This Day in History: 1952-10-06

At a dinner in his honor, Richard Valentine was given an award for completing 50 years of continuous service with the American Brake Shoe Company. He went to work for Brake Shoe on June 15, 1902 at the age of 14. After being with the company for 8 years, he was promoted in 1910 to the position of foreman of the core shop, a job which he has held ever since. He is a native of Darlington and now lives in his own house in Mahwah with his wife Matilda. He has a married son and two grandchildren. His colleagues in the core room presented him with a complete set of lawn furniture which he can enjoy while resting from his favorite hobby, gardening. In addition to his 50 year award, he was given a gift of his choice, several shares of stock in the company. (Bristow)