These memories of GM were great. My dad worked there for 30yrs retiring in 1979 along with his brother. My dad and his brother repaired the forklifts. My dad always had the nickname of brownie. Dad loved his job and told a lot of good stories through out the years he worked there.dad had other brothers and their sons had worked there also. Dad passed on in 1985.And even the guys that came from the plant to the visitation referred to him as brownie. God bless all the people who worked at GM and may you find brighter days ahead.

I worked for Janesville Assembly for 5 short years in comparison to a lot of workers who had been there long before I was even born. Throughout the five years I have had some of the best memories. The people I met that are still dear to me today even though I moved out of state a few years ago. GM is where I met my husband and so between both of us we can sit back and talk about all the things that went on and have gone on recently. Its kind of funny when I think about it. When I started in 2000 I was young, single, and had no children, but because of GM, I found a great husband and have a beautiful four year old daughter. Have nothing but good things to say about local 95 members. They are the strongest workforce I've ever worked with and I wish all the best for each and everyone of you. Shout out to all the line workers in both soft and hard trim and R.I.P Mario Calvin and Matt Garlock
God Bless!!!!

I have so many memories from the last 23 years that I don't even know where to start. As a single mother, GM allowed me to give my kids a good life. I have so many friends that I miss already. Alot of people that never set foot inside the plant think that all we did was sit around and read newspapers, but I can tell you I worked my butt off. I didn't enjoy every minute of it, but the people that I worked around made up for the hard work. I have never worked in a place where you could laugh for 10 hours a day or night!

I have so many fond memories of the Janesville Plant. I was not a GM Janesville employee, but did work for GM servicing the Plant's Paint Shop while assigned to GM Central Office Paint Engineering in Warren Michigan. Janesville has without a doubt the hardest working, most dedicated folks I have ever had the pleasure of working with....both hourly and salaried. Of all the GM Plants I worked with, Janesville was my favorite....because of the people....people who made a lasting impression on me. Craig Furseth, Bert Deremer, Mike Glinski, Stogey, Ron Zamzow....to name just a few. I am saddened to see Janesville close, and for GM to lose such a valuable asset...they built fantastic products. May God Bless you all.

George Mc
Brighton, Mi.

I worked for G.M.(Fisher Body)in the 60's Worked in the body shop repair hole,as a body trucker.Walt Johnson was supt.worked with Boots Bacon,Norby Spangler,Snuff Smith,Harlow Robb,Lester Davis,Jerry Damphier,McDonald.Remember the candy wagon,the short lunch hours spent at that little tavern by the main gate.Was in local 95,Was one of the first Blackhawk Credit Union's customers.Got my Fisher Body Coach lapel pin with two diamonds and a ruby.Was working when President Kennedy got shot and died.They stopped the line and went around to tell every one what happen.Yes life was good to me and my young family.I got another job in May 1969 closer to Delavan.Still miss the old gang.I will keep all you local 95ers in my thoughts and prayers.God Bless

I think it was cool to never have to say you work at the GM factory but just say you work at THE PLANT and everyone knew. Janesville was know as a GM Town.....

Lots of special memories.... Whopper night, 10.2 hrs, Most of all the great people and unforgetable personalities - Maha, Dutch, Silha, Glass, Dog Bone, Beaner, Erickson. Dave Powers, Dan Collins, VanAcker, Rhoades, Mush, Kennedy, Grille, Decker, Funkhouser, Thornton, Fields, Merk, Charlie, Wiersma, Niemeyer, Krause, Overturf, Rickman, on and on - great, quality people = unforgetable memories.

My dad worked at GM for 30 years retired in 87. I remember him telling me how he went there everyday with his lunch and sat in the office until they hired him. This went on for two weeks. Finally a foreman came in and said they needed someone for assembly and my dad said what about me. and the foreman said follow me. Starting pay then was 3.00 an hour. He had 3 children to support so there were times that we struggled. I remember the strike of 71 it was a long one. When they had the last tour last month my father didn't go he wants to remember it as it was when he retired. I worked at Beloit corp so I know what you are all going through with losing your jobs. Good luck to you and stay strong.

I was hired in 2002 not long enough to have alot of memories. But the memories I do have are people helping people. Not just on the line, but for the community!!!!!!!! GM worker's like myself have alway's gotten a bad wrap. The memories I do have are working in the job's bank, floating from one department to the next. Meeting so many different, but unique people. So many people willing to help if you need help. Not hesitating to help you out. All member's of management, TC's releaving you for potty break's to CI's filling in for you while your gone. People helping people. That's what this company is all about. We make DARN GOOD PRODUCTS, product's that we should all be PROUD of, and I was blessed to be part of that. I didn't have any relative's that worked there. I got in with the luck of the draw, when they were hiring. We all work hard for our pay. I remember coming home, it looked as though I was beaten so many brusies on my body. Not wanting to go back, but I did because I new I was a fighter not a quiter. Two hand surgeries, problem's with my back, wanting to get off my feet. But I kept going, because that's what we do!! Were survivor's not quiter's, we all will get through this!!!! I wish you all BEST OF LUCK till we all meet again!!!

My memories goes back to the early 1960's.I have such great memories. Yes, Janesville is a GM city, and proud of it. I was so proud because my dad was a boss! I had a dad that was proud of the product that he was in charge of. He walked the line so much that he wore out many souls on his shoes. Yes, mom was forever taking them to the show repair shop for new souls to be put on. I even remember when mom bought him a counter to wear to show how many miles he had walked in a day. Being that dad was a boss he had the opportunity to test drive cars to see what bugs needed to be worked out or changed. After they had 3000 miles on them they were sold at a dicount. But only GM employee could buy them. They did this also for an insentive to purchase the product they built and it was a great perk. Us kids couldn't wait until dad pulled in the driveway to see what the color of the car was going to be and what the inside would look like. Maybe I could get the first ride in it and get to sit by the window. I always remember how big the model change for that year would be,in those days it was huge. The year air-con and electric windows came out, even power seary. Would GM out do the year model before. I remember when the fabric of the seats changed. Maybe even velvet! We were never aload to eat in the cars, even though going to Mcdonalds was only once in a blue moon. Than there was the times when the cars would be taken down for clean up. Right on plant property there was a shop.Pull in, vacucum, wash and fill it up with ethyl and out we would go.We thought as kids that it was just great getting to go. The Open Houses that the Janesville plant would have for the employee's and for the city was alot of fun. Standing in line forever, just to get in. Mom made us look just perfect and you behave, because your father works at the plant and he is a boss.
Than along in the 70's, I not only grew up as a GM brat, but became a wife of a GM employee.I was proud that after he got out of the Navy he was able to get hired at GM. We have been Blessed that we have been provided for all these year's. We have sinced transfered out of the city and my husband is still working for GM. But we will always care about you in the Janesville plant. Janesville as a city was proud of the product they built. GM is a product of many generations. Thank you, Janesville. May God Bless you.

