Getting a Job: Page Three

A few years after I’d joined the firm, the offices of Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Bean were moved to 70 Pine Street. There were many different people in it, and a new manager, Victor Cook. Almar Shatford, eighty years old, and a partner, had an important effect on my life.

Coming from Montgomery, I felt frozen in the winter and wore heavy overcoats and gloves. I also got the flu, it was called la grippe in those days, at least twice a year. Mr. Shatford told me to stop that nonsense of heavy clothing and let my body get used to the climate, and I wouldn’t have all those maladies.

The first year I tried it with just a topcoat, and got the flu only once. The next year I got rid of the topcoat and didn’t get sick at all. And there was an extra benefit. I tried to get to the office at five minutes to ten.

Sometimes I misgauged and was a little late. On those occasions, our office manager, Victor Cook, would give me an unkind glance, or a few words. Now, without a coat, Victor was stuck. He couldn’t be sure if I was late, or just coming back from the men’s room.

In those days the market opened at ten o’clock and closed at three. The hours were good for me. At 3:01 I was on my way to my real enjoyment, bridge at the Cavendish Club. I was never any good as a customer’s broker, who is supposed to bring in commissions. At my peak, my salary was $12,000 a year. In market judgment I was above average. I kept my own weekly charts, and they were a big help.

Making $12,000 a year must have unsettled my brain. Although classified 4-F, I felt I should try to help win the war, and volunteered for the Coast Guard.

Next Section: The U.S. Coast Guard

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