Brooklyn Bethel of the 60's Era - Watchtower Memories

We never forget the memories of the old days. These pictures are of the 60s. We met a lot of good friends who have either passed or remain faithful and active. We shall never forget. (Sorry bout a couple typo errors in the video, getting old I guess and by the time I realized they were there, it was too late to correct) Well I just found out they are taking my original music off the video and I have to find some different. I thought I owned the use of them as they were bought and paid for but I'm too old to figure these regulations I guess. I'm disappointed and will see what I can substitute. I didn't want to use the typical Kingdom music but the music of the times we listened to which fit that era. Very disappointed....

[@spinnettdesigns]

I’m quite late seeing this, but I’ve enjoyed it so much! I went to Bethel as a single sister of 48, in 2011 and was there on and off for three years. I was the first one my age to be invited…I was beyond thrilled.

[@hellen70666666]

.....Such Nice Memories...!!!....2023'

[@daviddouglas6861]

Enjoyed the program. Brought back some great memories. I was at Bethel 1968-1972. A second tour of duty 1976-1982. Great times in Jehovah’s organization. Glad I was there when the old guard was still around. Thanks for the memories.

[@Hankster.Northwest]

We were there at the same time, but I dont remember you. wondering where you worked, what was your assignment. Check out my Brooklyn Pressroom 1967-1972 you might like that one and see some familiar faces. Al

[@soundsgood5314]

Ahp _ thanks for sharing these. Helps bring back fond memories of my service there.

[@JWM2023]

Thank you for memories. Worked in cleaning for 6 months. Cleaned the locker room next to Harris 6. Then 2-10 mailing. Night watchman a few times... 👍😎❤️

[@JWM2023]

82 - 88

[@gmarrero1]

I too served there for 4.4 years in the 90's. I was not even born in the 60's. But almost looked the same. I still serve Jehovah and Im blessed to be busy in his work. But, I would give anything to re live those days!

[@MiltonGrewAIA]

Thanks for posting this. I was kid in the 60's but my parents brought me to Brooklyn Bethel often and we knew quite a few of the Bethelites. I also used to drive down on a regular basis with my uncle to pick up literature for the congregation at the shipping department. Good times.

[@Hankster.Northwest]

Hi Milton, thanks for your expression

[@joeoneal1501]

This is awesome Hank, you really put your heart into these videos. Well done old friend

[@robbyn.1582]

Thank you AHP I visited Bethel with my wife in 88 and keep in touch with an old 'lifer' that had been there since 72 before the mass exodus of Bethelites. Miss Bethel being in Brooklyn

[@Hankster.Northwest]

Yes, Brooklyn was special, however a young brother came up to me and asked me if I served in Warwick, I said no brother, it was a long time ago...he looked puzzled and I just said.......Allegheny.....

[@charlesstorm77]

I enjoyed the video. Great memories serving Jehovah though I wasn’t at Bethel I have friends who were. I was privileged to work temp at Walkill and sure enjoyed the experience. Also toured Brooklyn several times over the years. Thank you again

[@melvinschlecht599]

I really enjoyed watching these memories. The early 70s were much the same. At first I thought the picture of the old National sewing machine could have been me in 1971, but it was from the wrong angle--I was at the other end of the row and faced the other direction. It was great seeing the picture of Louie Wildman, he was my table head before I went on night shift in the bindry.

[@zimmerwoman24]

Even though I didn't make it to Bethel until my adulthood, this video brought back so many wonderful memories of my spiritual heritage. In the mid 60's when I was a kid my dad was literature servant and I remember him unwrapping the magazines when they were shipped in a big paper roll. I so cherish the memories of the old times in Jehovah's organization. I love talking to new and young ones about how the Conventions (and the FOOD), etc. used to be. Thank you for sharing these photos.

[@pierrenuffer]

because i would like to serve in bethel but at London and I have already 19 years so I will apply. Hopefully my application be accepted. your video is really nice.In that time my mom was 3 years old. Very long time ago.

[@Hankster.Northwest]

Yup, your grandpa and grandma were like my parents and your dad and his clan, my brothers and sisters.

[@cliffordjones2553]

best days of my life 64-68, tom, max, so many fine brothers. can't wait for new system. whole earth will have the joy as we did at bethel. thank you,really enjoy our old home. clifford jones

[@Hankster.Northwest]

It was a very special time in theocratic history. Glad you enjoyed it. We were millions of books behind and worked overtime and night shift.

[@Hankster.Northwest]

Thanks for the kind words.

[@ggphipps1]

Thank you for.posting these priceless images! I grew up in new york at that time...i remember when j.r.brown first came to serve, ralph walls was a "kid" then!, i also remember the wonderful smell of the new Bibles hot off the.presses, the young brothers in their white short sleeve shirts always neat and clean, the three day circuit assemblies at the "bliss" theater in queens, preparing for assembly drama " are you a modern day jonah(peace on earth intl convention), 1966-1971 sobeautiful!

