Western Union's "Boys"

A year ago Western Union began advertising for men over 50 "to come out of retirement." Many of its managers began to circularize the pension lists of cities, counties and corporations with the same plea. The intent was to replace the thousands of 16-to 20-year-olds it was losing to the armed forces and better-paying war industries.

Now Western Union believes it has uncovered a social phenomenon of lasting value. Men (and women) over 50, 60 and even 70 are as efficient messengers as youngsters are. Said W.U.'s Los Angeles personnel manager: "When the baseball season opened this year nobody's grandmother died." Atlanta: "One old man is worth six boys." Portland, Ore.: "The old folks have enabled us to provide a communications service which otherwise might have broken down."

More than 1,500 middle-aged and older men and women have already comeforward because of 1) the inextinguishable desire of the human being to feel he is needed; 2) patriotism; 3) 30-c- an hour.

Chicago. Said a former dentist, 71, retired for six years, who now carries messages on the exchange floor of the Chicago Board of Trade: "This is just what I needed."

Harry B. Hazen, 73, retired Baptist minister: "At the Baptist Home I could sit all day. But I don't like sitting."

Atlanta. Guy A. Jossey, 62, former traveling salesman: "This line of work has put me in contact with the better element of businessmen."

Detroit. Arthur J. Billett, 69, now too deaf to be a practical nurse: "I always liked to walk, and never had the chance."

Arthur N. Andrews, 73, once proprietor of a grocery store: "I enjoy going from floor to floor in this nice, clean building" (General Motors).

Manhattan. The wife of "a Wall Street man" feels she contributes to the war effort; an actress works between engagements; a minister and an organist carry messages in spare time. Of a bevy of retired lawyers, teachers, letter carriers, firemen, two have "country estates."

Portland, Ore. Sarah Coons, 66, Kansas divorcee: "One man gave me a dime and told me to buy a cigar."

Washington, D. C. Stanley King Tyler Sr., 64, great-grandson of the tenth President of the U.S., and former mayor of Purcellville, Va., who has the star beat (he delivers messages to the Senate and the more important hotels): "I like the work because of the good associations here."

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