GM

August 16,1976 I began a pretty good ride with G.M. I too knew Marv.W. , also Ray.W, Herb S., George S. and a few others scattered throughout the plant.. If it wasn't for some of these people (and i say this carefully) some of us wouldn't have made it at the plant...I can clearly remember one of my bosses Ray and one of my "superintendents" Gene..Ray worked with me dilligently, so i could "get the hang of doing my job", but i wasn't cutting the mustard, and i was moved to hard-trim...I was introduced to my immediate boss Phil, and my "super", Gene, and was told that i was literally on "black and white" for being out the door," which came as a bit of a suprise to me.. I asked both my boss, Phil, and my "super, Gene", just exactly how much of a say so i had in the job that i was being assigned to... Well you could've knocked me over with a feather when my -super-Gene said , "Don't put anything on that car that you wouldn't want on the car if you were buying that car." Well that gave me a pretty good foundation for the rest of my time with G.M. I've met a lot of people from the plants I've worked at, and i find that most "advisors", will listen to you so long as you don't greet them with biting their heads off...Unfortunately my time with G.M. was cut short, due to major medical problems, one being a heart-attack, and mixed with the rest of the smorgasboard of "stuff", i was put out on T.P.D. It seems that i pushed my body basically beyond it's limits and i pay the price now, but would i have changed how i worked?---Nope, not on your nellie!!!! I've been through , layoff's, shut down for retooling, gutting one side, and wondering how we were gonna make ends meet, but somehow we managed, even with children in diapers, and we were out for 22-1/2 months, we did what was necessary, to keep a roof over our heads, heat in the house, food on the table, and clothes on our children, and we learned to "DO WITHOUT"!!!!!! I have the utmost respect for the employees facing "the end of the line" there in my Home Plant, Janesville.....I sincerely hope and pray, that G.M. may come up with a new product for that plant, cause the people there, have a high value for the quality that goes into each and ever vehicle that rolls off the end of the line....MY sincerest , and heart-felt hopes and prayers are with each and every employee there.. Best wishes, and the Best of Luck ......

I Hired in on 9/1/76 white about 16 others, we were paraded through the body shop with sparks flying everywhere. i wondered what did i get myself into ??!! I ended up spraying deadner to the undersides of the caprice - impalas. a terrible job, not phyically demanding but a dirty dirty job. i look back and think about all the fun we had getting slimed every night and after work an ice cold beer at somebodys house, great times with my new friends

JvlMomDad - you should have read the rules for this post. This was not an opinion one, but for positive memories. Get with the program.

I shared my thoughts, and it gets deleted. Lots and lots of things get posted on this website that should never be open for comment. And now that GM is closing there is not a dry eye in the room. Give me a break people, life goes on or passes you by.

As I think of our current economic situation it makes me think about America’s #1 and #2 economic staples, the auto and real estate industry. We are seeing these 2 pieces of our economy crumble; the two pieces that give America stability. I agree that a portion of the problem falls on the banks which lead the auto industry to the situation they are currently in. Our situation has shown the auto industry that it has made mistakes.
The auto industry is such a large piece of the pie. We can place blame management and the UAW, that’s what the media is doing. I agree with some parts of what the media presents, it’s very hard to argue with what we are now facing as Americans. We can say the auto industry is behind the times in a changing economy and we are finding out to late.
The Janesville assembly plant employed my father, my grandfather, my mother (for a short period), many other family and friends. I was also employed with GM during one summer of college, which enabled me to purchase a truck for school.
I reflect on what the UAW and GM has done for me and my family. The UAW and GM provided me and my mother’s family with a home. General Motors gave my Dad a good job with a lot of good friends and memories. My father makes me proud knowing that he was able to give us a home, make us safe, and give us a strong sense of belonging through General Motors. Through General Motors my father was able to put me through college and contribute to our society in a different way.
My Dad and Grandfather had their first day at the Janesville plant. I remember as a child my dad coming home late at night (because he work 2nd shift), getting up when I heard the TV turn on and sitting on my dad’s lap. I remember the time my dad came home earlier because got hurt at work in the yard on a shard piece of scrap metal and asking my mom if he was going be ok. I remember watching my dad leave on his bike to ride to work. I remember my dad walking me through the line introducing me to everyone, wow, what a family. To this day I hear stories of my grandfather (a superintendent) and how he was called the old man, better be careful old man “XYZ” is coming. This is one of the things that made me want to manage people for a good company. You have a sense of pride when you tell others where you work. My dad and grandfather’s work ethic was passed on to me, another generation. All of these things make me think about the sacrifices my dad made to bring us up in the home they (mom & dad) were able to provide. I think it would be a travesty if we allow the auto industry to go under in America. I am for the bailout. I know it will cost us tax dollars, but I think it is an expense we have to pay. There have to be changes, but I trust the changes will be made to make General Motors successful once again. The closing of the Janesville plant will be a sad day.

I've had the fortunate pleasure of working in three different GM assembly plants around the country over the last 14 years. My first 7 years were spent in Janesville. The Janesville Assembly Plant is my favorite because the workforce in Janesville is the most talented. I am a GM manager, so I'm not a member of the UAW. However, this difference never seemed to matter. The workforce in Janesville is made up of individual talent. I always found that if I treated individuals with respect, they would do anything for me.

My years at the Janesville plant were mostly spent solving technical problems. On several occasions, I saw some amazing, creative thinking by others that led to solutions for these technical problems. Other coworkers of mine and I often talk about "Janesville's" ability to take on difficult issues and resolve. I'm saddened by the fact that the Janesville plant is closing, but I'm confident that the people of Janesville will resolve this issue also. I'd like to thank the workers at the Janesville plant for teaching me countless lessons. Good luck to you all..

It is sad that there are obviously those who cannot refrain from the negativity. It was specifically asked for "memories" and to keep it positive. No matter what you think about GM employees, these are people with families who are losing their jobs. What kind of animals have some of you turned into that you are so ugly inside??? I am not a GM employee nor is any member of my family, I do know of some people who work there but none are close friends of mine. So do not reply back to my message thinking that I am sticking up for myself or a friend/family. Good luck and THANK YOU to not only GM employees but all of those affected as well.....

March 23rd 1977 was my first day as a Janesville GM assembler. The day was very bright & sunny. Seven of us were nervously waiting in the personnel office to find out what department we would be working in. Without a word, a foreman with a clip board in his hand came out of the office and pointed,"You two to the body shop, you two to paint, you two go to hard trim, and you go to soft trim". So my career with GM begain in hard trim. I would be a "trimmer". As the two of us made our way to hard trim, with our foreman leading the way, I spotted my father-in-law at the end of the Body Shop Line. He was the day shift superintendent of body shop. He wasn't my father-in-law at that moment. He was a guy that had awhole lot of responsibility. As I walked by him, he reminded me of my captain of my ship, when I was in the Navy. The way he looked and handled himself told me right at that moment, that the Janesville GM Assembly Plant was a very special place to be working at!!!. He knodded to me, I knodded back, and off I went.

