Masonry Magazine January 1975 Page.28
MCAA INDUSTRY TOUR OF ITALY
A "total experience" would be the only words that aptly describe the MCAA Industry Tour of Italy, Southern France and Monaco. Departing from New York City on October 12th, immediately following the Fall Executive Board Meeting, the group flew non-stop via TWA 747 to Rome where it had an extensive and comprehensive stay. Upon arrival they were welcomed at a reception by Dr. Michele Altieri, National Builders Association; Prof. Dr. Guido Dandri, Director of Marketing, Institute for Builders; Professor of Architecture Gabriele Scimeni, Director Territorial Planning Institute; Ing. Lucio Passarelli, Director National Institute of Architecture; and Ing. Carlo Odorisio, Director National Institute of Architecture.
On Tuesday a full day of touring the various structures in Rome was conducted. The Roman Forum, the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the various obelisks and columns, and other historic structures and bridges were visited. In the afternoon Architect Bonci, Societa Generale Immobiliare, joined the group and a thorough study of a condominium project was undertaken. Visiting the project site, conversing with the management personnel and studying the various building products and methods was just a part of this business segment of the tour. This was one of the highlights of the entire trip since Architect Bonci was most cooperative in explaining the procedures and in addition, it gave members a first hand view of construction techniques in Italy.
Early Wednesday morning the group departed for a tour of the Vatican where the Vatican Museum, St. Peter's Basilica, the Sistine Chapel and other historic structures were visited. In the afternoon the Tour was privileged to attend an audience with Pope Paul. Thursday and Friday were set aside for trips to other cities of Italy. Capri, Naples and Pompeii were visited by many on Thursday with Florence being the main attraction on Friday.
During one of the project inspections MCAA President Charles Velardo stopped to examine some precast tile beams used in the structures floor system.
Saturday was a travel day to the City of Nice, and then on to Monaco and the new Loews Monte Carlo Hotel. On Sunday architects of the new hotel joined the tour and discussed various building methods with the members. Departure day on Monday started with great enthusiasm, interrupted at Nice by a short delay and then again in Paris by a more serious encounter.
The day ended at midnight in London where a most delightful group of local people turned a very tiring journey into a new experience. Tuesday was spent with a fast but most enjoyable tour of greater London, an experience one should not miss. Then back on the jet for the return to New York and respective hometowns.
On the Tour were: Mr. & Mrs. Guy Apple, Mesa, Arizona; Mr. & Mrs. W. Bartlett, Houston, Texas; Mrs. M. Butendorf, Oakbrook, Illinois; Mr. & Mrs. Robert Ebeling, Romeo, Michigan; Mr. & Mrs. Wilbur Graff, Wadsworth, Ohio; Mr. & Mrs. A. Greeson, Topeka, Kansas; Mr. & Mrs. Ivey Griffin, Jr., Morgantown, North
Pan mixers get the attention of Robert Ebeling, MCAA Vice President. Supervisory personnel were extremely helpful in discussing various building methods.
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The Coloseum was breath-taking. Its architecture along with its building system brought rapt attention from members of the MCAA Industry Tour.
. masonry Nov./Dec., 1975