50 years ago: Closure of Interpace plant considered

50 years ago Population 3,179 (U.S. Census 1960 and 1970) Interpace: Uncertainty hangs over the City of Lincoln as rumors abound, some of them founded and some unfounded, concerning the future of the Lincoln Interpace plant and its employees. Interpace spokesman C. Norman Bowler would only comment that the corporation is "considering closing the Lincoln plant." Bowler, president of the heavy clay and minerals division of Interpace Corp., would give no firm date, but there were indications the date would be soon. He said he expected to have a definite announcement by Tuesday of next week. Considered particularly significant by those close to the scene is the apparent wind-down of operations at the local plant. Informed sources indicate that no large-diameter sewer pipe is being manufactured and other phases of the plant's operation are being terminated. Bowler confirmed earlier this year Interpace talked to a number of buyers interested in purchasing the Lincoln and Corona Interpace plants as a package deal. Latest indications are that the corporation might be considering selling the Corona plant and some or all of the assets of the Lincoln plant. Unlike the local plant, which is just over 100 years old, the Corona plant, near Riverside, is comparatively new. It was opened in 1957. It manufactures four-inch to 12-inch diameter pipe, while the local plant has the capability of producing pipe with a diameter of up to 42 inches. The Lincoln plant also manufactures roof and floor tile and is the only plant in the United States which manufactures architectural terra cotta. From a peak workforce of 600 in the late 1940s and 1950s, the Lincoln plant workforce has dwindled to 220 employees. The plant was hard hit last year when a lagging economy resulted in a slowdown in the housing industry. Large-scale layoffs resulted and the plant was on a four-day work week for part of the year. Of the 220 present employees, 170 live in the immediate Lincoln area and 30 in the Roseville, Rocklin, Loomis area. Closure of the plant would have a serious effect on the economy of the Lincoln area primarily and the Western Placer area in general. Average length of employment with the plant for the present employees was reported at 27 years, which places many of the workers in an age group where it is difficult to obtain other employment. If the pottery should close its doors, local governmental entities will undoubtedly be taking a hard look at the budgets for the coming years. The corporation celebrated with much hoopla last May the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Lincoln plant in 1875. Throughout its 100-year history, the plant has been the major industrial employer in Lincoln and the economic life of the city has thrived as a result of the company's operations – that is, up to now. Note: The plant avoided closure and the name "Gladding McBean" was restored when it was purchased by the current owner, Pacific Coast Building Products. Currently, the pottery employs 160. The 150th anniversary was recently celebrated. 75 years ago Population 2,410 (U.S. Census 1940 and 1950) Water rates: The city council won a relatively important victory in defense of a $4 water raise when they underwent a "cross examination" last Tuesday evening by some 75 aroused townspeople in an open meeting. The councilmen, in a meeting originally planned for a further study of water rates, answered a deluge of questions shot at them by various local citizens who were trying to determine just why the council was placing the 150 percent raise on them the first of February. Mayor Hughes conducted the meeting and either answered every question brought from the floor or turned it over to other councilmen or city officials. The varied questions helped establish several important points with regard to the city's contemplated water program. Some of these were: 1. The $5 rate will remain in effect until such time as a bond election is passed or until some 1,100 feet of 16" pipe has been paid for. 2. The council has not intended that the $5 rate should be permanent. 3. The purchase of the 1,100 feet of transit pipe is an emergency stockpiling to be used in replacing portions of the main transmission line which might go during the present war emergency. 4. The city will not return to $2 water rate any time within the foreseeable future. 5. Had the city purchased the required amount of pipe even 30 days ago, they could have saved about 22 percent. They were able to establish the fact, with the aid of City Engineer Art Reitter, that there are portions of the main transmission line which are subject to being replaced at any time. The present national emergency does not assure the city of being able to obtain pipe at any time in the future. However, a factory has promised delivery of pipe if it is ordered immediately. The second point was brought out by James Rafferty, representative of a bonding company, that had the recent election passed the city would have been in a position to purchase a completely new water system with water users having to pay only $1.13 more than the $2 rate, if the cost was financed entirely by water fees. Had the expense been cared for by a tax rate, the rate would have been increased only .39 cents. In answer to one question, Mayor Hughes explained that the councilmen have been unable to find any other method of bringing water for Lincoln. Apparently, he said, neither wells nor Auburn Ravine hold the answer. He advised another questioner that the cost of taking care of portions of an overall project over a period of 25 years would cost more than by doing the job all at one time. The added cost would come in moving equipment on and off the job annually. Mayor Hughes denied that the city had raised the water rates as a retaliation for the defeating of the bond issue. The fact was brought to the attention of the council that their actions in moving so quickly to set the new rate might possibly have indicated retaliation to many observers. 100 years ago Population 1,324 (U.S. Census 1900, 1910 and 1920) Ad: The Lincoln Chamber of Commerce ran the following ad: Lincoln. The home of clay mining. The home of clay manufacturing. The town with fine grammar and high schools. The town where the finest fruits are canned. The shipping point for our foothill fruits. Thousands of tons of grain are shipped from Lincoln. The little city with all the public utilities of a real hometown. Come and investigate, then you'll buy your home in Lincoln. Dear reader, If you are interested in joining a local historical organization, the Native Daughters of the Golden West Placer Parlor 138 (Lincoln) invites you to join. The only requirement is that you are a female born in California; exceptions are made for those born on a U.S. military base. The NDGW are a non-profit organization focusing on California history, charity and goodwill. Many of the roadside markers throughout the state as well as those on Lincoln buildings are from the NDGW and Native Sons of the Golden West. (Gentlemen, you also have a local Parlor.) Another goal of NDGW is to preserve historical California buildings. In addition, each year the Parlor provides scholarships to a local high school student. They also provide grants to students aged 8-18 who are interested in music. They are currently seeking a third- to sixth-grade teacher to sponsor via Adopt-A-Classroom.org. If you are interested in joining the NDGW, please see their Facebook page or ask a member. Meetings are at 11:30 a.m. every second Thursday at the Veterans Memorial Hall. You would be warmly welcomed. Thank you for reading! MBO