Historical Pictures

Slide 1: 

“Foundry” Department - 1953

Shipping Steel… the Old Fashioned Way : 

Shipping Steel… the Old Fashioned Way

Shipping Steel…Now : 

Shipping Steel…Now

Slide 9: 

100 YEARS QUALITY, PERFORMANCE AND INTEGRITY 1909 – 2009 AFCO has a long tradition of employees working together to produce a quality product. I’m proud to be associated with you, and I firmly believe this tradition will continue for many years to come. Ever since the Coopers have owned this business, we have taken a lot of steps to improve your benefits, your pay, your retirement, your health insurance, and the equipment you work with. This is evidence of our confidence in you and our commitment to your future. We’ve said before that we believe the most important assets in this company are our employees. We still believe this. June 9, 2009 Grady E. Harvell President

Slide 10: 

Above, an artist’s rendering of the Arkansas Foundry Company Plant as it appeared in the 1920s, looking northeast across Thomas Street. The large “Fabricating Plant” building on the right is the only building still in place. Note the streetcar on Thomas Street.

Slide 11: 

From left: Sid Moseley, Fred I. Brown, Sr., Joe Schmelzer November 19, 1952

Slide 12: 

From left, Joe Brown, Fred I. Brown, Sr., Fred I. Brown, Jr.

Slide 13: 

Above, AFCO’s office building before the new building was built in 1953.

Slide 14: 

Above, AFCO’s newly constructed office building in 1953. It looks the same today, except for the air conditioners in all the windows now…and later model vehicles! Also, at some point in time, the sign on the roof was taken down.

Slide 15: 

In 1929, a significant part of the Foundry’s work was repair work, or replacement parts, for steam engines and other heavy machines used by sawmills, industrial plants, railroads, and oil fields. The Foundry had a large machine shop, but certain items could be produced only by a blacksmith, and a good one at that. Otto Schmidt filled that role. Eyebars and other forged pieces were his to make or repair. Otto said that when he came on board in 1929, Arkansas Foundry Company had 62 employees in the metals shop. When the Depression arrived, the number was halved, then halved again, then halved again. Finally Otto and his boss were the only two left. Even they ran out of work to do. From left, Jim Barron, Chief Estimator; Reid Finan, Estimator; Harold Engstrom, VP & General Manager; Otto Schmidt, Blacksmith

Slide 16: 

Harold James Engstrom, Jr. 1919 – 2002 Harold Engstrom was a pioneer in the structural steel industry and an inspiration to those who worked under his leadership at AFCO Steel. He began his engineering career at AFCO (then the Arkansas Foundry Company) at the age of 17. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Arkansas in 1939 then continued working at AFCO Steel, holding the position of Design and Construction Supervisor and then Chief Engineer. He served in the Navy during World War II and returned to AFCO after the war to eventually become Vice President and General Manager in 1965. Harold served at AFCO Steel until 1978. Harold was inducted into the University of Arkansas College of Engineering Hall of Fame in 1971 and was a charter member of the Arkansas Academy of Civil Engineering. In 1982, the University of Arkansas named him an honorary Doctor of Science and in 1983 he was awarded the President’s Award by the Arkansas Society of Professional Engineers. In addition to many other awards, Harold was also recognized as a community leader. He was particularly proud of his work on the Little Rock School Board to promote the peaceful integration of the city’s high schools in the 1950’s. Harold pioneered all-welded steel frames and plastic design in steel as well as numerous other innovations in structural steel construction. He was a “gentle leader” and mentor to the younger engineers and managers, shaping and guiding them with logical persuasion. Motivated by his confident leadership, those who worked for him were always eager to undertake and excel on any of his projects. Harold Engstrom was a true Southern Gentleman and we are honored to recognize his leadership and express our appreciation for the contributions he made to the success of AFCO Steel.

Roy Jones’ wife submitted this advertisement for one of AFCO’s newsletters. Her father once owned a business that traded with AFCO Steel, and this advertisement appeared in one of their company papers back in 1963. : 

Roy Jones’ wife submitted this advertisement for one of AFCO’s newsletters. Her father once owned a business that traded with AFCO Steel, and this advertisement appeared in one of their company papers back in 1963.

AFCO SteelersAFCO’s Softball Team - 1967 : 

AFCO SteelersAFCO’s Softball Team - 1967

Slide 19: 

Management Retreat DeGray State Park

Slide 20: 

AFCO Steel 1976

Slide 21: 

AFCO Steel – Now South Shop

Slide 22: 

AFCO Steel – Now North Shop

Slide 23: 

AFCO Steel – Now Greeley, Colorado

Slide 24: 

AFCO Steel – Now Van Buren, AR