USA > Connecticut > History of Connecticut, Volume III > Part 15
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LEWIS ACKER DIBBLE
Lewis Acker Dibble advanced to the executive leadership of two important industrial organizations of Naugatuck-the Risdon
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Manufacturing Company, and Eastern Malleable Iron Company. He is still president of the former firm, and is board chairman of the latter. Through these and his many other corporate connections in the region, he has long been an influential figure in its industrial and commercial life.
The fifth of twelve children born to Samuel E. and Elizabeth (Davis) Dibble, he is a descendant of a whaling family of Nantucket. He was born at New Haven on April 18, 1885, and in the years of his youth, began to acquire experience in New England industrial methods. For a year preceding his enrollment at Sheffield Scientific School of Yale University, he worked as an errand boy for the superintendent of the C. Cowles and Company plant in New Haven. He continued with this firm throughout his college years, working thirty hours per week at its plant handling payroll and costs. Following his graduation in 1907, he continued with C. Cowles and Company for two more years as foreman of the carriage lamp department. He left to join the Oakville Company of Waterbury, in 1909, and remained until 1913 with this plant, which manufactures safety pins and pins of other types.
In 1913, at the age of twenty-eight, Mr. Dibble was named mana- ger and a director of the Risdon Tool and Machine Company at Nau- gatuck, which later became the Risdon Manufacturing Company. He was promoted to the vice presidency in 1917, and became president in 1927. Today, more than three decades later, he still holds that position, and his efforts have been effective in building the company into a major producer of sheet metal and wire products calling for precision manufacturing.
When in the mid-1930s, the Eastern Malleable Iron Company, also at Naugatuck, was undergoing difficulties related to the great nationwide depression, it was Mr. Dibble who was called upon to bring it his strong leadership. He became president in 1935, and served through 1952, and he has been a director, and chairman of the board, since 1953. In a history of this company published a few years ago, Mr. Dibble was quoted in an expression of his philosophy of industrial management :
I believe that the chief executive of an industrial corporation should always remember. . . that his prime duty is to preserve and promote the best interests of the stockholders. . . that in planning any extension of plant and facilities the first consideration should be whether such plans would actually benefit the present stockholders ... that it is far better for a plant to be too small than too large. . . that if funds are limited they should not be dissipated on land and buildings; instead, space should be rented and the available funds used for good equipment . . . that today the cost of replacements and additions to permanent equipment greatly exceeds the annual depreciation. . . that only the best equipment and the
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best production methods will meet competition profitably. . . that research and product development are paramount if profits are to be maintained. . . that many enterprises fail solely because of inadequate or poor financing. .. that the soundest capital structure is common stock only ... that in setting up capital requirements ample provision must be made to cover normal inventories, accounts receivable and payment of bills when due. . . that short-term borrowings should never be made for long-term requirements. . . that to know your costs is imperative. . . that you should quote prices and sell only to concerns that are well rated. . . that you should never sell at or below standard costs. . . that to pay employees well and treat them fairly will pay dividends.
So effectively has he put these principles into effect that he has been offered many other posts of responsibility in industry, besides the executive leadership of the two firms mentioned above. In 1931 he was called on to reorganize certain manufacturing departments of the Bridgeport Brass Company, and has been one of its directors since that time. He has remained a director of C. Cowles and Company, for which he worked many years ago, and he is also a director of the Torrington Company of Torrington, and the Connecticut Light and Power Company. He is a trustee and vice president of Naugatuck Savings Bank, and a director of Colonial Trust Company of Water- bury.
His role in industry has gone well beyond his connections with local organizations. At the time of World War II, he served on the War Production Board's malleable iron industry advisory committee. A director and a vice president of the National Association of Manu- facturers, he has served as chairman of its government economy com- mittee. He joined the Malleable Founders Society in 1935, and has served as its director and president. He is a director of the Naugatuck Valley Industrial Council, a director of the New England Council, and a member and director of the Connecticut Chamber of Commerce. A founder of the Naugatuck Chamber of Commerce, he served as its first president.
Mr. Dibble has long been active in the Connecticut Republican organization, and has served as chairman of its finance committee. He has also been a delegate to the Republican National Convention. His local memberships include the Hartford Club, Waterbury Club, Water- bury Country Club, the East Haddam Fish and Game Club, the Gradu- ates Club of New Haven, and the Metropolitan Club of New York.
On October 24, 1929, Lewis Acker Dibble married Doris Rudman of Woodbury, daughter of James Rudman and Ann Edge Rudman. Mr. and Mrs. Dibble have five children: I. Mrs. Doris D. Schenck. 2. Mrs. Jane D. Tracy. 3. Lewis A. Dibble, Jr. 4. Mrs. Ann D. Hey- niger. 5. John D. Dibble. There are thirteen grandchildren.
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LAURENCE A. CHAPPELL
President of Thames Shipyard, Incorporated, of New London, and chairman of the board of the Savings Bank of New London, Mr. Chappell is also chairman of the board and a director of the Union Bank and Trust Company of New London. He is president of the New London Cemetery Association.
Mr. Chappell was born in New London on July 16, 1883. the son of Frank H. Chappell and of Catherine (Bishop) Chappell. His father pioneered in the establishment of Thames Shipyard, Inc., orig- inally known as the Thames Tow Boat Company, in 1865, the com- pany assuming its present name in 1920. His father served as pres- ident of the company from 1879 until his death in 1919. He was a charter member of the Thames Club and was interested in all of New London's civic activities. Mr. Chappel's great-great-grandfather, Je- dediah Huntington, had been on General Washington's staff, and was president of the Union Bank in 1792. This bank is the oldest institu- tion of its kind in Connecticut, and one of the oldest in the United States.
Mr. Laurence Chappell graduated from Bulkeley High School, New London, in 1901, and then became associated with his father in the shipyard, succeeding as president in 1919 upon his father's death. He is also president of Bacon and Hinkley Homes, a home for elderly men residing in New London. Mr. Chappell is a former member of the Ocean Beach Park Board, he is a life member and a past president of the Thames Club, and he is president of the Hammonassett Fish- ing Association. Fishing, hunting and sailing are his favorite sports.
He was married in September, 1906, to Elizabeth Prentice, the daughter of Dr. Edward Prentice and of Harriett (Norkett) Prentice of New London. They celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in 1956.
Mr. and Mrs. Chappell have one son, Laurence A., Jr., born in New London in 1908. He attended Hotchkiss School at Lakeville, Connecticut, and is now vice president, treasurer and general manager of Thames Shipyard, Incorporated. He is married to Mary Katherine Cullen, who graduated from Connecticut College for Women, and they have one son, Harold Huntington, born in July, 1945, and now a student at Pine Point School in Stonington, Connecticut.
STEVEN EDWARD PERAKOS
A lawyer previously practicing with the Hartford firm of Ribi- coff and Ribicoff, Steven Edward Perakos now practices independently
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He has been a leader in Community Chest and American Red Cross fund-raising campaigns, and serves on the board of trustees of the Connecticut Cancer Society. He was a state officer of the Order of A.H.E. P.A., and was a member of the board of directors of the New Britain Young Men's Christian Association. He is a member of the Civitan Club, and the lodges of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and Free and Accepted Masons. In Masonry he is a member of the higher bodies, holding the Thirty-second degree and belonging to the Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine.
Mr. Perakos is an ardent golfer. A member of the Shuttle Mea- dow Country Club, he won its President's Golf Trophy in October, 1957.
He is a communicant of St. George's Greek Orthodox Church, and serves on its board of trustees.
At New Rochelle, New York, on February 28, 1946, Steven Edward Perakos married Urania Nancy Kikis, daughter of Thomas and Areti (Polychron) Kikis. Mrs. Perakos, like her husband, has taken an active interest in community affairs. She has held office in the Women's Club, the Parent-Teachers Association, and in service club auxiliaries and is presently president of the New Britain Bar Association Auxiliary, the only such organization in the state. The couple are the parents of two children : I. Peter George, 2nd, who was born on January I, 1947. 2. Thomas Steven, born on March 4, 1951.
WILLIAM HART JUDD
Among Connecticut bankers, William Hart Judd has perhaps no peers in continuous and loyal service to a single financial institution. More than sixty-two years ago he joined the staff of the New Britain National Bank and the ensuing decades brought him steady advance- ment. After holding office as president for some time, he was named chairman of the bank's board in 1949 and held that office until 1957. He has found time for many other constructive activities of a com- munity, political, or welfare nature, and he serves on the boards of directors of many corporations.
Born in New Britain on May 5, 1877, he is a son of William Samuel and Helen (Hart) Judd. His father, who worked for the P. F. Corbin Company for some years, also held the position of post- master of New Britain for a time. He was also influential in the city's public affairs, serving on the common council and as alderman.
