Bernard John Holmquist

The Protectoseal Company, Chicago, 1942 - 1944

After high school Bud SS#: 336128188 worked at Protectoseal ¹¹ as an apprentice tool and die maker from July 11, 1942 to August 9, 1944. He got the job because of his father's position in the company. Bud thought was unfair to others who thought should have gotten this apprenticeship before Bud did. His father, John T., reasoned that Bud would eventually go into the military. Others in the Protectoseal were older and so would not be drafted. They would have their chance later. Bud on the other hand would need a trade when he got out of the military.

At Protectoseal Bud associated with the common laborers. He refused to wear a white working coat which was a mark of distinction, and would have put him above many of the others. A picture during this time shows bud with some of fellow employees. He looks like one of them.

One of the workers confided in Bud that many were thinking of organizing a union in the company. Bud said that he was in a difficult position between the laborers and his father, but he felt the laborers really had to think of what is best for themselves. Bud said he wouldn't say anything about their plans, but he wouldn't betray his father either.

During this time two girls adored Bud according to his sister, Elaine. One was Shirley Anderson who came from a wealthy family in church the Holmquist family were members. Marian Calhoun in an email to Lennart Holmquist, March 18, 2011, writes, "Her dad, Roy and his brother Bernard were wealthy, but Sara, Bernard's wife was not at all showy about their wealth. I remember sitting behind Shirley in Sunday School She had beautiful clothes, patent leather shoes. always had on perfume and makeup even as a nine or ten year old. She was really pretty. Bud dated her for some time. Though Bud was interested in her he thought he couldn't afford her. He was thinking of going into full-time Christian service, a line of work which is not known for its generous salaries. Shirley was hurt that he did not want to continue the relationship or at least allow it to develop more seriously.

Another young lady was Jeannie Hedberg whom he stopped seeing just before he went into the Service. She felt bad too about the ending of the relationship. Later Jeannie married one of Bud's friends, Charles Gardner. Both girls were very pretty and very nice according to Elaine.

Contact me, Lennart, about corretions or additions you would like to make to the family information on this web page or contact me if you have any questions at family@earthwander.com

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