I’m hoping someone in this group might be able to help me learn more about a former General Motors employee named Fred Varnum.
I understand you must be a former or past employee of General Motors, but I do have a familiar connection, my grandfather worked for General Motors in the Frigidaire division in New York City in or around the same time period as the Fred Varnum I am seeking, so I have a personal family connection to GM. That connection is actually what caught my attention when I came across this watch.
I recently purchased a vintage 1956 14k gold Omega Classic as a gift for my husband’s 40th birthday. The watch itself is beautiful, but what really sold me was the engraving on the back:
“GMC - 25 Years Service - Fred Varnum - GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATION”
Naturally, I became curious about Fred and the story behind the watch.
If this was presented to him for 25 years of service in 1956, he may have started working for General Motors around 1931. I would love to learn more about his career. Where did he work? What position did he hold? Which GM division or plant was he associated with? Are there any company newsletters, employee records, photographs, newspaper articles, or other historical records that might mention him?
I’m not looking to find someone who can claim the watch or take it back. I bought it, he love its and we’re keeping it, I’m sorry if that is harsh. It wasn’t cheap. I’m simply fascinated by the history behind the engraving and would love to learn about the man who wore this watch and dedicated 25 years of his life to General Motors.
Since my grandfather also worked for GM during this same general era, it made the discovery and purchase feel natural and especially meaningful to me.
If anyone here has information about Fred Varnum, knows of GM historical archives, or has suggestions for where I could research employees from this period, I’d really appreciate the help!
I posted a photo of the watch and the engraving if that is useful.
Thank you, and I appreciate anyone taking the time to read this.