As I see the days come closer and closer to the plant closing, it really breaks my heart to see it go. I grew up as a GM "Brat" My father, uncles, aunts, sister, brother all worked at the plant. My dad who was a foreman in maintenance and tooling for many years and retiring in 1989 after 31 years truly taught us what hard work was all about. I can remember going down there to visit him since he was usually there seven days a week. The guys were so much fun and were always there when fellow co-workers needed them. I can recall always going on the tour with my safety glasses on when dad would take me down while he worked on some things or getting a chance to ride the bike he rode daily while getting around down there. Mom would pick up supper at times depending on dad's schedule and we would go down and eat in the office with him. My dad was a very well liked and I was even told he was one of the nicest foremans around down there. It is real nice to see all the respect that people have for eachother that have worked and are still working down there. My hats are off to all of you who are riding the storm until the end and when that day comes leave with your heads high knowing you did make a difference in the community for all of us. We should all applaud you for what you have done for all of us and our community. Good luck to all of you in the future and God Bless.

I was only recently able to tour this amazing facility. I was in awe of the automation, the organization and the flow of the plant. I think it is a true loss to the community. None of the bickering or anger toward the union or the Government can take away from what an amazing place this is and the fine work being done in America!

Hi. I am happy to see people entering such positive memories. I wouldnt know where to begin. I have worked and lived through a many changes at this facility.(My Father also worked here. My Grandfather worked Samson era.)
I have uncountable family/friends and simple good hearted aquaintense that are close to me that have put their time in, also. The memories are in the thousands. The simple day to day operations and the interactivities between such desereved labor force on a constant basis made the exstreamly testing work/and trying times well worth the exsperience. I as many do that have been employed for such a quality employer, understand the negativity that has arose. We leave it at that. ( We know.)
It is the positive things that have been generated by such a constistant great work force and strong local contributing, humble group of everyday people; That I shall remember most. The many things we as a whole have done for everyone. Make one's heart feel good that we were able to offer so much for so long. And see the progress from it. I think even today's work force that is about to take a rest, should take some personal pride in knowing all the good we have done for the countless many. Seeing a people take these issues by the tail and make a child smile, feed the less fortunate, aide and fullfill needed community out reach goals, and be that special someone that will come to help any and all in a moments notice when called upon... I say Yes take it to heart. You all have done well. I compliment all I have interacted with/ even the pranksters and jokers. It got Us all through many a bad-days. The GM work force; from generation to generation have always been a special group, least I say Family.
To sum up...I offer my Best too ALL of Us. You gave me decades of memories that no one can ever tarnish nor take from me. God Bless and Thank You All.

Please take a moment to listen to this song, I think everyone reading this article will enjoy it (there is a short ad you have to listen to, takes maybe 10 seconds)
http://www.npr.org/templates/player/medi...

I've enjoyed reading everyone's nostalgic comments about the plant. Thanks to the Gazette for keeping the discussion civil. I wonder if Janesville really understands how much will be lost when the plant closes? Everybody seems to concentrate on the economic impact, but the plant played an important social role for many as well. It has been Janesville's identity for decades. It's sad. Good luck, and Happy Holidays to you all!

i am glad to see so many positive posting's on here. i took care of a man that was one of the first employees of gm and he was so proud of that. he died at the age of 93 and with advancing alzheimers he could still talk about his days at the plant as if he just returned home from work. he took great pride in being part of that!! to many of us general motors is just a plant, a job, or the subject of much envy from the rest of us that would never get the chance to work there, however to all the people that are affected by it: good luck, have faith and remember that this to shall pass!! god bless everybody!!

As I sit and read the comments that have been written.I like many others have fond memory's of GM. My dad was an employee of General motors corporation for over 33-1/2 years.He started his career in the late 40's. He as well as many of my family members were employed by GM. Uncles,Aunts, cousins, brother-in laws and many close friends.I can remember when I was very young going to the plant with my dad. My brother and I walking down the line. My dad would talk to the guys working on the line. He would explain to us what was going on while the cars were being built.I could not help notice the admiration and the pride that the guys had for working on the cars and with my father as he talked to them and walked the line. Also how the men greeted my brother and me with a hand shake and a hello.I felt so proud of my dad and to be walking with him as the men worked building these cars and trucks.I could never have imagined that it was a part of history that I was experiencing.The times have changed as I and my family have been reminded. We celebrated my dads 80th birthday this last summer- with many of his family,friends and co workers from the plant. As I sit and listen to the stores. About the plant and the fond memories they all had. I remember the different models that were built in Janesville,How they talked about the good times, personnel,jobs, quality and production. How proud they all were to do there jobs.The closing of the plant after decades is write around the corner. History- History. I hope that the people making these decisions realize what they are giving up? Quality,Integrity,Pride,Decades

My Grandfather started at General Motors in 1931 at the Leeds plant in Kansas City, MO. He retired with 35 years. My Father started at General Motors in 1962 also at the Leeds plant. Back then(mid 70's) plants had an "Open House" night where all the tours went through, and I remember going to see my dad work, and the comradery between the workers. It seemed like a good honest way to work and live. He retired from Janesville with 38 years. I know that my family was taken care of all through my childhood by the wages earned building vehicles. In 1988 General Motors closed the Leeds plant. I can still remember when my Dad came home to tell us we might have to move. So we packed up and moved to Janesville. When I got out of the Army I was lucky enough to get hired in 1995. In my mind it was everything I had ever wanted. I was very thankful to have that job. Even after 13 years I was happy to go to work EVERYDAY. The people I met there and the friends I made will always stay with me. I had always hoped it wouldn't happen to me, but that was just wishfull thinking. I can only hope that things in our country can get turned around and this exceptional workforce can get back to doing what we know, building quality trucks. Either way I will look back on this chapter of my life with great sadness. To those who don't like Gm workers, What can we say, you get your wish. but to wish for families to lose their jobs so you can feel better about yours, well just seems stupid. I wish that everybody could have done as well as us. I sure didn't feel "elite" that's for sure. But I sure do remember that many of those summer help workers who had no idea what they were getting into when the showed up, and how many of them quit because they couldn't do the work. The had believed the rumors about how the money was easy. They were wrong. It was funny how the big strong guy would spend all day whining about the work but the small little woman wouldn't say a word and did the job for 10 hours day in and day out. Not everybody was cut out for factory work. Some of us grew to love it. Thank you For all you help. Janesville will be poorer for the loss
Regards.
Tackleberry

I was one of the "86'ers". We always will be remembered by that because there were so many of us hired at once. We had a week of classes learning about the benefits, the union, the health care department in the plant,and other various informative items. I will never forget when we were done and being taken out on the floor to learn our first new job. The forman who led us said "welcome to the real world now"! He sure was right. And as many who worked there for summer help will tell you, it is not about sitting and reading and drinking coffee, it is about hard work, and it is about putting in your hours for your wages. It is too bad that many feel the wages were too high, because those complaining would absolutely not do that work for a small wage.
I was lucky enough to retire and am hoping our retirement will stay intact. Good luck to all of the GM employees!!

