The picture below appeared on the front page of
The Herald-Palladium on Saturday, June 16, 1984. The caption under the photo reads:
"SJ DIVISION IN TRANSITION: Whirlpool's St. Joseph Division, first home of the company's washing machine, is scheduled to have all washer production phased out in 1985 as division will concentrate solely on production of parts. Shift to parts production has begun, and washer production is now limited to compacts. St. Joseph Division produces parts for other Whirlpool divisions, and company is seeking other manufacturers as parts customers. Division is running strong, as 100 workers have been recalled, bring hourly and salaried employment to about 1,400. Plans also have been announced for installation of $400,000 electrically operated plant system. Division plants are shown within bordered area of photo, except for Plant 7 in Benton Harbor. Complex at top of photo is Auto Specialties Manufacturing Co. U.S. 33 is at top right and Upton Drive is in foreground (H-P aerial photo by Chief Photographer Harry Smith)"
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| Double click to enlarge photo |
Many Batkes including Henry Sr., (and relatives) and some Links, including Jacob, worked for either the Whirlpool Corporation (1900 Corporation) or for the Auto Specialties Manufacturing Co. -- both pictured above.
In September, 2010 the abandoned site was photographed by Elaine Beaudoin showing the demolition of the St. Joseph Whirlpool Plant.
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| Looking toward U.S. 33 |
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| Looking toward St. Joseph water tower |
There were signs promoting a possible development on a large piece of the old Whirlpool site as a hotel, commercial, residential and/or marina development.
The parts plant in Benton Harbor mentioned in the 1984 newspaper photo is still in production but we heard that it will be closed next year in 2011.
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On February 18, 2011, via email to Elaine Beaudoin, Don Fredrick share the following information from his Aunt:
Anna Batke Pesko, via telephone, said Henry Batke, Sr., worked at the 1900 Corporation when he first started working in St. Joseph/Benton, Harbor Michigan. He was making toys at 1900 Corporation before it became a washing machine manufacturing company.
Henry Batke, Jr., also worked at 1900 Corporation/Whirlpool. His career had a great deal to do with union matters and participation--not sure whether at union leadership levels or not.
Jacob Link worked at Auto Specialties.
