Edward R. Beck Mfg. Co. (1963)
Dear Aunt Hattie-Vermilla-Mary-Jack and Margaret;
A milestone was reached on the 12th of this last March, 1963. The patent expired on the Beck Automatic Welding Helmet:
In the manner of a final accounting to you all - I will recap the important facts involved.
Time will not permit a letter to each personally, so must address you jointly and use carbons where possible.
The patent was issued to Edward R. Beck, his heirs or assigns, on March 12, 1946 and was for a period of seventeen years. I have been advised by legal council that a renewal under certain conditions is possible. I personally can make no move in this direction, but have carefullyl filed away all records for any future negotiations.
Through the years dating back as far as the Whitehall apartments and the parking lot operation, I have had considerable faith in the helmet and its potential. I encouraged Dad in the move to the double garage behind the Peterson furniture store, and it was while Dad was selling for Fred A. Carlson that I moved the helmet operation to the North Temple Garage building.
The probate proceedings in 1954, while Dad ws unable to act for himself, and in which Vermilla assisted are familiar to you all. In February 1955 - following Dad’s passing, Walker Bank and Trust Co., was set up as guardian of Dad’s estate and a half interest in the busuiness was sold to Mr. L. F. Ure for $5,000. A complete set of books wa drawn. The business was capitalised at $10,000 - Broken down as follows, $5,000 tools - equipment- patent rights etc. and $5,000 cash provided by Mr. Ure.
We immediately started a full scale program. Advertising (a complete catalogue and descriptive literature etc.) - new tools were ordered and a full stock of materials purchased. The cost of this expansion program was approximately $2,000. Before we could complete our expansion program or get off the ground in a business way, Mr. Ure decided he had made a mistake and asked to dissolve the partnership. I stopped action immediately with lawyer D.E. Brayton. Legal proceedings to this plint has cost 300 dollars and if we were to have trouble in the partnership, I had to conserve available capital. After many days of wrangling the partnership was dissolved on the following basis. Mr. Ure to receive all cash on hand, a total of $2780.00 for a full and complete release. We would hold all new tools and materials for a complete release to Mr. Ure. The partnership lasted less than ninety days.
The new tools and materials made possible some of the new procedures Mother, Dad and myself had wanted for so long and I continued to work the business through November of 1955. My progress was slow however because I had to learn to handle die and punch press work, a highly specialized field. Dad had looked into the future and had left me a manual of instructions. With few exceptions it answered my every question and I felt Dad’s presence and guidance in the days following.
In March of 1956, I found myself physically unable to work two jobs at the same time and closed the shop. I had burned the candle at both ends for a considerable length of time. I knew I could not return to the shiled business and at this point, with Aunt Hattie’s consent I turned the large punch press over to Salt Lake Stamp to settle all outstanding accounts with them. Aunt Hattie originally provided the punch press. The bill owing at Salt Lake Stamp at this point was $242.50, some of it dating back many years. I felt that to be fair settlement with Mr. Cannon in view of past considerations to Dad. In addition to S.L. Stamp, all outstanding bills were paid in full, and I prepared to leave the North Temple Garage building.
At the time the books were drawn for the partnership, the tools- patent rights and machinery were all set up on a straight line method depreciation schedule. This made a greater dollar amount possible, but it had to be spread over a ten year period. Mainly for this reason, I have kept the books open and have taken a $500 income tax deduction each year since dissolving the partnership. The official books of the company are here for your inspection at any time. They show a loss for every year of operation from 1954 through 1962. This mainly a bookkeeping loss covering depreciation schedules, for I have made and sold a small number of shields each of these years. This necessary of course to be able to take the income tax deduction.
In June of 1957, we purchased our home in Bountiful and shortly after I moved all remaining equipment to our basement. All that is left of the business is in our basement. Although I do not expect to make any helpmets in 1963, it is still possible to make them using the old hand operation.
The helmet has never lost its appeal. I still have calls for the helmet from many areas. Most of the calls from people who ask, please just one more helmet. I’m lost without it. If this is so, why? Why was it not a great success? The public never knew it was available. If it had been given national distribution as soon as it was first marketed, and permitted to grow with the deman, then I am certain it would have been a monetary success.
With Mom and Dad struggling so in the last few years - the money was basic of course, but for me the whole operation was a marvelous success as was. Not one of the countless hours would I have spent otherwise. I learned to know our Dad and Brother for the truly great person he really was - God rest his soul. Mother’s constantly encouraing words and my wife’s generous understanding of the long tedious hours were so much a part of this story.
With a very large lump in my throat, I look back and give thanks that I was permitted to be a part of Dad’s invention.
For my small part, I can only say - I gave it an honest effort.
God bless you all
Edward