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   Another Macloskie story: It was well known that George's way of life surpassed what his salary would support; even I had come to this conclusion. One of the GE engineers whom George knew very slightly, had developed some sort of a moonlighting operation to supplement his income while things were scraping bottom. Finally George's curiosity got the best of him and he asked the man about it. "If you don't think it's too personal," said George, "would you mind telling me how much you're making on that outside project of yours?"
   "No, I wouldn't say it's too personal and I'll be glad to tell you--but I do attach one condition to it," replied his friend.
   "What's that?" asked George.
   "I'll tell you what I make," said the man, "if you'll tell me how much money your wife had when you married her."

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   Whittier, whom everyone called "Whit," was the Works Accountant. He was a hard-shell Yankee who'd come to Erie from the Lynn Works and many didn't like him too well. However, he was basically a good egg besides being a topnotch financial man. When John Davis came to Erie in 1920 from Lynn, Whit was his only friend. Naomi was pregnant with Ada. John had no car and Whit told him to phone him when Naomi's time came and he'd drive them to the hospital. John said it might well be in the middle of the night and he wouldn't want to disturb Whit--he'd simply call a cab. Whit said in no uncertain terms, "You call a cab and I'll put a curse on the brat!" John called him at 2 a.m.

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   Whittier and Charlie Ives, John's boss, were driving in Lawrence Park and came to a red light and stopped. A big truck was facing them, also waiting for the light. When it turned green, Whit, who was driving, swung left right in front of the truck, which nearly rammed them, slamming on the brakes just in time. Whit stopped, leaned out the window and gave the truck driver hell, to such an extent, in fact, that the man was almost speechless with astonishment. Finally Charlie Ives said, "Shut up, Whit. I don't see what you're balling [[underline]] him [[/underline]] out for."
   Whit stopped, thought for a moment, and then said, "Well, I'll be a son of a bitch!"

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   Charlie Ives himself was a great character and extremely profane. It bothered his wife and her sister who lived with them. The ladies decided they'd teach Charlie a lesson. At dinner that evening, the following conversation occurred: