News: Clark Co. – Melvin Sand & Gravel (40th Anniversary – 1972)

Transcriber: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Melvin, Ockerlander, Beecher

----Source: Tribune/Phonograph (Abbotsford, Clark Co., Wis.) 21 Dec 1972

Mr. and Mrs. Francis Melvin, along with their 34 employees and their guests, celebrated Friday night the 40th anniversary of the Melvin sand and gravel business.

Mr. Melvin, with only one used truck, started the business in June of 1932. In 1946 the gravel washing business was added, in 1951 ready mix concrete was provided, and in 1960 the first started making concrete and light weight blocks.

Today, the firm has a fleet of 34 trucks with ready mix concrete plants in Abbotsford, Medford, Owen, Thorp and Greenwood. During the summer, more than 45 employees work for the firm.

Mr. Melvin married the former Ruth Ockerlander, Dorchester, on May 27, 1936. They have three children, Neal, Dorchester; Jim, Medford, and Mrs. John (Bonnie) Beecher, Huntington, West Virginia.

Neal serves as general manager and Jim as office manager of the firm. Mrs. Melvin has also handled office work since their marriage.

Held at the House of Dav-Ed, the even Friday night also served as the firm’s Christmas party.