History 21 The Podcast - 2.13 Josh Hamm Federal Cartridge
Josh Hamm began working at Federal Cartridge in 2021 continuing a family tradition after his mother, uncle, grandfather, and great-grandfather also worked at the company. During his oral history at ACHS he described what it’s like working at the factory, what line he watches over, and even the smells and sounds of the building.
Host Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator
Josh Hamm during his oral history interview at the Anoka County Historical Society, February 2022.
A view of a part of the factory years before Josh Hamm started working there. Photo caption reads: Primer insert machines punch flash-hole.
Josh Hamm’s Grandfather, Larry Lundby’s, Federal Cartridge employee photo marking his 20 years of service at the company.
Larry Lundby helping a worker fix a machine in his position as electrician at Federal Cartridge.
Anoka County Library Minute
Further Reading:
“Then and Now: one man’s lifetime of astounding change” by Alton G. “Chuck” Drury (670 DRU)
Drury tells the tale of how he went from rural Montana during the Depression to working for a variety of large companies, including Federal Cartridge, before forming a company himself. Readers can get a good sense of how technology and factory life has changed throughout the years by reading about his own experiences.
Factories throughout time have gone through many changes and in so doing, have changed the social and industrial landscape of our country. In Behemoth, read about how factory life has provided both positive and negative changes to our society.
“Firearms: an illustrated history” by DK Smithsonian (683.4 FIR)
For those interested in the history of guns and other firearms, checkout this illustrated guide put out by DK Smithsonian. Readers can see how firearms have evolved throughout the years.
“Mastering Sporting Clays” by Don Currie (799.3132 CUR)
Federal Cartridge had its own gun club where trap shooting leagues could perform. If you have interest in the sport of trapshooting, check out this book, which will guide everyone from novice recreationalists to avid competitors.
“America Goes to War: World War II” by Anthony Ross Potter (DVD973.917 AME)
In this documentary film, viewers can get a glimpse into what the home front war efforts looked like during World War II. See how the nation was able to pool resources from industrial and military forces, like Federal Cartridge, for example.
Originally published in 1947, this third edition guide provides many points of reference for gun enthusiasts - whether you are interested in the development of certain types of weapons or need to know about potential issues that might arise with guns from recoil issues to corrosion.
“Minnesota Goes to War: the home front during World War Two” by Dave Kenney (977.6052 KEN)
Read about the myriad ways in which the state of Minnesota contributed to the war efforts, including how Federal Cartridge as a company made contributions. With the opening of its Twin Cities Ordnance Plant, Federal was able to contribute 50 times more ammunition than originally contracted for! Additionally, first-hand experiences are detailed so readers can get a more humanized account of the times.
“A Woman’s War, Too: women at work during World War II” by Virginia Wright-Peterson (940.531 WRI)
This book focuses on the women who worked as cryptologists, journalists, pilots, riveters, factory workers, nurses, entertainers, and spies during the war. This book also focuses specifically on women from the state of Minnesota, giving the stories local appeal.