My Running Career

In March, 1976, I decided that I was not in good shape physically, so I took up running. At first I could not run a half mile, but I kept working at it. I remember the painful shin splints, and waking up stiff as an over-starched shirt.

In September of that year, I entered the Presque Isle Marathon and completed the 26.2 mile course in 3 hours and 33 minutes. I was delighted and somewhat amazed that I could run that far. The next few days were very painful, particularly going down stairs.

As you can see from the photo, lots of running can help you lose lots of pounds! I lost 50 pounds in the process, and Mom was convinced that I was starving. During my "running career", I completed 33 marathons, including New York City and Los Angeles, and managed to run a few 50 milers as well. Met lots of nice people and ate lots of good pasta!

MFG Boat 20th Anniversary

In 1975, the MFG Boat Company celebrated its 20th year of producing and selling MFG Boats. At that time our most popular model was a 15-ft bowrider, named the Gypsy 15. It was quite a different boat than the original lapstrake hull boats that we produced in our inaugural year of 1955.

In the photo, we see Dick Russell, sales manager of MFG Boats. Robert Morrison, founder of MFG, is getting a 20year plaque from me (the one wearing that awful sport coat and the mustache!) Lots of good people made good boats in Union City for thousands of customers that enjoyed lots of boating fun. Great memories!