Masonry Magazine April 1980 Page. 18
MCAA CONFERENCE REPORT
continued from page 17
Masonry, he insisted that it be signed by Dee Brown, MCAA President George, and MCAA Executive Vice President George A. Miller "before I hang it in my office." Architect Overton Shelmire, who similarly received a Masonry cover plaque, indicated that his firm has been designing exclusively with masonry since 1958 "because it is a wonderful material to work with." Alluding to the energy-conserving qualities of masonry. Shelmire said. "The day of the glass box is over. It is now the day of the brick box."
While acknowledging the criticisms that the exterior of the hotel resembles a penitentiary or a fortress, Shelmire believes that The Anatole's energy-efficient design is "50 to 100 years ahead of its time."
In introducing Mara Smith, Dee Brown said that her work on The Anatole has gained for her instant international recognition among sculptors. Ms. Smith gave a slide presentation depicting the various steps and problems that she encountered in creating the massive brick murals imbedded in the walls near the hotel's entrance.
She said that her research indicates that nearly every civilized culture carved murals and various designs out of brick as far back as 5,000 to 7,000 years. Using a special clay mined in Endicott, Neb., which she described as "some of the world's best for sculpting," she carved The Anatole's brick panels in Egyptian and contemporary themes to depict both the old and the new. Each brick in the panels, which measure up to 22 feet high, was carefully numbered and trucked from Endicott to Dallas for assembly at the job site by Dee Brown's craftsmen. "This is one product," said Ms. Smith, who also was given a Masonry cover plaque, "that we can guarantee for 7,000 years."
The last business session of the day involving the membership was the MCAA Annual Meeting, which was held Tuesday afternoon in the Monte Carlo Room, with President George presiding. Reports of Association officers and committee members were presented, and the annual election of officers was held, with former vice president Louis J. Helbert, Jr., Helbert Masonry, Inc., Fort Collins, Colo., being elected president of MCAA for 1980-81.
Donald O. Leonard, Don Leonard Brick Contracting Co., St. Ann, Mo., moved up from secretary to vice president, and W. C. "Bill" Dentinger, Jr., Bill Dentinger, Inc., Brookfield, Wis., was elected secretary. He formerly had been vice president of Region D. Robert C. Tubesing.
Texas Firms Host Ladies Luncheon
Four leading manufacturers from Texas teamed up to provide a memorable luncheon for the MCAA ladies on Monday, February 25, at the MCAA Conference in Dallas. A record turnout of nearly 240 ladies were treated to a truly unique concept in Japanese dining at Benihana of Tokyo. After lunch they visited one of Dallas' newest and largest shopping centers, Preston Mall, where they had ample time to browse and shop before returning to the hotel.
The firms who participated in hosting the luncheon were: A & B Equipment, Fort Worth: Acme Brick Company, Dallas: Elgin-Butler Brick Company. Austin, and Texas Industries, Inc., Arlington.
Sincere thanks to all of these fine companies!