Masonry Magazine February 1962 Page. 5
James Lonie newly elected President of the Mason Contractors Association of America hails from Dayton, Ohio. He has served the MCAA in many capacities having been Ohio State Vice President, Regional Vice President and for the past two years Vice President.
LONIE ELECTED MCAA PRESIDENT
HOUSTON, TEXAS-Teaming up with warm Texas hospitality the weatherman presented to mason contractors from 39 states, Canada and Mexico, attending the annual MCAA Convention, with five full days of beautiful weather in which to combine both business and pleasure.
Capacity attendance at business and workshop sessions at this convention stand out as one of the most outstanding that the Association has ever conducted.
At the annual meeting on Tuesday afternoon the delegates elected James Lonie, Dayton, Ohio, president. Elected with him were Lester Dietrich, St. Louis, Mo., vice president; Anthony Perri, Brooklyn, N. Y., vice president-east; Joseph Szabo, Des Plaines, III., vice president-midwest; Dale Parsley, Portland, Ore., vice president-west; Herman L. May, Houston, Texas, secretary; and Frank Zoulek, Kenosha, Wis., treasurer.
Business got underway at Houston on Saturday afternoon when the Executive Board met to approve major actions. One new Chapter was accepted, the Associated Masonry Contractors of Metropolitan Chicago, and two new individual members, Cliff Strider, Harahan, Louisiana, and Stephen P. Byers, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Following the meeting the Board Members and their wives were guests of the Houston MCAA Chapter, the Masonry Commission, Texas Concrete Masonry Association and NCMA on an enjoyable three hour boat tour of the Houston harbor.
Convention activities got off to a fast start on Sunday afternoon with the President's Reception in the beautiful Emerald Room of the Shamrock Hotel. This was followed by the official opening of the '62 MCAA Educational Trade Show in the Hall of Exhibits. A capacity crowd of members and their guests jammed the exhibit hall to view the many exciting and beautiful displays constructed by the nation's leading suppliers of masonry products and equipment.
The opening business session of the convention was called to order by President Raimo at 10 o'clock Monday morning. Convention Chairman Herman L. May, Houston Mayor Lewis Cutrer, and W W. Bartlett, gave addresses of welcome. Thomas F. Murphy, Secretary, Bricklayers, Masons & Plasterers International Union of America, then presented an inspiring address which will be made available to each MCAA Chapter. This was followed by a presentation of the work of the Allied Masonry Council by Jack Clark, Promotional Director, SCPI. Mr. Clark, through a visual approach, gave the delegates a fast moving and interesting message on the past and future work of the AMC. Justin Wilson of Baton Rouge, La., then entertained the audience for 60 minutes. Each minute was packed with laughter. Justin's entire program was taped and will be reviewed for possible record distribution.
Monday afternoon activity opened when delegates re-