Issue #31 (Oct-Nov, 1959) New Employees Come On Board

Once again, the folks at the Nissen Trampoline Company found themselves very, very busy. 
So, October and November are combined into one issue. 

One big influence that put the demand on producing more and more trampolines came from the exploding craze surrounding outdoor trampoline jump centers. Nearly one year earlier in 1958, it was a small trend that began with Jess Robinson opening a small trampoline jump center in Los Angeles, California. Now jump centers were opening up all across the country .

As you can see by the photos of eight new employees grace the front page below, Nissen's was preparing for busier times ahead!

So the following newspaper announcement of plans to build a new and bigger factory didn't come as a surprise. For readers who are familiar with the building, I think you will agree that the architect's drawing looks pretty close to the final result. 

Nissen employees didn't get to move into the finished factory 

 on 27th Avenue, SW until December of 1960.  

Here is an interesting back story on The Crowells; a family that

 made its living by performing in a comedy trampoline act.

Also known as "The Riding Arnold's they bounced on the trampoline, rode Percheron draft horses and Ida performed an acrobatics routine. According to Henry's memoirs, he first joined up with Gene Autry in 1949 and often toured with the Autry shows. The Crowells job to entertain the audience with their trampoline act and get them in a "happy" frame of mind before the star of the show, their singing idol, took the stage.

Henry Crowell became a trusted friend of the Gene Autry family and was invited to move onto "Melody Ranch" where he stayed as ranch manager for 30 years. In addition, Henry occasionally did stunt work in Autry's TV shows and personally attended to Gene's horse, "Champion."

  

 With political relations between Cuba and the U.S.A. on a high note; the trampoline was introduced to Cuba via the physical education teachers.

Here, 133 receive training in the fundamentals of bouncing.

Our final page is filled with employee news.

Plus, gives you the reader, the opportunity to enjoy the unique 1950's style of humor found in the series of jokes printed below. :-)

Do these newsletters spark a memory? You are invited to share your own stories and comments below.

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"Nissen's - - a great place to work!"