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Dexter-Russell 59 "Without the employees, there would be no company." FOUNDER'S DAY In the early 1920s, Russell-Harrington, as part of its family-friendly philosophy, began the tradition of holding annual picnics and began sponsoring athletic teams for its employees. e company held its first annual foreman's outing on September 13, 1947. e custom of a company outing has evolved from those early picnics and is now known as Founder's Day, which is held annually in June. When Hyde purchased Russell-Harrington in 1968, the company experienced a "rebirth" of sorts. e manufacturing process changes, and the addition of state-of-the-art equipment, had injected new life into the company and increased revenues. To celebrate this turnaround and honor the man who initiated it – Richard Hardy – Edmond Neal, president at the time, established Founder's Day in 1981 on June 18, Hardy's birthday. e day features a catered lunch for all employees and past presidents and the distribution of awards and honors to various employees for special achievements. According to Past President William Pioppi, this special event also honors Henry Harrington as the founding father of the company. In certain years, Founder's Day features some unique events. In 1978, to celebrate its 160th anniversary, the company held a look-alike contest. Male employees grew beards, moustaches and sideburns to imitate famous as well as infamous characters, such as Pancho Villa, Ulysses S. Grant, Sinbad, Willie Nelson, Abe Lincoln and others. Old Sturbridge Village provided costumes for both men and women for an 1800s era fashion contest. Judges awarded prizes to the best look-alikes and for the most authentic costume. is much-anticipated event continues to grow and evolve every year. In 2017, a reported 50+ employees received an award for perfect attendance. Russell-Harrington Cutlery Co., First Foreman's Outing, September 13, 1947 Founders Day - 180 Year Anniversary, 1998