Dehler Jarvis Letter Openers
Location 32
Date: 1940's
Owner: Sandra Hensley
My father Ted Poskarbiewicz and several of my uncles, cousins, and neighbors worked at Doehler Jarvis National Lead in Toledo. There were two plants, one on Detroit Avenue and one on Smead Avenue. My father told me many stories of his work during the war effort after Pearl Harbor was bombed. They were making lead products (incendiary bombs) and they worked many long hours. To show their appreciation, the workers were given small momentos and these letter openers in the shape of swords were items he treasured. Over the years, die cast lead ornaments for cars and parts for the Gibson Guitars. The company originated in New York, then Pensylvanica and Toledo.