The memories they share were locked up behind closed, abandoned factory doors in 1987, but a few former Armstrong Tire employees are hoping to bring them all back to life.

The first-ever Armstrong reunion will be April 23 at the Natchez Shrine Building on Morgantown Road.

The only reunions for the group so far have been unplanned and unwanted meetings at funerals for co-workers, organizer Mike Harrell said.

&uot;We just simply want to bring everyone together,&uot; Harrell said. &uot;I’ve heard this many, many times over the years, but it isn’t going to happen unless someone puts out an effort.&uot;

Harrell spent 28 years at the plant working ultimately as a supervisor in technical service.

The Natchez plant produced its first tire on May 1, 1939 and it’s 50 millionth tire on Aug. 1, 1968. Both tires will be on display at the reunion.

In 1939 there were 400 people on the payroll, a number that grew to 1,350 by 1968 and went above 1,400. The payroll reached $12,800,000 and in 1968 an average of 18,000 tires a day were produced.

&uot;We feel like Armstrong has made a vital contribution to the economy of Natchez,&uot; Harrell said.

&uot;It’s kind of sad to see a factory that big just sit there.&uot;

Armstrong closed in 1987, passing ownership to Fidelity Tire and Titan Tire. In recent years those companies have also closed their doors.

The Natchez Armstrong plant was the second for the company in the nation; the first was in Connecticut.

&uot;Ours was probably the first to fold up,&uot; Harrell said. &uot;We just want to assemble and remember these folks that helped families.&uot;

Employee photos from the building will be on display at the reunion and Harrell encouraged family members of employees who may be deceased to attend and bring a photo of their relative.

Harrell estimated around 20 former employees in this area, but said he’s completely lost touch with many. All former production, maintenance and supervision employees are invited to attend. Friends and spouses are welcome. Surviving spouses of deceased employees are encouraged to attend.

Employees of Fidelity and Titan are also welcome to attend.

A potluck dinner will be served and non-alcoholic drinks will be available. No alcohol is allowed at the event.

A $5 per person donation will help cover expenses.

The reunion will start at 10 a.m. and last until around 4 p.m.

Anyone with questions can call Harrell at 318-757-0247, W.H. Strong at 601-442-7083 or John Turner at 318-336-7370.