Harry Francel, welder, etc. Francel.net: Other work

Bridges | Other Work | Personal

Harry Francel not only worked on major bridge projects, he taught welding to women during World War II, worked on the Detroit-Windsor tunnel, was an entreprenuer, and held a variety of jobs throughout his life. Here are some highlights from his scrapbooks. In most cases, the photographer is unknown. Corrections or additions to entries are welcome.

Women welders clipping — Mrs. Ruby Stroube, a 40-year old mother of three, wins Pacific Bridge Company Shipyard's "Girls' Welders Contest." July 14, 1943.

Work badge — One of Harry's work badges.

Odd jobs — The first page from Harry's work history record, with a wide assortment of odd jobs.

Work history — The second page from Harry's work history. In 1919, he was a "Waterfront bum."

Work history in the 1930s — The 1930s: "No work to be had. Banks broke! Me too!" However, major bridge and dam work was soon to follow.

Later work history — Lots of welding, and teaching others to do so.

Detroit Tunnel construction, 1929. A boat is towing a tunnel section upriver. These sections were submerged to form the tunnel.

Caption printed on original photo: Section No. 3 River Division Detroit and Canada Tunnel. Harry's note on back: "Detroit to Canada tunnel crew, Whitney Bros. Contr. Co., setting tubes in river." Harry Francel is 7th from left.

Pocket-sized gun cleaner — In the late 1940s and early 50s, Harry Francel developed and sold a pocket-sized gun cleaner.

Gun swab pattern — Francel's Gun Swab kit included a supply of cleaning cloths and a heavy paper pattern to cut your own.

National Sportsmen's Research Institute — A bit of recognition.