Tallassee Power Company Will Welcome Returning Soldiers to Previous Jobs at Badin, 1919

From the editorial pages of The Badin Bulletin, March 1, 1919

Welcome Returning Soldiers

By J.E.S. Thorpe

Upon the entrance of America into the world war, the desire to do some service for our country was the cause of Badin losing a number of her boys. The first call for volunteers for the Army, Navy, and Marine Corps was met with a hearty response, and quite a number left us to serve in the various naval and military branches of the Government. We were very sorry to lose these fine young men, but reconciled ourselves with the belief that it would only be for a short time, and that we would soon welcome them back as conquering heroes.

We regret the necessity of having to accept the fact that so far two of these boys will never return, and it is to the relatives and friends of these two that our hearts go out in sympathy. To the more fortunate ones, we extend our glad hand of welcome, and give them the assurance that insofar as it is possible their old or better jobs will be awaiting them. Should any worthy ones return whom we would not be able to take care of to their entire satisfaction, on account of the quick and uncertain changes which are taking place, caused by a more or less uncertain future, I ask these men not to lose faith in us, for we are looking out for them.

The Tallassee Power Company, under the guidance of the parent company, The Aluminum Company of America, is behind our government too strongly to let any soldier who was drafted by his government return with any regrets.

And to other returning soldiers, who may never have worked at Badin, I want to say that we have certain kinds of work in which they will find satisfaction, should we be able to employ them after we have taken care of our former soldier employees.

For a man who has undergone the rigorous trials of war, I know of no place of employment more agreeable to his future welfare than Badin, endowed as it is with pleasant surroundings, with people who extend the welcome hand and spirit of unity, which is what all people should strive to obtain. Here he can turn his hand again to the advancement of civilization.

The climate is most beneficial, and recreation after work is well provided for; so if this Bulletin, which was started for an is maintained in the interest of the employees, falls into the hands of one of these returned soldiers, I trust he will communicate with the Employment Manager, who will be pleased to answer any and all questions concerning the work and living conditions.

In closing, I wish to state that, contrary to the procedure in many places, the Tallassee Power Company maintained the schedule of house rents and other charges the same as in peace times, and this notwithstanding the substantial increases made in the wages and salaries of its employees.

At the expensive of repetition, I will say that wherever possible our returning soldier boys will be taken care of in a manner benefiting their past sacrifices.