Clarence Henk, Monogram Sanitation of Chicago
Featured company:
Portable Sanitation Association International
Monogram Sanitation Systems was a manufacturer of waste systems with locations in Los Angeles, Chicago, and Plainville, Connecticut. During the 1960s, the company advertised that it “specialized in onboard water and waste management” and was involved in “both sanitation equipment and aerospace applications.” Monogram offered the Jet-o-matic flush toilet, which was very innovative when introduced in 1971.
Having such an innovative company involved with the PSAI was extremely advantageous as the association strived for acceptance and credibility. Charter members joined from Monogram locations in Los Angeles and Chicago.
Clarence Henk was in the Chicago office and served on Monogram’s board from 1971 to 1973. His corporate organizational skills helped form the committees that would further expand the PSAI’s work in a variety of areas in our industry.
Paul Levine, Portable Toilets of Huntington Valley, Pennsylvania
Another “youngster” on the charter board at the age of 32, Paul Levine was an innovator and a think-outside-the-box leader. He was the owner and president of Portable Toilets of Huntington Valley, Pennsylvania. The company operated in five states — Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Delaware and Maryland.
Paul operated other companies, too – which is an understatement! According to the “PSA News & Views” newsletter from April-May 1974, Paul also owned Arrow Trailer Leasing, which operated a diverse fleet of rental vehicles. His fleet included taxicabs, airport limousines, “cabulances” for nonemergency medical transport and chauffeured limousines. The total number of vehicles was 900, and the total number of drivers was 2,500. The taxicab company was none other than Yellow Cab of Philadelphia.
With Paul’s innovative and creative ideas, he served as the membership committee chairman and as program chairman for the Inaugural Annual Meeting in New Orleans in November 1971.
Paul went on to serve as PSAI president for two terms, 1973-74 and 1974-75. His ability to multitask was an invaluable component of his leadership style and, once again, the PSAI benefited from Paul’s efforts.
One final unique fact concerning Paul Levine and his career: According to a July 1, 1975, article in The Indiana Gazette (Indiana, Pennsylvania), Paul made a $3.1 million offer to buy the National Hockey League team, the Pittsburgh Penguins. He was ultimately outbid.
With all the board profiles up to this point, can you imagine the discussions of new ideas and possibilities for the new Portable Sanitation Association?
Robert Churchill, Churchill’s of Roanoke, Virginia
Formerly the head of Pioneer Construction in Roanoke, Virginia, Robert Churchill founded Churchill’s Portable Johnny’s in 1966. In an article from the Feb. 5, 1967, edition of the Roanoke Times, “One of Roanoke’s newest businesses is the manufacture and sale of portable outhouses for use at construction sites and recreation areas. They’re made by Virginia Fiberglass Products … headed by Frank Van Balen.
“Virginia Fiberglass has produced about 25 here in the last six months and Churchill says 12,000 have been in use in Washington, D.C.”
Finally, an excellent description of the units and the service is given to the readers:
“Made of molded fiberglass, weighing 200 pounds and available in at least five colors, they’re for sale or rent. They’re operated with chemicals and they’re serviced once a week.”
This article illustrates Robert Churchill’s familiarity with the industry standards at that time and his desire to inform the public. These skills were needed on the PSAI charter board.
Robert stepped away from the board in 1972, but his business partner and son, Bill Churchill, carried on the family’s involvement with the PSAI when he joined the board in 1973. A hard worker and a leader, Bill Churchill served as PSAI president in 1975-76.
To read Part 4 of the series, click here. Part 5, “Meet PSAI Charter Board Members James Consolo and M.C. Nottingham,” will be published on June 4.
