RJ McDaniel - 44 Year Honeywell Employee

Описание: This oral history interview with Roland J. “Mick” McDaniel Sr., conducted as part of the Wabash Carnegie Public Library program, provides a vivid account of his life, career, and reflections on Wabash industry and community. Born in 1899, McDaniel lost his father as an infant and was raised by his mother and grandfather, a Civil War veteran. He described his early schooling, part-time jobs in local stores, and his service in the Army during World War I before beginning work at Honeywell in 1921. Starting in the generator department of the small Honeywell Heating Specialty Company, he witnessed the firm’s expansion into thermostats, motors, and temperature controls. McDaniel shared memories of working closely with Mark Honeywell, describing him as meticulous, generous, and personally involved with employees. He also recalled early coworkers, factory relocations, the company’s growth, and the eventual merger with Minneapolis Honeywell, offering rare insights into the development of a major corporation from its small-town origins.

McDaniel’s reflections also captured the challenges and resilience of both the company and community during the Depression, unionization, and World War II, when Honeywell pivoted to defense production. Later, as purchasing agent, he played a key role in both industrial and civic projects, including the building of the Honeywell Center, where he managed procurement down to the smallest details. Beyond work, he remained deeply involved in church life, community affairs, and family. He spoke of personal milestones, such as marriage in 1924, raising children, and the tragic loss of a son in World War II. Even after retiring in 1965 following forty-four years at Honeywell, McDaniel continued to work in various local businesses, staying active well into his later years. His interview portrays a life shaped by hard work, loyalty, and adaptability, while preserving a valuable first-hand perspective on the history of Honeywell and the Wabash community

This audio interview was recorded by George Dingledy as part of the Wabash Carnegie Public Library Oral History Project.

From 1970 to 1987 Wabash Carnegie Public Library and members of the community worked on an Oral History Project that interviewed multiple people in Wabash. These were recorded on cassette tapes, which were later converted to digital.

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