Issue #25 (Mar. 1, 1959) Kurt Baechler Returns to U.S.A.

First, the Danish gymnastics team stopped by last November, then came the team from Finland.

My father's plan to promote his new Gymport line of gymnastics apparatus

 by showcasing the experts using it was in full swing!

He kept the Cedar Rapids Chamber of Commerce busy as well; with welcome receptions at the airport, special exhibitions in local high school gyms and hosting banquets dinners at the

Cedar Rapids Country Club.

We'll see a number of visiting teams throughout the coming year!

Ted Blake, Director of Nissen Trampoline Co. Ltd. wrote a wonderful motivational letter for his employees at the England site. It's easy to see why my father nicknamed Ted "Little Churchill." Throughout the years, Ted excelled at developing enhanced business practices with inspirational presentations, so luckily we'll be reading  more of his wit as time goes on.

Meanwhile, the trampoline clinics throughout the U.S. and Europe "carried on." Here are a few more photos of events that didn't make it into the last several issues.

With sales of trampolines rocketing, more employees needed to be hired!

Here we meet a few of the new folks.

I have to mention Manuel Polo (photo below) who proved to be a versatile asset at the company. Originally from Ecuador, his job was "weaving trampoline beds," however the Sales department borrowed him quite a bit to assist in translation duties. 

Page 4 is full of "newsy-news" covering the employee's happy activities outside of work.

A special mention however, about half-way down is worth noting -- of the collective effort to send out 10,000 new 1959 catalogs (that contained GymPort equipment). Charlie Igram and his partner Bill Hutchings from Igram Press did the printing of the BOUNCE newsletter as well as all the Nissen catalogs. In fact, Nissen's and Igram Press (now known as Cedar Graphics) enjoyed a great business relationship for many years to come. Charlie and Bill began their business in the back of a grocery store! Read Igram's interesting history HERE. 

Do these newsletters spark a memory for you?

You are invited to share your own stories and comments below.

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

Issue # 24 (Feb. 1, 1959) Finland Gymnastics Team Visits Nissen Factory

February 1959 - Time once again for the National Sporting Goods Dealer Show!

This year it's being held in nearby Chicago and the BIG news at the Nissen booth is the debut of gymnastic apparatus under the brand name: GYMPORT.  

Expanding into the world of gymnastics equipment was a big step for the Nissen Trampoline Company.

It was based on my father's determination that in order for American gymnasts to have a chance to excel in international competitions...they needed access to Olympic-caliber equipment as well. GYMPORT (the name being a combination of GYM and IMPORT) was his solution.

Bottom left is a photo of my father's brother Paul Nissen. Back when they were kids, Dad tagged along to his older brother Paul's gymnastics classes. One day they needed a small person for the top spot in a group pyramid balance - - and Dad filled in. From that point on, gymnastics was his favorite sport!

Paul by the way, created quite a reputation for himself through the years as a Handball champion.

My father always knew that the best way to introduce a new line of gymnastics apparatus was to show top level gymnasts using it. So he made sure that the touring Finnish Gymnastics Team had the new Gymport equipment at their stops which included Sarasota Florida Clinic, New Jersey, Canada and in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. 

On this page is a unique photo of the fellows who are responsible for building the Nissen Trampolines over in the Essex, England - - under the expert management of Ted Blake. As you read through their job titles/duties it's easy to see that even back in 1959, a lot of work went into building each trampoline! 

Thanks guys, from all of us!

The back page: once again reserved for the "newsy-news" of Nissen employees.

By 1959, Dad was creating his own personal "time zone;" the result of his weekly cross-country and globe-trotting travels. Whenever he felt the need to sleep, he'd simply take off his neck-tie, wrap it around his head a couple of times and...nod off for forty-winks!

My naps were never as "stylish" as Dad's. This rather embarrassing photo of me :-) proves that even a young 8-year old kid couldn't keep up with her own Dad's zest & energy!

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!