Circling back

Dear Jennifer,

The “Non-Stop Progress” article/interview in the April (2015) issue of Masonry sure brought back lots of warm memories for me. This is mostly because I had heard all of these quotes first hand, directly from Justin Breithaupt Sr., in the 1960s and early-1970s.

Shirley and I were still in our late-20s when we first met Justin Sr., and we quickly became very close friends. His German last name would have fit right in back in Milwaukee (our hometown), but his Southeastern accent and country-boy style was foreign and fascinating to us. A self-described “North Louisiana Coon Ass,” he was a fooler — because, in fact, he was sophisticated and sharp as a tack.

At the time, we were still in our 20s — immature, socially uneducated and far more likely to order a well-done steak versus elegant cuisine when dining out. One time, Justin Sr. exposed us to French (Creole, really) cooking at a restaurant in Texas. He said, “Let me order for you.” I forget what he ordered for me, but I remember it was delicious. He ordered fish en papilla for Shirley. We were quickly “hooked” on fine dining and began to experiment thereafter.

Justin Sr.’s masonry innovations — scaffolding, speed poles, etc. — are all part of history now, and, of course, Justin Jr., has taken the company to grand, new heights. When still active, Bill Dentinger Inc. was one of the early Non-Stop national customers, and our son’s company, B&D Associates Inc., continues that relationship.

Like I say, the article sure brings back many warm memories.
Bill Dentinger