William Hart Judd attended local public schools and concluded his formal education with his graduation from New Britain High
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School in June, 1896. The following year he began his connection with the New Britain National Bank, and continued with that finan- cial institution until his retirement in 1957. He was promoted to assistant cashier in 1914, to cashier in 1928, and to vice president in 1929. Elected president of the bank in 1936, he served until 1949, when he was elevated to chairmanship of the board. Mr. Judd serves on the boards of directors of the Union Manufacturing Company, North and Judd, Landers, the New Britain Gas Lighting Company, and Atkins Printing Company.
From 19- to 19-, Mr. Judd served as president of the Connec- ticut Bankers Association, and he retains active membership in that group. For twenty six years, until his resignation in 1956, he was chairman of the Board of Finance and Taxation of his city, holding office under seven mayors. He was guest of honor at a testimonial dinner on February 19, 1957, paying him tribute for his long and conscientious service in that office. It was attended by three hundred and fifty state officers and friends. Mr. Judd also has a creditable re- cord as state legislator, having served in the Connecticut
from 19- to 19 -. Active in the councils of the Republican party, he has served as chairman of the Republican Town Committee.
A member of the New Britain Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Judd formerly served as its president. He is also a past president of the city's Young Men's Christian Association, and has been active in the work of that organization for the past half-century. He is currently treas- urer of its board. His interest in work with youth is indicated in the place of leadership he has held in the Boy Scouts of America. Active on behalf of scouting for thirty-five years, he won the Silver Beaver Award for his constructive work. His citation reads:
Prominent in his profession and a leader in many civic projects-Sound in ap- proach, friendly and wise in counsel, a keen businessman, a loyal churchman- A firm believer in youth-Through his faith in boys, his leadership and un- tiring efforts, the youth agencies of this area are soundly established, financially, and in the hearts of the people.
Mr. Judd has also served his city, as a member of the New Bri- tain Common Council and alderman from the Third Ward. He is interested in the work of the First Baptist Church, and has held office as treasurer or assistant treasurer for over half a century. Here too his interest in young people has been in evidence, for each Christmas season for the past fifty-seven years he has taken the part of Santa Claus at the church's annual Christmas party. A member of the Circus Fans' Association and active in its program for many years, he has held office as its president. He has a large and most
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valuable collection of circus memorabilia; this display has been ex- tensively exhibited.
Another of his especial interests is the Society of the Cincinnati, of which he is a member of the Connecticut Society. He was elected president of that Society, at a meeting convening in the Senate Cham- ber of the State Capitol in Hartford on July 4, 1952. He has been re-elected every year since then, and has been a delegate to the Na- tional Society. He is entitled to membership in the organization through his great-great-grandfather, Captain William Judd of Farmington, Connecticut, a hero of Revolutionary service. Mr. Judd is also a mem- ber of the New Britain Club.
In his home city on June 6, 1908, William Hart Judd married Florine Woodford Allderige, daughter of Frederick William and Emma (Woodford) Allderige. Mr. and Mrs. Judd have two child- ren: 1. William Hart, Jr., who married Margaret Chase; they have five children: i. Diana, born October 9, 1941. ii. Martha, born Jan- uary 21, 1943. iii. William H. 3rd, born October 12, 1945. iv. Ann, born June 23, 1947. v. Rebecca, born July 5, 1951. 2. Jane, who is the wife of Mr. Claude B. Garland, Jr. They have one son, Charles B. Garland, 3rd.
HOWARD EDWARD HAUSMAN
Following professional experience in various state posts, and law practice in Hartford, Howard Edward Hausman came to New Britain several years ago, and has since practiced law independently in that city, with offices at 70 West Main Street. He has been active in political and community affairs and is a veteran of Air Corps service in World War II.
A native of New Britain, he was born on July 17, 1907, son of Frederic Gottlieb and Emma (Seitz) Hausman. His father was fac- tory manager at the plant of P. F. Corbin, a division of American Hardware Corporation. He was also a member of the Common Council and the Welfare Commission in his home city. Howard E. Hausman attended the public schools there and graduated from New Britain High School in June, 1925. He went to Yale University for his advanced courses, and in June, 1929, received his degree of Bachelor of Arts there. He continued his legal studies at Yale Law School, and in 1931, took his degree of Bachelor of Laws.