I really enjoyed reading all of the positive comments in this blog. So many times we hear negative things about the GM plant. I did not grow up in Janesville and I didn't realize how big an impact GM had on Janesville until my husband took a job with GM in 1997. It was a good income for us as a family. Now we've had to move away and my husband has had to start over with a new job and a new company. I look back at our time in Janesville as being very fortunate for him to be able to work the hours he could to provide for our family. We were able to build a house in a nice neighborhood, our kids went to good schools. We had all the conviences of some of the bigger cities. What I remember most about my husband working at GM is when he use to work 2nd shift and he worked 7-12's and 7-10's. Those hours and the money he made was able to provide a comfortable lifestyle for us.

Dad started working at the Plant in the 50’s and put in 25 years. Anyone that was there during that time frame knows that those 25 years will take a toll on someone because things weren’t automated then like they are these days. People can say what they want to about the UAW but if it wasn’t for the union my Dad wouldn’t have been able to put in those 25 years. The UAW supported my family when he got into a car accident as a passenger and was paralyzed for over six months and all this happened back in the 50’s.
The last position Dad held was running the Z-loader down by the freight docks his nick name was Woody and his best friend was Gabby. He showed it to me one time when my class went to the Plant on a field trip. He met my class at the front and took me on a private tour. I still remember him telling me (watch this it’s cool) it happened to be the body drop from the top of the Plant and he was right it was cool. One memory that I’ll never forget is the sound of the diesel freight trains on a quiet summers night. That low pitched droning sound could be heard over a large part of the town and would just put me to sleep. I’ve been in the service for over 24 years now and Dad pasted on years ago but the memories of him and the Plant will always remain. When I close my eyes I can still see him wearing the same old dark gray coat, his red wing boots and the red stocking cap he would wear on the very top of his head almost like a beanie. The Plant closing for good this time is still hard for me to take in but I guess this time it’s for real. It’s going to be hard not to think of Janesville and not to include GM from now on. I wish all the GM families the best of luck.

toddq4: The Gazette can remove any post they want, it's their Blog! If you don't like it, start your own. How about "Cry babies that envy worker's who make more and have better benefits than we do.” Start this blog and then you and the rest of the sad, pathetic losers, will have a place to compare notes on how horrible your lives are, and how happy you'll be when the evil, overpaid autoworkers are finally gone. Another bonus for the rest of us would be; we will no longer have to see your worn-out old drivel on these blogs anymore.

toddq4 see again the following quote from the above article "We’d love to have hundreds of memories and comments. They can be anything from fond recollections of co-workers or moments to nostalgic looks back at big occasions. Please, let’s keep these warm and generally positive."

Memories abound for us regarding the Janesville plant. I began the day after my senior class trip in the office at Chevrolet. I met a great guy at the office and married him. We have shared 37 wonderful years.
I quit to be a mother, which most people did in those days. We were transferred to Michigan in 1970. Travis retired in 1990.
Even tho we have spent the majority of our life in Michigan, our heart remains in Wisconsin where we have family and the many friends we made and still have in Janesville.
It is sad to see our past no longer in the future.

I remember going down to see my dad when I was a kid. There were no robots back then and the place just crawled with activity. Their were people walking, on bikes, on fork trucks, on scooters, all over the place. They were traveling in all directions at such speed that it was something they didn't crash into each other. It was as though I was inside a giant ant farm.
In the body shop, there were people operating spot weld guns. Some were smaller guns and some were huge to reach way in the body. The job looked easy until I saw a new person trying to operate the gun. They just struggled so much. The experienced person knew that job so well they could do it in their sleep and could do it with no effort.
It was cool seeing where the bodies would travel down through the alpo dip tank. That was some kind of primer coat for the paint.
Tire bay was amazing. The people out there had to mount and balance five tires for each car made. The inflater would fill the tire in about half a second and it does it by filling between the tire bead and wheel!
Each area had their own odors too. There was rubber, sealers, paint, weld smoke, and the new car smell from the seats.
The Plant may leave but the memories will last forever!

I want to thank the The Gazette for allowing us to share the good memoires many of us shared with fathers,husbands,uncles, grandfathers, brothers, and sisters who worked to see the cars and truck go down the line. I know I already wrote something, but I got thinking about the most important gift GM gave to my family. At that is our small family farm. My dad was 21 in 1949 when he went to work at the plant, his dream, a farm, he was only going to work there five years until he got the money saved to buy one. He retired in 1979, but in those years we did get a small family farm, where we milked cows, raised pigs, chickens, ponies, horses, ducks, and rabbits. GM allowed my dad to achieve his dream and gain security for him and mom. Those days are "gone with the wind."

My dad was called "Farmer" and he worked at "The Plant" for 30 years, 25 of them was driving a fork lift on the docks. He was so proud of of what he did and the cars and trucks that were made in Janesville. It was a big deal, when the employees could take their families on a tour. In 1973 he took us on one and he took us to places he told us, the head man don't even know exist. My fondest memory was when dad ordered a new car from Orfordville and he had the opportunity to walk the line and watch the Biscayne Station Wagon get built. When mom and dad brought it home, other employees wrote special messages on tires and other parts of the car. Dad always said that car was the BEST Janesville ever built. I loss my dad 7 years ago and when I heard the plant was closing, I cried for him and the others who walk the picket lines trying to make life better for their families which in turned helped others in different carreers. I am in mourning this month, we are seeing a way of life disappearing right in front of our eyes. Those politicans that say the car industry should not be saved, don't know the pride the people of Janesville have when it says "Made in Janesville, Wisconsin." I am glad my dad doesn't have to see this.

GMson... my dad worked 3rd shift maintenance as well. Retired years ago. I remember my dad explaining that working the graveyard shift was far better than working 2nd shift. I've been working 3rd shift for many years as well, but not at GM.

I have never worked for GM nor have any of my family members. What I have read here today, is really moving. It angers me that Janesville is losing such a big piece of its economy. I wish every politican in Washington, D.C. could read this and understand how a plant closure affects a community. Sigh.

My Father worked at GM for 49 years and just died on Thanksgiving night this year. The last person that seen him alive was Marve W. from EAP at the plant. What wonderful memories I have about Dad telling us what they did on maintaince 3rd. shift. We didn't have a plush living growing up, but we were taken care of. All my prayers are with the GM family and will miss all of you.

