Mr. Christopher A. Birch

Our late father, Christopher A. Birch began working for Studebaker of Canada in 1948. From 1940-45 he had served Overseas in the RCAF as an Aircraft mechanic with 405 Pathfinder Squadron. Upon his return he initially began working at Westinghouse in Hamilton. In 1948, he and his younger brother Stan went to work for Studebaker of Canada. Our father worked there until 1965 when the second shift was discontinued.

LAC Christopher Birch during WW II

When he first began working at Studebaker, he worked in the steel shed at the back near the railroad tracks. It was here that the body panels, frames and other parts came in on racks from South Bend, Indiana to be off loaded into the plant. Our father drove a lift truck to do this. The frames which came from Budd Automotive were also unloaded here. Dad also loaded new cars into the box cars for shipment to dealers. Inside the plant, Dad worked on what was called the “Doll Up” line. It was here that cars which needed to have items replaced were sent for such things as faulty door handles and other parts to be changed before shipment. He also worked on the assembly line. After the South Bend facility closed, a second shift was added at the Hamilton plant. It was at this time that dad became a foreman.  Unfortunately, when that shift was discontinued in 1965, Dad was let go from Studebaker as the eventually closing of the plant had begun. The only vehicles which we owned or drove from Studebaker were a 1959 Lark purchased new. It was a six cylinder, three on the tree, no radio, no PS. PB. I learned to drive on this car.  The last Studebaker we had was a 1965 Cruiser, 4 door with bucket seats, automatic transmission, PS. PB. and a 283 cu. in. GM engine.

                                                                                            Studebaker of Canada Hamilton Plant employees (Supervisors) in 1964 – Chris Birch middle row, 2^nd from left

                After working at Studebaker of Canada he worked at various jobs but while at General Concrete, he became Union President and worked hard to improve their wages and pension. When in retirement he and our mother, Mary worked on their farm they purchased in 1961 while he also driving a school bus. In 1989 we all celebrated his 70^th birthday but very sadly he passed away on June 15, 1990 at the age of 71.

Studebakers have long held an interest in our family. Both of our Dad’s brothers purchased new Studebakers. One was a cream colour Starlight Coupe and the other was a baby blue four door Studebaker.  Both were ‘51’s. Our brother Gary, owned two Studebakers purchased from Studebaker employees, one a ’55 Champion sedan and then a ’57 Champion sedan. I have often said that as a teenager, I would have  preferred to drive anything but a Studebaker. However, Roly and I have owned a number of Studebakers beginning with a ’53 Low Boy. Currently, we own a ’64 Avanti R1 and a ’62 Daytona hardtop. Both my brother Gary and I are convinced that our father working for Studebaker has fostered a fondness for this marque.

Susan M. Lusted and Gary E. Birch

Mr. Chris Birch was honoured in 2015 for his hardwork and dedication by being added to the list of honourees on the Studebaker of Canada Plaque being held at the Studebaker National Museum in South Bend, Indiana

Studebaker Made in Canada