Mr. Hausman began his career with the Inheritance Tax De- partment of the State of Connecticut, serving as an attorney on its staff from 1931 to 1933. In the latter year he began private practice
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with the firm of Blodgett and Hausman in Hartford, continuing as a partner in that organization until 1939. Once again returning to state employment, he accepted appointment as executive director of the Employment Security Division of the State Labor Department at Hartford. He remained at the head of that division until 1955, although he was absent during the World War II period serving in the Army Air Corps.
Mr. Hausman was inducted into the Air Corps in 1942 and be- came a second lieutenant a year later. He served in the Adjutant General's Department, and was later promoted to captain and as- signed to Wright Field, Dayton, Ohio. He was a personnel officer in the Corps Research and Development Center from 1943 to 1946.
After leaving his connection in the State Labor Department in 1955, Mr. Hausman came to New Britain and opened offices for the private practice of law. He is engaged independently in general prac- tice.
While in Hartford, Mr. Hausman served as alderman from the old Second Ward, from 1935 to 1938. From 1938 to 1940, he was a member of the Republican State Central Committee, and in 1958 was again elected to that Committee. In the 1959 session of the General Assembly, he served as Minority Counsel. As a lawyer, Mr. Haus- man has been admitted to practice before the United States District Court of Connecticut and the United States Circuit Court of Ap- peals, Second Circuit. He is a member of the American Bar Associa- tion, Connecticut State Bar Association, Hartford County Bar As- sociation, and New Britain Bar Association, and Phi Beta Kappa fraternity.
A devoted worker in St. Matthew's Lutheran Church, he has served as secretary and vice president and as chairman of the build- ing planning committee.
CARLYLE FULLER BARNES
Carlyle Fuller Barnes is a young executive who heads one of Connecticut's largest diversified industries, Associated Spring Cor- poration. This company's headquarters, and four of its divisions, are located at Bristol; but through its wholly-owned subsidiaries and other divisions it operates a far-flung manufacturing empire, with plants at a number of sites in the East, Midwest and Far West, in Puerto Rico and in Canada.
For over a century, members of the Barnes family have been closely identified with the growth of the region's industry. Wallace
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Barnes, whose name is perpetuated in the Wallace Barnes Division of the present company, joined Edward L. Dunbar in forming the Dunbar and Barnes Company in 1858, and one of their major products were hoops for hoopskirts. Wallace Barnes married Elizabeth Jane Fuller, and their son, Carlyle Fuller Barnes, joined his father in business. The elder man had become interested in various industrial enterprises; but by the time of his death in 1893, the production of springs was an important part of the family enterprise. Fuller F. Barnes, father of the present president of Associated Spring Cor- poration, headed the Wallace Barnes Company for many years, and it grew steadily under his direction. He married Myrtle Aurelia Ives, and their son, the second to bear the name of Carlyle Fuller Barnes, was born at Bristol on February 16, 1924.
Beginning his education in local schools, Mr. Barnes attended Wesleyan University, where he took his degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1948. While there he was a member of Psi Upsilon fraternity. When he had completed his studies, he immediately joined the Wal- lace Barnes Company, being assigned to its general manager's staff at Bristol from 1948 to 1951. In that year he was named general manager of the Bristol Divisions of Associated Spring Corporation, which had been formed out of the Barnes organizations in 1923. He has held his present office as president of the corporation since 1953.
In addition to the Wallace Barnes Division and the Wallace Barnes Steel Division, the city of Bristol has two other units of this large and complex organization. These are the Dunbar Brothers Di- vision, and the F. N. Manross and Sons Division. Plants and sales offices elsewhere include the Wallace Barnes Syracuse Plant, at Sy- racuse, New York; the Gibson Division in Chicago; the Milwaukee Division; Raymond Manufacturing Division at Corry, Pennsylvania ; the Cleveland Sales Office; the B-G-R Division in Michigan; the Ohio Division; Seaboard Pacific Division; San Francisco Sales Office; The Wallace Barnes Company, Ltd., with plants at Hamilton, Ontario, and Montreal, Quebec; and Associated Spring of Puerto Rico, Inc. General offices of the entire organization are at Bristol. The fac- tories in Canada and Puerto Rico are new additions to the corpora- tion's far-flung chain. To keep abreast with the latest developments in the industry, a Research and Development Center has also been es- tablished in Bristol correlating the activities previously carried out at the divisional level.