My dad got a job at the plant one month before I was born in 1972. He had applied and and sat outside the office for three weeks when they finally got tired of looking at him and gave him a job. I remember going to a big celebration at GM in the early 80's and it was a big anniversary for the plant but I can't remember what it was for.....it seemed like the whole city of Janesville was there.
I would go meet my dad for lunch all the time and you could always find his truck because for 34 years he parked in the same spot everyday. I am very proud of my dad for supporting our family of 8 and 90% of the time did it with a smile on his face.

I grew up in Janesville and one of my favorite things to do with my Grandfather was to go tour the GM plant. I remember being so excited to go on the tour. I remember seeing the big Caprice Classic being built, then the remodel, downsized versions from 1976-1980 or so, then going back to see the Cavalier. Of course there was the Chevy/GMC pickups too.

I also remember every year my parents talking about whether "The Plant" was going to close that year. Neither worked at "The Plant," but it was such a part of Janesville that it affected everyone. Each year they kept on building though.

I remember the ideal summer job was to get a job at "The Plant" However, you were out of luck, unless you had a relative that worked there.

I moved away from Janesville in 1991, but still come back yearly. I hadn't been to "The Plant" in nearly 20 years. In the October of 2007, on a trip back to Janesville, I took my wife and daughter throught the plant. It was fun to see it again, yet now building SUVs. I saw the excitement and amazement in my daughters eyes as we toured the plant. Full of questions, on how they put the trucks together.

I'm so glad I took her there now. I don't know if she'll ever have an opportunity like that again.

I'm sad to see "The Plant" leave Janesville. It won't only affect the lives of the workers there, but it will trickle down to numerous businesses and families throughout Janesville and the surrounding area.

However, I hope this is a wake-up call for the car companies and the unions. If they want to compete with Toyota, Honda, etc., they have to do something about their labor expenses and the overlaping/duplication of products (i.e. Buick Enclave, Chevy Traverse, Saturn Outlook, GMC Acadia) Anyone can see they are the identicel vehicle. Really, do we need to have 4 vehicles, with just very slight cosmetic changes and a different name on them?

I'll be sad to see "The Plant" go. If only the walls could talk.

My dad worked at GM for 40 years.

A lot of the farm boys from "up north" came to Janesville with a high school education and a strong work ethic. The fact that Pops stuck with it for 40 years speaks to his desire to build a better life and provide opportunities for his kids.

Sure, memories of grade school plant tours and riding my bike in the summer time from Janesville's west side to the GM factory come to mind. Dad bought a new GM vehicle and we had a number of the former company vehicles over the years. Labor day parades and the events at the UAW union hall were also exciting adventures.

I think all contributors recognize the significant contributions made to the community by both GM and UAW and feel a sense of loss. Best of luck to all members of the GM family as you move forward.

My dad worked there for 25 years. He didn't like factory work but it provided his family with a good living. He always wanted us to do well in school so that we didn't have to work in a factory like him. He put three kids through college and none of his kids ever had to work in a factory. My dad took great pride in his work and more often than not, never took a single sick day. We drove GM vehicles exclusively and we all realize that without GM and the UAW our childhoods and futures as adults would have been much more challenging.

dawg - don't demonize 99% of the other good workers for the 1% of the bums doing what you just posted. You know that isn't the norm, or nothing would get built. They don't receive quality awards if that is what they were doing.

I have a 2004 Suburban LT (I got new) with every option on it, built in Janesville. I have had not one problem with it. If it was built by people you describe, it must be a miracle.

Sincerely,

Defending Janesville Assembly work.

Having been a Janesville person a lot of my life, now living away, but keeping in constant contact through the gazette online and visiting often as I have lots of family there, I have read this blog and it just warms my heart---I have enjoyed all of the stories so much. I know people that have worked at GM but this sure brings it home to me, how much this GM family is going to be missed. One of my regrets is that I never went on a tour of the plant so that I could fully see what it looked like. Now I can only imagine. Best wishes to all in the future.

My dad worked there for thirty some odd years before getting cancer and passing away in 1999. Several times in over the years they were offered a buy out, and he would turn them down. Even though we encouraged him to retire and enjoy himself. He would always say I am still in good health and besides my friends are there. I so wish he would have retired, he never got that chance. When he passed away we had the funeral on a Sat, so his friends from G.M. could come. We did not figure we would have much of a crowd at the visitation the night before. Imagine our surprise when G.M. workers started showing up in groups, all night long. G.M. had let them leave in shifts to come and say goodbye. It was nice to see that people he worked with considered him as much a friend as he did them. When it was announced the plant would close, our family was very sad as growing up this was a big part of what put food on our table, and we remember many storys that my dad would tell about his friends at work.

I started at the local GM plant in 1947 shortly after I was dischared from the Navy, I did not know what I wanted to do with my life but glad I made the decision to go to work at the Plant, made a lot of friends, have had a good retirement, (retired 24 years). Having grown up in a depression I think we can weather the ecomony more that most people. Anyway good luck to all.

While my dad didn't work for GM, he did work for JATCO, as someone before mentioned it. He worked there for 34.5 years & he made sure that we understood that his job depended mainly on what happened with our local GM plant.
He was the BEST salesperson for any GM product that he hauled. He spent many days away from our family to make sure that customers in the South & West (his favorite routes) got their new GM cars & trucks.
His favorite to haul were the Suburbans. He hauled them to TX, as they were commonly called "The Texas Cadillac" by the dealers he worked with.
He did haul cars from other plants around the nation - ie Corvettes from KY (he hauled the Indianapolis 500 pace car one year for Carl Yarborough), but he loved to tell people he hauled vehicles made in his town.
Dad retired in 1993 & never had a damaged vehicle. I'm proud of him for that.
GM pride didn't stop at the plant lot, it continued with my dad until that vehicle arrived at the dealership & he always hoped it carried on from there.
Dad's passion for GM continued on to one of my brothers who started at GM within a week of graduating high school & is now in Fort Wayne where he hopes to retire within the next 5 years or so.
We wish everyone the best of luck & hope for the best for everyone here in Janesville.
Thank you for taking care of our family for so many years.

One of my memories of GM was when they had a open house and my Dad got to take us on a tour. We went to places in the plant that we weren't suppose to be in. I remember riding in the big frieght elevator. At the end of the tour we got a gold metal ruler to take to school. I also remember the big sign that said you were entering Fisher Body.
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One of my other memories was going down to the plant at night and watching the cars and trucks drive off the line to Jatco.

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Another is in 1971 going down to watch my Dad walk on the picket line during the "Big" strike.

