  OLD FRIEND - R.E. Boney, retiring after 35 years with the Ashburn Ice Cream Company, looks over a now obselete machine he once used to produce ice dream when he worked in the production department. (Herald Photo) DENISON HERALD January 2, 1977 "Temporary" Ashburn Job Lasts R.E. Boney 35 Years R.E. Boney called a halt this week to 35 years with Ashburn's Ice Cream Company and settled back to consider retirement plans which include hunting, fishing, and a little travel. Never intending to stay, Boney with the firm just to help a friend while he was laid off temporarily from the railroad. During his tenure with the company, he worked with three generations of Ashburns. "W.L. Ashburn, Jr. owned the firm when I came to work," Boney said. "He took control of the business after his father left. I trained his son, W.L. Ashburn, III, the current owner, when he came into the business and today I have been in the process of training his son." Boney began dipping ice cream but over the years he was promoted first to ice cream maker, then production manager and finally a few years ago to manager. During the years Boney worked at Ashburn's, the firm grew steadily, doubling both production capacity and number of flavors. Bird hunting heads the list of things to do after retirement. "I have a couple of pointers that need plenty of work." said Boney. Fishing and sightseeing are high on his agenda of things to do, but he suspects a lot of his time will be spent relaxing and getting used to his new life style. "I'll definitely miss working, the customers and the people I worked with," said Boney, "but mostly I'll miss the school kids that come in every day at noon." 
 Ashburn Family |