1941 FRSA Convention Banquet
FRSA – 100 Years Strong Lisa Pate, FRSA Executive Director Throughout 2022, this column will recap some of FRSA’s rich history through accounts from minutes and a published book called FRSA The First Half Century.
Commission and self-insurance. Moorhead, as outgoing President, called the 1938 Convention session to order in West Palm Beach and soon after the routine business was finished Solomon Krauss, George Churchill and several other speakers were called upon Setting The Pace, 1932 - 1941 to discuss the pressing problems of insurance: particAs the Association began its second decade, America ularly, the difference in rates and claims in different was amidst the greatest economic slowdown of the localities. They also discussed the difference in rates century. Money was hard to come by and hope was al- for metal mechanics on inside versus outside work. most as scarce. Few records exist from the first three Several suggestions were made during the session years of the decade. Current Association records fail to address manufacturers selling roofing and metal to list officers for the years 1932 to 1935. products to lumber yards. The group asked manufacFred Falkner, Falkner Inc., Orlando, was President in turers to sell products applicable to the Association’s 1936, when surviving records indicate the Association trades to such trade shops only. They also discussed was truly alive and well. Falkner was a devout church concerns about general contractors’ licenses being member and a teetotaler, who had built a solid busicheaper in some localities than roofers’ licenses, entiness based on the golden rule – treating others as you tling general contractors to do any type of work in the building construction industry. would want to be treated. At Falkner’s Convention, Moorehead explained the new retail sales tax law some of the manufacturers and distributors financed a happy hour, perhaps signifying a return of jocularity as and a presentation was given on methods of payment of the tax. The second day’s session continued with The Depression began to lift. presentations from Ralph Davis, a representative Frank Tack recalled the happy hour was “off limits” at the Convention, “and the Four Horsemen attempted of the State Insurance Commissioner’s Office, who spoke on the statutes of compensation insurance in to take up the slack and the names of Bill Worsley, Bill Florida as well as other states, along with Banzi Currie, Fleming, Hal Bishop and Bill Alexander rang a bell of a West Palm Beach attorney. Walter E. Rountree fellowship and good cheer.” Bill Moorhead of Lake Wales was President in 1937. represented the Florida Industrial Commission at the Moorhead was manager of the metal and roofing meeting, making a presentation on the function of department of the Swartz Company and a part owner his agency. Frank Tack, Otto Krauss, Bill Palmer and in the operation. Moorhead is recalled as “a steady Joe Henderson were named to a Study Committee to plodder type, never in hurry, but a stickler for good explore the insurance question in greater detail and workmanship.” The 1937 Convention was held at the report back to the Association. Wales-Bilt Hotel, a six-story building in downtown Lake The 1939 Convention was held in May at the Wales. The subject of union labor problems dominated Suwannee Hotel in St. Petersburg, where the followthe meeting. John Stewart, West Palm Beach, was the ing manufacturers and supply houses helped defray Secretary. To build up the Association’s membership expenses of the Convention: in the wake of The Depression, Stewart volunteered Eagle Roofing and Metal Works of Tampa to travel throughout the state, taking time away from Tennessee Coal, Iron & Railroad Co., Birmingham, Ala. his business, to solicit memberships, with excellent Republic Steel Corp. results. Roofing and Sheet Metal Supply Co., W Palm Beach By 1938, the Association was concerned with industry insurance problems, retail sales tax, workers’ Revere Copper and Brass Co., Baltimore Horne & Wilson Co. Inc., Miami, Tampa, Jacksonville compensation, the workings of the Florida Industrial 14
FLORIDA ROOFING | April 2022