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My Dad worked on the docks driving fork lifts he retired in 1977 after 30 yrs. His last day he wore his good coat and Stetson cowboy hat. Everyday that he worked it never failed that he would call Mom at lunch time. Us kids would fight who would answer the phone and he would say the same thing "PUT YOUR MOM ON"

Growing up as a child in the 70's, I remember the good days of after work activities where many, many, many GM workers played a softball league at the Local 95 during the summer time. My dad, uncles, and many people coming for a great game of softball after work. Those get together were true times of family bonding. I sure will miss knowing GM for their caring of the community.

WE LIKE TO THANK ALL THE GM WORKERS, LSI AND LEAR WORKERS OVER THE PAST 28 YEARS FOR ALL YOUR BUSINESS. WE WISH YOU ALL THE BEST OF LUCK IN THE NEW YEAR, AND HOPE TO SEE YOU ALL SOON. THANKS AGAIN! FROM THE STAFF AND OWNERS JIM SAM AND CHRIS FROM JIMS PIZZERIA.

Every memory that I have from growing up really started with GM since my Dad moved to Janesville in 1953 to work there. Without the GM plant, my sisters and I would have likely grown up somewhere else with a completely different set of memories.

I remember going to the plant on payday with my Mom to pick up my Dad's check and take it to the Savings & Loan. I never really appreciated how hard my Dad and his co-workers worked until I saw how relaxed and rested my Dad became once he retired.

Another business that seems completely ignored (yet it played a vital role in the success of GM in Janesville) was J.A.T.CO (Janesville Auto Transport Company). This has an new name now (Allied??).

Does anyone remember the rows of dark blue painted Chevy semi trucks loaded with new Impala's, Carprices's and Chey pickups all made at J-ville GM??? These trucks were typically loaded and staged Friday, Saturday and part of Sunday awaiting thier departure.

On Saturday and Sunday nights, swarms of these semis roared down Kellog avenue, Prairie avenue and Delavan Drive on thier way to the "I" system. They left in waves like fighter bomber planes from the flight deck of Carrier Enterprise in Pacific era WW II. These semis delivered J-ville built vehicles to the local Chevy dealer (remember when every town had its own dealer and not the greedy "superstores" of today??) The whine and smell of thier Detroit Diesel Engines could be noticed for blocks around.

If the cars/trucks had to travel cross country they were loaded on special rail cars at JATCO and carried via the C&NW railroad to thier rail hub in Chicago to destinations at all points of the U.S.A.

My Dad worked for Fisher Body/GM and retired with almost 38 years. His 2 brothers also retired with 30 plus years. So between them almost 100 years.. They were farm boys from Viroqua. My Dad's story of getting hired was he and 4 young men from Vernon County came down in a Ford and slept in the car and kept applying daily as each of them got hired. Evently they all got hired and moved their young families down here. And the rest of the story includes my husband,brother,sister working at GM and our daughter working summers there for college. She will tell you she appreciates her father and relatives more having seen how hard the work is.

My fondest memory of the plant was the last Cavalier (1991?)and the raffle to support the new Boys and Girls Club...The generosity of plant workers was particularly impressive to me, and the support of management, as well. That last car helped raise crucial funds to get the Boys and Girls Club off the ground, and I was glad to be a part of it. The organization was in a formative state, and lots of wonderful folks helped pull it all together. It is sad to think that greed caused what it happening today with our nation's auto industry, and I won't point fingers, but a few greedy people can bring down a tremendous amount of our country's success and prosperity. I like to think back to less than 20 years ago as a great memory of Janesville, and the GM plant.

Like many Janesville residents, I had several relatives and friends work at the plant over the years. I worked there for two summers in the mid-80s myself. When I was just a kid, perhaps five or six, I took a tour of the plant with my parents. That would have been in the very early 1970s. During that tour, I lost an ID card I had gotten made somewhere - I think it may have been at the hospital where my Mom worked. Amazingly, that card was found at the plant and mailed to my parent's home (address still the same then as when the card was made) some 20 or 25 years later. Some machinery was apparently being serviced, and the card was found. Someone took the time to mail it back to me. What does that tell you about the kind of people that worked at the plant? There is no substitute for the dedicated, hard-working people from Janesville and surrounding areas that made that plant the best in the business for all those years. Thanks to everyone who worked at GM for doing Janesville proud.

As a child living on Bingham Ave and hearing the whistle blowing indicating the end of the first shift (I assume)

I worked there in the early 70s and then again as summer help in 90s and 2001 thru 2006; The technology and changes were awesome and somewhat difficult to adapt to met alot of great people and was proud to be part of the PLANT. I worked in Fisher body shop when I first worked there then it became GMAC truck and bus. We built cars then and SUVs in the end It was a change to see the plant add on with the demand. Now it is hard to say goodbye to a piece of history and a piece of my life. as well as many other people in our community.

Elmer Yenney was my grandfather. My dad was local 121 President for a time. I have very fond memories of running around the old Union hall as a very young child while he was at meetings.

In the early 90's I was hired as a (D2)temporary to fill in during deer hunting week. I was told I would only work 2 weeks. Weeks turned into months, and after 1 year, I was offered a salary position in the Material department. After 6 years in Material, I moved in to the Specs department as a Quality Engineer. After several years doing that, I was given the opportunity to lead a new product launch team, and it was the most eye opening experience I could have had. GM and Isuzu (GM at one time owned 49% of Isuzu) treated me well, and taught me more than I could have learned anywhere else. I took advantage of company sponsered trips to Japan, Detroit, California, Kansas, Illinois, Indiana, Tennessee, Ohio, and so many others to remember. I started out a young, naive follower, and will finish as a well read leader. Some people only hear the stories of misdeeds of a few, they never hear the indepth stories of great people that worked at GM. I can't even describe the talents of these people. Most had a generous heart, because they could. A job at GM could mean basic economic security if properly managed. The plant provided for me a good home, a good stable life for my family in return for hard work. Times have changed, but I will never forget my time spent there. The only way to describe it to outsiders is it is like a little city/town. Your co-workers were your neighbors, and everybody took care of each other. I can't even begin to explain the wisdom I received from people there. What ever problem you had, somebody had experienced it also, and was there to give you advice on how to handle it. I mean every problem! I will probably move on, but the individual I am today is the result of endless hours of learning about life, people, and most of all, business while I was there. I made some lasting friendships, and I hope to somehow give back and be an impact to some young, naive, eager individual as what was given to me.

Back in the early 70's I was living in the attic of a farmhouse with no heating. An electric blanket kept me warm at night. I went and applied at GM every day early in the early morning until one day they told me if I brought them my high school diploma I would be hired. I was doing farm work up until then just to be able to buy food. (peanut butter and jelly and a loaf of bread.) Well, 32 years later I am in the skilled trades (Millwright). GM has put a lot of food on my table. I have many fond memories of that place. I have bought nothing but GM vehicles since working there and will never buy anything else. It is tearing me apart knowing it is coming to an end. I just thank God I was hired there. They enabled me to raise a family.

