s. I have been back a few times and still dearly dearly miss it all. The place and people had such an impact on me. I have a wonderful women that practically raised me until i moved away and she is know as Aunt Gen in the neighbourhood. She is failing with her health. I would like to know if anyone has a newspaper copy about the developement of homes on Beechwood Blv. I know Mrs. Wattick has one but she is not mentally stable for me to ask for it. Any history of Mathew’s conveyer would be appreciated in that area. I would like to pass it on to my children. I now live in Ontario Canada but miss Ellwood ever so much. Lesley

By: Dale A. Brown Jr.

Dale A. Brown Jr. — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 16:58:28 +0000

Mathews Conveyer Co. was a great place to work. I spent 10 years there and spent many years working in Old Mill “E”. It was the dirtiest part of the plant to work but we were paid a bonus for production so many parts. My Supervisor was Al Biego who was in charge of the department as well as the 4 Heat Treating Furnaces that I operated. His secretary was Pat Rossman and she really kept an eye on our production charts and if our production would fall of several points she would always come and ask why, for we usually ran 150%. My work life there was mainly in the Mill “E” and and I knew everyone that worked there. Many names come to mind and just to name a few Robert “Speed” Miskolske,Duane Weingartner,Pete Muhhollen,Carl Campbell, Ken Ketterer, Gail Blair, Bill Owens, Harold Offutt, Grace Laritz, Jean Brown (my Aunt) Robert Kissick, Tom “Tom the Bomb” Shaffer, Bill Steveson, Paul Rossman (husband of Pat Rossman), Al Parente, Mike Prestopine, Jack “Hummer” Houk”, Tom Henry, Gene “Yoke” Angelucci, Gene “Yummer” Laritz,Harold Parker, Harold “Hap” Parker, Larry Parker, John Zeigler, Bob Wade John Biega Sr, John Beiga Jr.,Lynn Van Kirk, Daniel “Joe” Weisz and Forman Chalmers Workley who had his hands full keeping an eye on us and keeping us all busy.Ward Hoffman,Amos Mazzant Sr. and Amos Jr (before he became famous), Odd McCleary, Tony Yanello, Charles Mitchell who was Maintenence Super. and his son Charles Jr. One of the mysteries there was when Dan “Joe” Weisz would work 11-7 shift his car (an emerald green Olds Cutlass W-90) would be sitting out in the parking lot looking like it just came off the showroom, bright and shiny and not a mark on it at the end of the shift in the morning. It was like working with a family and I was sorry to see it go. Many of the names here are no longer with us but left an impression on me. And after reading the article it sounds like it was just about given away. Mathews closing was one of the blows the city took. In the good times you could go to just about any plant in town and get hired. I have many good friends and great memories from working there. This article brought back alot of great memories that I haven’t thought about for years!! Thanks Guys!!