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Five executive-bound annual volumes containing the complete yearly collections of ABF's By-Lines employee magazine, spanning 1961, 1963, 1964, 1965, and 1966.
Embossed in gold with the name H.L. Hembree, these volumes came from his estate. Mr. Hembree joined Arkansas-Best Freight System in 1958 and later served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer from 1973 until his retirement in 1988. These annual volumes remained in his personal library throughout his rise within the company and during his years leading one of America's premier transportation companies.
Each hardcover contains one full year of monthly By-Lines magazines (roughly 95–100 glossy pages per volume), preserving an extraordinary record of Arkansas-Best Freight System during one of the company's most transformative periods of growth.
The 1962 volume is not included. It was acquired separately by an individual whose grandfather was featured in that year's publication.
Together, these five annual volumes preserve approximately 500 pages of transportation history, corporate history, and mid-century Americana.
Contents include:
• New terminal openings and company expansion
• Executive reports and corporate communications
• Employee spotlights and recognition programs
• Historic trucking photography and fleet images
• Transportation industry developments
• Hurricane Betsy coverage and other contemporary events
• Vintage advertising from iconic American companies including Caterpillar, Evinrude, IBM, Ford, American Motors, and many others
• Company newsletters, editorials, safety awards, historical photographs, and a fascinating glimpse into American business and workplace culture during the early 1960s
Several issues include original inserts and reproduced corporate documents, including executive correspondence and telegrams announcing significant company milestones.
ABF continues publishing By-Lines today and has periodically shared historic cover images from these magazines through its corporate social media channels. While individual issues occasionally surface, these professionally bound annual volumes are far less commonly encountered.
The hardcovers exhibit honest shelf wear consistent with age and storage, while the interior pages remain exceptionally well preserved with bright color, clean paper, and strong bindings. Please review all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the description and accurately represent the condition of this remarkable collection.
This collection will be carefully packed and shipped via USPS Media Mail.
This listing has been thoroughly researched by The Vintage Curator – TVC, and is proudly presented for your consideration.
Thank you so much for having a look at my listing. I sincerely appreciate your time. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or response. I'll respond as promptly as possible.
— Eric, The Vintage Curator