[@ggphipps1]

I forgot.to mention the special talks in central park. I used to pretend we were in the new system...i'd do the same thing at the yankee stadium conventions as well! I'd always cry when were singing We Thank You Jehovah on the last day! I miss those days...but im still holding on! Hope to meet you soon, either upstate or in the new system! Stay strong brother!

[@BillCutrerTV]

Great video, I loved seeing Milan Miller. I used to wash his car for him when he was older in his Wallkill days. He would have me sit in his office and tell stories. Great photos though archiving a historic time.

[@s52905]

What a beautiful video. I haven't had the privilege to visit but I intend to once the new facilities are all up and running. Thank you for the tour. Your sister :)

[@kingfrank201]

What a spiritual heritage you have had! Hang inthere, you are a wonderful example of sticking close to the organization throughout the years and using your youth in the best way imaginable. As a young person in my life, I only hope I can do the same centuries from now looking at how I remained faithful in this system of things. Great work, Keep strong, we're almost to paradise, I can smell it from here.

[@ggphipps1]

Jehovah will always remember you for your service to Him. Even though major changes are happening...and yet to happen...i rejoice in the fact that we serve Jehovah a God who is a progressive God. Thank you for the video...and yes i love the other music!

[@Hankster.Northwest]

I chose this particular music because when I was a young man there all we had was an AM radio, and these were the songs that played over and over and over during those early years. Thanks for the kind comments. Ahp

[@jessicajones6032]

I enjoyed watching this ❤, loved the choice of music too 👀

[@Hankster.Northwest]

Thanks but I might add that my original music with some of the old original early Beatles music like Penny Lane and other songs that we used to listen to with a cheap AM radio in our Bethel room in 1967.

[@mrk1075]

Thank you for sharing this!

[@buggs428]

very nice fotos andvideo done with them , i remember all them thanks.

[@lostcaboose]

Tremendous. You've expressed my sentiments exactly, Al. And anyone who really values the heritage we have would likely say the same thing. When I was a kid, I used to hear brothers talk about their experiences "when they were at Bethel." Now it's us. Our entire lives built around the experiences, the love, the advancement of the celestial chariot. Well done, my friend.- Steve

[@FlightClub1571]

Love the vid and photos. and that garden/courtyard looked really beautiful.

[@TexMex60]

There from Nov 69 to Jan 73 and worked as press #19 operator and thoroughly enjoyed my work there.

[@justsittinhere72]

I just found this in June 2020 though it's been here since September 2011. You did a good job putting this together. I toured the printing facility back in 1989 or 90. I'm not a JW but have known many through the years. A fellow Christian that used to live in Brooklyn took me here. I visited the Watchtower Farm later, too. That was with a JW friend of mine.

[@ahpriller361]

Glad you enjoyed it Daniel, I have many more videos also I particularly enjoyed the old pressroom at Brooklyn.

[@justsittinhere72]

@@ahpriller361 I will look up your videos now that I know about you. Just today I had a good conversation with a JW I met 3 years ago. He installed a windshield for me then and another one today.

[@soundsgood5314]

Daniel Mudge when you visit jw.org you can search for more of our history in Brooklyn.

[@justsittinhere72]

@@soundsgood5314 Thank you, Andre.

[@mssallylopez]

I enjoyed the video very much. Thanks for sharing

[@geneactor]

Nice to see young brothers serving Jehovah to the full... Conitnue to fight the fine faith ... all my spiritual love

[@suezmommom]

This is a beautiful video. My Aunt Aggie told stories about how Jehovah’s Witnesses bought the Squibb building and forced her out of a job. We know that is not the truth but it is funny to hear someone that was in the building before Jehovah’s Witnesses purchased and repaired the property. As I went through your photos, I was reminded of my very first visit to Brooklyn Bethel. Thank you so much for sharing your memories. Most especially thanks to Jehovah for his wonderful organization.

[@Hankster.Northwest]

I started when I was 19 yrs old in 1967 and left in 1971 and served all four years in Brooklyn.

[@hrm3563]

Wonderful Memories! Helen Waters Marr

[@Hankster.Northwest]

Yeah, its hard for me to go back and visit. All the blood, sweat, and tear stains are gone now. I printed the Aid Book back in the day as well as Watchtowers in many languages. I used to print all the Atalays in the world at one time, as well as some new releases every year. Amazing times, all memories now

[@Hankster.Northwest]

Tks Micah. Still brings back lots of great memories.

[@Hankster.Northwest]

Thanks Frank, glad you enjoyed it. We certainly wont forget it, ever.

[@Hankster.Northwest]

Thanks Bill. We were kind of a rough tough rag tag bunch of guys in the pressroom. I still stay in touch with about 40-50 old Bethelites and about 30 from the pressroom. I have three friends on the US Branch Committee and have been told that if I had remained there all these years I would probably.........be cleaning toilets.

[@BillCutrerTV]

I was shipping my first couple years. I've only been gone for about 5 years and I still have two younger brothers there so I still get down quite often. It's funny how it really is a brotherhood within the brotherhood. I miss that place.