I will always remember being able to help with the food drive at X-MAS time. I never was a GM employee, my brother and his family were. To be able to see just what GM volunteers would do.Pack grocerys, toys, and deliver them to needy familys. If you ever helped that Saturday morn, you know what I'm talking about. Its a memory that I will always remember. It gives you such a wonderful feeling. I feel privilidged that I have had this oppertunity, and sad that it will probably be the last. HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL OF GM!!!

localboy.......i did work there and retired in 05, so,,,,,,,,none of it was heresay and all of it the truth.

metromilton-I bet my dad knew your dad-he worked in maintenance, too, 3rd shift mostly. The only difference, we always had a GM vehicle, as did (and does) most everyone I can think of in my family. (Mine is 16 years old.) I guess it's a matter of perspective, experience.

My dad worked at J-ville GM for 43 years. He started on the line and then moved to maintainence becoming a millwright. His dad and two of his brothers worked at GM too.

GM was/is VERY good to our family. We did not live a life a luxury by anymeans,(mom worked too)but we did get by.

I remember going to the Easter and X-mas parties at the U.A.W. hall once or twice. Toured the plant a couple times too. The indoor railroad cars were most impressive.

I remember one X-mas vacation GM was so desperate to get help doing construction or installation of some new system, they begged guys to work. They offered TRIPLE time plus overtime if you go.

Dad went and made more $$$ during that week alone, than most people made there in a month. Since he worked 3rd shift, he still had time to spend with us kids.

When the robotic welders came online, dad was asked to go to Detroit to train on them. He declined. He said you could see the "writing on the wall" by then. If you did go and get trained, those robots would be your career until you quit.

I always laughed at they guys and gals working there who drove Brand X vehicles. They said they would never buy a "Janesville Junker" as they saw how thier co-workers on the line just did not care.....Do you think the kids at Belvedere or the Blue Oval factories had any different of an attitude???

Nothing could be further from the truth; what a sad comment.
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My dad worked his way up in the plant and it was obvious that his earlier years at the plant were hard; my parents and my friends' parents always hoped and did their best to make us kids to "do good in school" so we would not have to work in a factory. Even as a kid, one knew the unspoken truths of being a cog in the machine: lots of spam sandwiches when there were layoffs (~1980, my dad off for many months) and as I already wrote many families chose to leave town (~1984). If anything, those factory tours helped focus me as early as nine years old (as did that summer working for a supplier) to go on and do other things. Well, I have been blessed with opportunity that few can imagine; yet, that does not remove the nostalgia for living in Rock County and doing hard work with a fun group of people.
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Janesville has had a very solid run for almost a century. Rock County has enjoyed one of the highest median incomes in the nation for nearly a century. We have weathered the recessions of 70s, '83, '92, and '01 quite durably unlike most other Rust Belt cities, let alone most of the U.S. It is unfortunate that you cannot understand that. One only needs to look to Rockford and the collapse of manufacturing there since the 1960s to understand how important having an industrial base (and hence industrial tax base) is to a city.

My grandpa,dad and husband all worked at the Gm plant.My grandpa was the time keeper.In the mid 80's I meant a man by the name of Pat Welch,when he found out who my grandpa was, he said the next I come in I'll bring you something.That something was a picture of my grandpa standing in front of the time clock.With all the family photos that I have ,that's the one that is priceless to me.
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When I was a little girl I can remember going to GM with my dad on saturday mornings because he had to do some work in his office. (he was the purchasing agent)To keep me busy when he was working,I would get the BIGGEST pieces of paper to draw on.I would always make it a point not to finish my "masterpiece"( what dad called them) so I could take it home.In the later years I had gone to the plant with my husband and we had stopped at the safety store.Much to my surprise that was my dads old office where I had spent a good many saturday mornings.I just stood there and couldn't move.My husband looked at me and I had tears running down my face.I explained that "this is dads old office" nothing else needed to be said.
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My husband just retired in July from GM after 42 years.My children and myself are very lucky to have a husband/dad that spent all those years going to work everyday to make our lives what they are today.So for all those that feel GM workers didn't deserve a little "bit of heaven at the gates of hell".This has been a big part of many families that will truly miss the memories.
. Best Wishes To All !!!
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piterboy - refrain from this specific post. The rules for this one were to stay away unless you had a positive post to add. It is obvious that you don't. Unless you had a immediate family member or yourself worked at GM, you can't comment truthfully as everything else in your mind is hearsay.

My dad took us kids on a plant tour every summer but the one that I remember the most was around 1980(?) -- I was about six -- and there were some guys welding frames and I remember quite distinctly my dad saying "those guys will soon be replaced by robots."
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For a five or six-year old, another cool thing was seeing trains come right into the plant.
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Like others who have already commented, I thought my dad was the coolest guy in Janesville because whether in the plant or driving around town, he also always was waving or nodding to others all over town and often taking us to retirement parties for others.
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They had some kind of computer room in the super-structure above the assembly line that you would physically walk into and was kept quite cold. Somewhere else in the superstructure was all the paint -- there was literally a river of paint running above the assembly floor.
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Loved walking around inside that plant and often thought I would end up working there myself when I was a kid. It was weird watching your friends leave when so many families took Fort Wayne jobs around 1983-4.
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The closest I ever got to working at the plant was working third shift for CTI(?) during the summer of 1995. I sequenced control arms, leaf springs, and 4WD control modules and drove a forklift -- it was indeed a helluva workout going hard from 5 pm until 3:15 am. Wouldn't trade that summer for anything in the world. We'd eat our lunch outside under the stars and play Euchre. When the line shut down, we'd take our worn out work gloves and tape them up into softballs. Someone brought a wiffle ball bat in and we'd play a hilarious game of softball on the work floor. After work, a whole bunch of us would go fish and drink some beers until the sun came up. Despite all the hard work (and I grew up baling hay) it was one of the most fun summers I ever had.
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Janesville has been blessed to have so many good jobs available for so long; it's a shame that GM refused to see the writing on the wall... it's all rather ironic since the plant used to make rather fuel-efficient sedans. I sincerely hope that GM is able to bring production of vehicles back to Janesville.

I am very proud to say that both my parents worked at GM as well as 2 of my uncles. My dad was hired in after high school, maybe 1966. My mom worked at Parker Pen and then in 1973 she was hired in at the plant. I only recall one time being in the Janesville plant. It was before my dad left because he took us on a tour of the plant. I just remember thinking that it was the coolest place in the world to work with all the big machines and the train was the best thing of the whole tour.
My dad left in the mid 70's and eventually bought Ivy Floral. In 1985 my parents made the difficult decision to take the transfer to the new Fort Wayne assembly plant that GM was starting. I think this was one of the hardest decisions they have ever had to make. The Janesville plant was not just a job it was part of our family.
I have always been proud to say that my parents worked for GM and helped build some of the greatest vehicles that have ever been driven. Their jobs were not glamorous but it payed the bills and put food on the table. I think this is why I have never owned anything but a GM vehicle.

