THE HISTORY OF THE SELECT SOCIETY OF SANITARY SLUDGE SHOVELERS
The Select of Sanitary Sludge Shovelers had its beginnings in the United States, but there is some dispute as to where and by whom it was founded. A commonly accepted thesis is that the Original Chapter of the Five S Society was formed in Arizona in October 1940, the idea being conceived by
A.W. "Dusty" Miller and F. Carlyle Roberts, Jr.. Other people strongly contend that it had its beginnings in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania with the Ted Moses High Hat Award.
Whatever its origins, independent Chapters of the Society have since been formed in many of the American States, British Columbia, Quebec, Ontario, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand. In addition, there are Shovelers in Japan, Brazil and The Netherlands. The Chapter in New Zealand is probably the youngest, having been inaugurated in May, 1993.
It will undoubtedly be of interest to Canadians to know that the former Governor General, the late Madame
Sauve, was made an Honorary Member of the Florida Chapter when she spoke at the WPCF Conference in Miami in 1975. The Honourable Roger Simmons,
M.P. for Burin-St. George's was similarly honoured at the Conference in Los Vegas in 1980.
The Society was formed to provide a means of recognizing those who have contributed freely of their time and talents to the growth, well being and success of their individual Associations. Many of these hard workers do not become President of their Association, or receive one of the coveted awards associated with water pollution control activities, and the Five S Society does provide a concrete method of expressing recognition and gratitude for their efforts.
It is important to appreciate that one cannot ''join" the Society, but that members are "selected" on the basis of merit. Tradition provides that the four Senior Members of a Chapter present at a Meeting of their Association shall select three new Chapter Members who qualify by their activities. However, most Chapters have developed their own rules, regulations and methods of operation in this regard, although all honour the original purpose and intent of the Society. A cardinal rule is that the initiation, induction and integration ceremonies must be conducted by a Sludge
Shoveler.
There are no dues for Membership in the Society, nor are there any Officers except the "Influent Integrator", who is designated by the neutral "pH 7", who is elected, or should be elected, by a vote of the Shovelers present at a Meeting of the Association, and serves until his successor has been elected and installed. His duties are to record and report selections, present official certificates of elevation, bestow badges, and generally keep Chapter Members advised concerning activities of the Society. He can of course delegate any or all of these duties as he may see fit. The only privilege accorded to Members of the Society is that of cleaning up before, during and after all meetings of the Association.
The official Badge of the Society is a Shovel worn extending from the left breast pocket. However, for obvious reasons, this is only used at official initiation ceremonies. The "Gold Shovel Emblem" is worn as a lapel pin, tie clasp or for some other utilitarian or decorative purpose. It must always be worn or displayed to indicate a Member in good standing, the penalty for being found without the Shovel by another shoveler being to provide all those present with a refreshment of their choice.
Each Member is provided with a Membership Certificate signed by the Influent Integrator as pH 7 and by twelve other shovelers for the remaining concentrations from pH 1 to pH 13. While the wording on the Certificates may vary from Chapter to Chapter, it normally indicates that selection to Membership is in recognition of "outstanding service above and beyond the call of duty" to the Association. Membership bestows the accolade of elevation "On the official shovel to the highest ridge of the sludge bed with the title of select sanitary sludge shoveler and all the
honour, atmosphere, perquisites and dignity appertaining thereto".
There are certain signs and a password associated with the Society which are normally demonstrated at the installation and integration of new members. These are described briefly below.
The Grip of the Society is made by curling the fingers of the right hand as if around the handle of a shovel.
The Grand Hailing Sign is made by raising the Grip head high, thumb on the left, and lowering smartly, thereby symbolizing the close relationship between the water and sewage with which the Associations are so intimately concerned and interested.
The Password is given while performing the Grand Hailing Sign, and is derived from the first letters of the Society's name. It is pronounced
"Sh-h-h-h".
The Signal of Distress is a sweeping motion made with both hands as if
shovelling.
The chosen station of a Select Sanitary Sludge Shoveler is at the opposite end of the meeting from the President of the Association.
Geoff Scott
5S
Home
| History
| Newsletter | Members
| Back to WEAO