[@Hankster.Northwest]

Very cool Mel. When I was 16 I used to pick up all the old sisters on the way to the hall. Julia Wildman, Louie's mother was one of them. I was asst to Gary Breaux in the dining room and then when I heard I was heading for the factory, I went to see Louie and he got me in the pressroom. I was afraid Id end up in the bindery (laughing) He was one of the good ones, a real sweetheart. I loved all the indisyncrasies he had, moving all around so funny. Really loved that brother. Thanks, Al P

[@Hankster.Northwest]

As I remember in the old days we all were Hungry.

[@Hankster.Northwest]

Thanks, glad to do it.

[@OldBethelite]

Went there 71-75 at 18 yrs. old. Worked on Milan Miller’s press erection crew re-assembling m.a.n. Presses in bldg. 3; then WT press bundler with Lee Pollack on #22. Roomed with Ron Nixon 6 mos. Until he left. Indeed, most formidable years; living with Christ’s brothers, eating at Jehovah’s table, making friends for throughout eternity. Amazing!

[@Hankster.Northwest]

Nice to know you Jeff, this is Alan Priller, 67-71. Knew Ron Nixon well, one of the nicest guys I ever knew, sadly, and Im sure you know, he passed away a few years and the memorial was in Fresno. Lots of former Bethelites attended and while Im 12 hour drive north of him in Oregon, we just couldnt make it that weekend. He was a good guy, I think I may have a picture of him somewhere working on the mag subscription machine. You must have worked on presses maybe 3/7? (bldg 3 floor 7?) When I left they didnt have the 6th floor bldg 3 filled yet. But I worked on Hoe Roe so I was at the way other end of bldg 2 against the Manhattan bridge. By the way have you seen my video of the old pressroom? You can send me email at [e-mail] and then Ill give you my more personal email and put you in my former Bethelite/pressroom file. Ahp

[@Hankster.Northwest]

Im not sure Ill make it again. I left in 1971 then revisted in the 80s and 90s but not sure if Ill return now.

[@Hankster.Northwest]

I remember when they purchased Squibb. It had been empty for awhilie and dont know if they bought it first then closed it down, or if it had been closed for awhile. I left before it was pretty much developed by the first part of 1971. Thanks for the comments.

[@Hankster.Northwest]

Yeah, Aaron, its all going away Sept 1st. I noticed that the deal was featured on jw.org this morning. Take care, Ahp

[@Hankster.Northwest]

@TheLexman101 Good goal, the us branch bethel hasnt taken anyone permanently for a couple of years. But you can go through the temp program and if everyone is satisfied with the arrangement, it can be extended and end up more permanent. Nice to see young people with positive goals. Actually just nice seeing some young people get out of bed before noon these days.

[@Hankster.Northwest]

@lostcaboose Well Steve youre one of the good ones.

[@christophersansone2755]

Where does that great music come from?

[@Hankster.Northwest]

If you noticed, about 3/4 of the way through there were a group of brothers who were rolling up the magazines into a group like you describe. These guys we used to say ended up having gorilla arms. Boy did they get strong. Thanks for the nice comments, glad you enjoyed them. Alan

[@OldBethelite]

That was ‘bulk wrap’ department - sent to congregations via USPS large canvas bags. Dwayne Wilkie was ‘magazine dept.’ overseer in building two.

[@Hankster.Northwest]

To answer some of you who asked, why I used the Beatles music for the first three background songs; When I arrived at Bethel in 1967, we had nothing but an AM radio which we sat on the window sill. We listened to that radio every day for the first 6 months until we got our first TV. The Beatles were the hot item back in these days and those songs played over and over and over. I figured these songs would be appropriate for this era.

[@pierrenuffer]

how old were you when you started at bethel?

[@Hankster.Northwest]

You never replied, but you should have been there when I was there. Did we know each other or at least recognize? 19 was in bldg. 3 if I remember right and I didn't get over there much.

[@pierrenuffer]

were you a bethelite in Brooklyn's bethel on that time?

[@geneactor]

The house of Jehovah is amazing wish I was able to visit soon all my brothers and sisters

[@Hankster.Northwest]

I would be nice to visit but Im afraid that by the time you get there, not much will be the same.

[@sancheuz]

There was some explosive growth during the late 60s early 70s, partly because of the push for 1975 as the possible date for Armageddon.

[@pensandoperu9641]

Hola hermanos arrepientanse y oren

[@Hankster.Northwest]

If you were on 19 then you were on a MAN press in the other building. I should have seen you if not known you. I was on Hoe Row right along the Manhattan bridge all the way to the other end of the complex. Did we ever come across each other? I talk to quite a few of the pressmen and have a database of about 40 now including Jay Kosinski who is a C. O. in the Midwest these days.

[@ericdecebal8866]

Je ne vois pas le poteau où il y a Jésus.

[@Hankster.Northwest]

Then we probably have mutual friends. If you want to, send me your email to [e-mail] and Ill send you an invitation for dropbox which has many more pictures that you might find familiar. Thanks, Ahp