Former Navistar employees will continue a nearly 80-year-old tradition Sept. 10 when they gather for their annual retirees’ reunion.
Cy Addley, who began a 29-and-a-half-year career at Navistar in 1962, said the dinner is an opportunity for retirees to visit, reminisce and catch up on life.
“The retirees’ dinner started in 1948, before the company even moved to Richmond Street,” he said. “Last year we had more than 100 people turn out, but you never know from year to year. We’re getting older, and there are fewer of us.”
Navistar ceased truck production in Chatham in 2009 and formally closed the plant in 2011.
“At one time, we had more than 2,400 employees in Chatham,” he said. “For a lot of the city, you either worked there at one time or you knew someone who did.”
Addley said the Navistar workers donated millions to charity over the years, and the company was a major contributor to the municipal tax base.
The reunion will be held at the Moose Lodge on Richmond Street, beginning at 5 p.m. Dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m. Tickets cost $30. Registration is required and can be made by calling Addley at (519) 354-0413.
