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Frank J Andruss Sr
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 Posted on: Aug 16, 2021 - 6:32am
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Surprises come in all shapes and sizes and for me this morning, I was no exception to the rule. I had decided to go through one of my Museum boxes as I was looking for a diagram. I located this envelope, typed out to Frederick Bulkely, who worked at Elco He was of course the Father of Lt. Cmdr. John Bulkeley from Ron 3 fame. I always knew I had it but I never even knew there was something inside. I must have missed it all these years as the memo inside was very thin. To my excitement and surprise the memo was from the Elco Labor Management and was informing Frederick about the noontime ceremony for his son. Also in the memo it clearly states that John would be presented a gift. That gift was a handcrafted PT-41 that was made by Elco Employee Don Rosencrantz. I had the original photos of that ceremony but never tied it into this memo until 10:45am today. You can imagine how exited I am (goosebumps even now) to now be able to put the pieces together. I will make a case for this in the near future. To think that I have had this envelope for at least 15 years and never knew the treasure that awaited me inside of it is mind boggling. I am so happy to have found this memo that I wanted to share it with the group.
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Grady
New Member
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Posted on: Aug 16, 2021 - 9:09am
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What a great find, I have always believed the most cherished pieces of history are sometimes the simplest. Holding it in your hands now that’s a way to start your day. The memo will really add to that “WOW” moment when displayed with the photo. Do you know where the gift is today ?
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PRJM3
Advanced Member
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Posted on: Aug 16, 2021 - 11:47am
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Frank,
What a nice find, and of some significance too! My first thought was the same as Grady's; what happened to the presentation boat?
To enhance the moment, I'd suggest not only holding the memo and looking at it and the picture, but also listening to The Invincible Eagle at the same time. I just did so, but unfortunately can only look at the documents in your post. That's more than good enough, though,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Neu3llLSK8I
Randy McConnell (Randall J. McConnell III)
Below, added by Moderator, Dick:
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Drew Cook
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Posted on: Aug 16, 2021 - 12:47pm
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Neat find, Frank.
Wasn't there an earlier post on the Forum about the model, stating that it sat on the mantle of the (younger) Bulkeley's home's for years?
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Frank J Andruss Sr
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Posted on: Aug 17, 2021 - 4:12am
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Drew and Grady
The boat in question which was made by Elco Employee Don Rosencrantz sat at the home of the Admiral for many years. It is still with the Bulkeley family to this day. Here are two photos of the boat at the Admirals home where for some reason he added ET to the helm
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Frank J Andruss Sr
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Posted on: Aug 17, 2021 - 4:14am
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Randy I just played that song myself which in my mind brings me back to this lunch time ceremony. I can just see it all unfolding before my eyes
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Stearman
MASTER
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Posted on: Aug 17, 2021 - 8:31pm
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My first love of music was John Philip Sousa, The March King! I found this fun video, The Sousaphone Battle. A bit long, but I'm sure it will bring a smile to your face, as it did mine. I am sure the Lieutenant, Commander was smiling on that day also! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVlS64b_4K8
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Jeff D
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Posted on: Aug 18, 2021 - 4:03am
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Hah that's funny. In the 80's I had an R/C outboard powered tunnel hull that I recruited a larger version of ET to drive. Our club lake was at the entrance of a State Park so we had lots of family visitors, the kids loved him! I'd often hear an excited "ET!!! Look Dad ET is driving!" behind me as I ran the boat and they caught a glimpse of him.
Don's work is exquisite, only a lucky few own one. Even the prop earrings he made for his daughter are works of art in my book and look exactly like the real thing. Do you know how many PT's he made Frank?
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Frank J Andruss Sr
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Posted on: Aug 18, 2021 - 7:54am
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Jeff
I am not sure how many Don built while he was at Elco. I have tried to research this but have come up empty. As you know i have one of his boats. Here are the earrings you talk about made for his daughter Gina, and one of his boats that I have
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Frank J Andruss Sr
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Posted on: Aug 18, 2021 - 7:58am
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Jeff
I found this Elco Memo that Don had sent to Irwin Chase. The time for building this model was incredible. Not sure how large this was but that kind of money in those days was huge.
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