Mr. Barnes has other corporate connections as well. He is a di- rector of the Bristol Bank and Trust Company, and also serves on
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the boards of the Manufacturers' Association of Hartford County and the National Association of Manufacturers. He is director-at- large of the Manufacturers Association of Connecticut, and a mem- ber of its executive committee, and is a member of the Manufacturers' Association of Connecticut Atomic Energy Committee. He serves on the board of trustees of the Connecticut Public Expenditure Council. A member of the Chamber of Commerce of the United States, he serves on its manufacturers' committee. He is a member of the Junior Chamber of Commerce of Bristol, and he serves as director and mem- ber of the executive committee of Bristol Hospital, Inc. He serves on the Walks Foundation Advisory Board, and is a fire commissioner of the City of Bristol. His other memberships include the Young Presidents' Organization, and Franklin Lodge No. 56 of the Free and Accepted Masons. In Masonry he is a member of the higher bodies and holds the Thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite. Mr. Barnes' hobbies are photography and woodworking, and he is fond of the outdoor sports of hunting, fishing and golf.
On October 1, 1949, at Wethersfield, Connecticut, Carlyle Ful- ler Barnes married Elizabeth Ann May, daughter of Edwin H. May, who is president of the Phoenix Mutual Insurance Company of Hart- ford. The couple are the parents of the following children: I. Lynne Elizabeth, born October 5, 1950. 2. Janis Lee, born April 8, 1952. 3. Joan Wells, born April 28, 1955. 4. Fuller Forbes, born February 7, 1957.
WARD EVERETT DUFFY
Ward Everett Duffy, editor of The Hartford Times, was born at Mooers, New York, on May 26, 1891, son of Frederick E. and Eliza- beth (Everett) Duffy. Beginning his education in local schools, he first came to Hartford to attend Trinity College, where he graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Science in 1915. The following year he took his Bachelor of Literature degree at Columbia University's School of Journalism.
Beginning his career as a reporter on the staff of the Manchester, Connecticut, Herald, in 1916, he had become managing editor and editorial writer there before leaving to become a reporter with The Hartford Times, in 1921. In 1924 he was promoted to assistant city editor. He became managing editor in 1928, and held that position until 1947, when he was promoted to associate editor. He has been editor of the paper since 1953.
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A veteran of World War I, Mr. Duffy was in France in 1918- 19 with the 303rd Field Artillery, in which he held a commission as second lieutenant. In 1933, Mr. Duffy served as editor of "Who's Who in Connecticut." Interested in various activities beneficial to his state, he is a former president, and currently director of the Connecticut River Watershed Council. He is a member, and former president of the Foreign Policy Association of Greater Hartford; director of the Governmental Research Institute and of the Connecticut Forest and Park Association; member of the Connecticut Water Resources Commission; former member of the Public Affairs Committee, Na- tional Y. M. C. A .; member of the executive committee, State Y. M. C. A .; trustee of the Hartford Y. M. C. A. ; trustee of the Wadsworth Atheneum; trustee of Hillyer College, Hartford; and honorary trustee of Hartford College. His other memberships include the Hartford Press Club, the Twentieth Century Club, Laurel Club, and Get-To- gether Club. He is a Congregationalist.
On June 24, 1915, Ward E. Duffy married Louise Day, and they are the parents of the following children: 1. David Everett. 2. Alice Day. 3. Douglas Monteith. 4. Elizabeth Monteith. 5. Virginia Ward.
ADMIRAL JAMES FIFE, JR., U. S. NAVY, RET.
When recently Admiral James Fife retired, after a distinguished career of four decades in the United States Navy, he chose Stonington as his home. He played a vital part in the defeat of the Japanese in the Pacific in World War II; and his final assignment before retiring was as naval deputy to the Commander-in-Chief of Allied Forces, Mediterranean.
Born in Reno, Nevada, on January 22, 1897, Admiral Fife is a son of James, Sr., and Betty (Anker) Fife. Appointed to the United States Naval Academy, he entered as a member of the Class of 1918, which was graduated on June 29, 1917, soon after the outbreak of World War I. During the war period he served on the cruisers "Ta- coma" and "Chicago." After the armistice he became a submariner and subsequently served in and commanded submarines on the East and West Coasts of the United States and in Hawaiian waters. From August, 1923, until May, 1935, he had tours of shore duty at Pearl Harbor, San Diego and Washington, interspersed with duty afloat with the Yangtze Patrol on the China Station and in the Battleship "Idaho" and the Destroyers "Leary" and "Hatfield."
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