I thought it might be fun to know how we got into this industry in the first place.After all, it is somewhat obscure in the long list possible careers.I am sure there are some interesting stories out there.
I have to credit Roy Rogers and Gene Autry for my optical career.Lowe's Poli theater had a special deal for kids on Saturday afternoons.For a quarter you could go in at 11:30 and watch one of the old Republic Serials and a double feature of Westerns.Hoot Gibson, Alan Rocky Lane,Lash Larue,Hopalong Cassidy,Andy Devine, Gabby Hayes Roy Rogers and Gene Autry, were all featured at one time or another.We used to sneak our lunches in and we were occupied for the next 3/1/2 hours.
Because we only had one car back in 1949, the only way for me to get to the theater was to go to work with my dad who was an optician and owned a shop around the corner from the theater.He had to find something for me to do from 8:30 to 11:30 and then after the show, from 4 to 5 PM.He did!
I started my optical career at age 9 by sorting out screws which I had swept up after someone had spilled a segmented tray with assorted screws all over the floor.Coincidently, later in my career I met Phil Salvatori who, along with Theo Obrig, invented the the corneal contact lens. (for you history buffs)and he told a similar story about his first day in the optical field.I suspect it may have been a rite of passage for young opticians in the old days.
So thats how I first came into the field, and also how I learned the difference between 5 and 7 barrells, eye wire screws, long glass screws, glass screws, and fancy head trim screws.I wasn't thanking them on that Saturday of my youth...but I'm wiser now....Thank you Gene Autry and Roy Rogers!
Lets hear your story.
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