My mom started working there around the time her and my dad got divorced. If it hadn't been for GM I'm not sure how she'd have supported us. She ended up marrying another guy that worked there and they both retired this past summer. I was lucky enough to work there as a security guard for Pinkerton, then Securitas when they switched, for 5 years and have tons of memories from that. I know that a lot of the people on the line didn't care for security, but I did meet and get to know quite a few people who worked their that made it interesting and fun to be at work. I also have to say that it gave me a sense of pride knowing that I was helping to keep the plant and the people who worked there safe. Then I quit my security job to work as summer help and got a wakeup call as to how hard you actually have to work on the line. A lot of people think that GM workers don't do anything but, man, yes they do. I lost 20 lbs. that summer and worked my butt off but I wouldn't have changed it for the world.

momof5: I was thinking the same thing. Very cute post. I've also been craving Reese's every since I read that post LOL

payitforward: "To me the smell of GM meant my Dad was home from work. I could always go digging in his big plastic lunch box for the mini Reeses peanut butter cups he would bring home for us [we thought GM made those too :)
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That is so cute! But, darn you, now I want Reese's! lol

GM gave thousands of single parents the like my mother financial independence they might not otherwise have had. GM always meant some level of financial stability and American pride. Granted, the road with GM was rocky from time to time, but far less so than for many others far less fortunate over the years. I always took pride in the fact that my mother helped build a particular car or truck.

payitforward-I've never heard anyone express that before, but I recall it vividly. To me, it doesn't sound funny. When I became an adult, that familiar smell on the coat of a new boyfriend meant he could do no wrong (in my eyes). I, of course, wisely didn't tell him that.

My favorite was the tour last month. I had been through the plant many times but nothing recent. To see the marvels of it through the eyes of my 2 young sons was a special moment. They were excited to see "our truck" rolling along the assembly line and seeing all the robots (real life transformers they called them!) at work.
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We will miss you, GM.

My father retired with 40 years there! Anybody remember looking in to your 'junk drawer' at home and finding the pair of pliers that had engraved; "stolen from Chevrolet"? When I was a kid, my Dad brought home leftover keys that they used to punch at work. I had a whole ring of keys to play with. I used to insert them in to my bike handle bars and pretend my bike needed to be 'started'. In those days, a GM job was a dime a dozen, and really didn't pay that well. My Dad farmed all day, came home, quickly changed out his Red Wing boots (the few minutes we got to see him daily)and then was off to work the night shift. He would call home on the payphone everynight to say goodnight to all 7 of us kids. We would have to hurry as others where in line behind him to use the payphone. My, how times have changed. I can't remember how many times we were out to eat at the Hollywood Drive in (anybody remember that?)and my Dad would wave or nod his head to somebody. I would ask him who that was. He would reply that he didn't know his name, but that he worked with him at the "plant". He couldn't go anywhere without nodding or waving at somebody he knew from the plant, but didn't know his name. I thought my Dad was the most popular guy in town. But back then, everybody's Dad worked there. In his later years, we even saw less of him as he took Launch Program assignments, and would be gone for weeks at a time in Detroit. He even missed Christmas with us kids one year as he was on assignment in Detroit. He would get a 'company car' for travel and would bring home these cool new cars. We thought he was the most important man at GM, but when you are a kid, everybody thinks that about the "old man". I hate to brag, but my Dad won several cost reduction ideas, and was awarded the "Suggestor of the Year" one year. When he retired, we had a huge party for him, and my Mom had saved all of his medals, awards, and plaques. She had over 3 easels of his rewards. Does anybody remember the clocks, watches, and other senority awards you would get? I could go on and on with the memories. Much to many to post. The place had a huge impact on our large family.

The smell of my Dads jacket when he came home from working second shift at General Motors(33 years total). When my husband started working there his coat had that same wonderful smell. Sounds funny I know. But it took me back to my childhood. Smells can do that, they take you back in time...To me the smell of GM meant my Dad was home from work. I could always go digging in his big plastic lunch box for the mini Reeses peanut butter cups he would bring home for us [we thought GM made those too :)]. He always had a great deal of pride in his work at the plant, he never took it for granted.

I started General Motors in October of 1974. I started working in Material Handling Dept.
In material I took skids of material for the line to the line
Kept inventory of stock in a warehouse
Shipping and receiving 1999
Tire Bay, Stocked tires and rims to the line.
18 yrs of inspection procedures of chassis engines, bodies on the B-Model
(Impala, Caprice.)
J Cars- Cavaliers, Pontiac, Buick, Olds
I worked in body shop, hard trim, and troubleshooter.
15 yrs Medium Duty Material
Unloading material at A, F, G, H, docks
AR - Absentee replacement person - took the place of line jobs when
Needed.
2001 I got a job running G-Dock, unloading Axles and other parts
For the axle line did that about 2 yrs.
1 yr Team coordinator for Inspection
I replace people on the line and gave breaks to them, made sure that
The people had all material they needed to do their jobs.
Road testing, tow the front end, tested the computer
I Retired in February 1, 2008 with 33.3 years

Most of all, I'll remember all the good friends that I made while working there. There were the times when we had a lot of fun joking around with each other. The "feeds" that we had, and the stories we used to tell while working on the line made the days go by so much faster. Yea we had bad times too, but no matter what went on down there, the memories will last forever, and no one can ever take that away from you.

When I was in college in the early '70s, I was fortunate enough to get a summer job at the Janesville GM plant. I loved that place! I liked the sights and sounds and smells of it. I had to walk what seemed like a mile indoors to get to my job, and I enjoyed that walk every night. For awhile, my job was installing starter motors on engines as they moved by on an overhead assembly line. Starter motors are heavy. I'd lift the motor overhead with my right hand and install two long bolts with my left using an air wrench, all night long, about one job a minute. The first few nights, I thought I was going to die! My right arm was so sore it felt like it might fall off. Eventually I got used to it. By the end of the summer, my right arm was twice as big as my left!

The wonderful holiday events at the UAW hall. I remember my brother and I going there with our Dad when we were little (70's). It is still a very special family memory that I have.

As a child in the 70's, it was always a big deal to visit the GM plant. In third grade, we all couldn't wait to go. The moment one walked into the building, the world seemed so different. Many of us had never stepped foot in a factory before, let alone one so enormous. We entered wondering what the facility would be like. We left being extremely proud of our community. There were so many classmates who had parents who worked at "the plant", and they just knew they would work there as well. In 1998 I worked at the plant for deer hunting season. What a different perspective that gave me. As a child, I visualized the work...but as an adult I experienced it. Thank you for the memories!