California Millwork Institute Activities

By A. W. Betnhauer, Fresno Planing Mill, Fresno President, Millwork Institute of California

Seven years ago a few progressive and farsighted millwork manufacturers organized theMillwork Institute of California and embark'ed on a long voyage of education through uncharted waters toward ihe harbor of success. The enlistment of a large and efficient crew was an easy matter and the ship set sail under the most favorable conditions-

The first storm brought terror to the hearts of a few and they were put ashore a[ an unknown port with the b,rand of cowardice stamped upon them and failure emblazoned in theirsouls.The ship continued on. guided by the able captain who had an undying vision of ihat wonderful harbor which lay sornewhere beyond.

Under the stress of untold hardships many of the crew grew faint at heart and chose the seJ of desfair and were lost, while others continued on halfhearted and dis,couraged. , The great leaders of this history making party never lost faith and with unwavering courige sailed on and on toward that goal of their dreams.

New and brdve sailors were added to the crew, the rough waters grew calm and renewed hope tookthe pla,ce of despair. -The captain gave a note of-cheer and eniouragement. to his men, studied his course, gave the command, and the ship sailed on.

_ Now, through a rift in the approaching storm clouds, the long looked for harbor of success is sighted in the far distance. For a brief moment the thrill of achievement stirs the heart of every one on board, but as the clouds darken, added fear and distrust each play upon the worn and unnerved crew. The final test has come. Will the ship make the harbor or be lost in the very sight of su,ccess?

-Every man feels the challenge and takes his place with a grim determination to stand by his fellows and by united aclion guide the craft by the dangerous rocks. Ttre battle is won

-the sky is clear-and through the last echoes of the receding storm the ship enters the still waters and just ahead lies the harbor of success.

After a struggle of seven years the Institute truly stands on the threshold of success and much credit is due those industry leaders who had the vision and the courage to carry on through those strenuous times, bravely facing the prot.lems that confronted the industry.

Much has been accomplished in the compilation of pricing schedules for sash and doors, publication of Accredited Standards of Architectural Woodwork and the drafting of standard frame details which will be distributed to architects and members in the very near future.

The only remedy for decreased volume caused by the inroads of wood substitutes is to give to the world the true facts as to the superior qualities of wood and to challenge the malicious and untruthful claims of substitute manufacturers. This work is now being efficiently carried on by our Trade Promotion Department and some concrete results have Elready been attained.

That there is a "definite trend back to wood" is ,clearlv proven by the outstanding millwork contracts whi,ch havl been let recently for homes, ,clubs, hotels and public buildings. The Certification program of the Institute, whicl, is now in full force and effect, will do much to strengthen this movement by guaranteeing to every architect, owner and contractor a quality product backed by the industry in place of the cheap shoddy millwork of the past. An unlimited field of activity lies before us and as funds are made available the program of the Institute rvill be enlarged and its staff increased.

WOOD-a natural resource with God-given character, has served man well in the past and u'ill continue to gladden the hearts and help mould the lives of future generations.