News & Events

Franklin Lakes, NJ (September 15, 1997) -- Just about 100 years to the day of the founding of Becton Dickinson - the exact date in September is unknown - some 4,000 employees, retirees, families and friends gathered to celebrate the company's centennial at Franklin Lakes headquarters. Skies were blue, the sun was bright, and spirits soared.

Henry Becton, son of founder Maxwell Becton, toured the site with CEO Clateo Castellini in a Model T Ford owned and driven by Glenn Barbi, director of corporate strategy and environment. Afternoon festivities, which one newspaper called "the picnic to end all picnics," included the traditional fare of hamburgers, hot dogs, and fresh-shucked clams along with games for the children, clowns on stilts, and pony rides. Later in the day a formal buffet dinner was served.

Musical entertainment was provided by four groups: Shimmer, Sweet Adeline Quartet from California; starring one of Henry Becton's daughters; Park Street Quintet, a jazz group, with the Corporate Law Department's Bruce Hector playing guitar; Summit Stompers, a Dixieland band directed by Kent Blair, financial analyst at Donaldson, Lufkin and Jenrette who follows BDX; and Up All Night, a local New Jersey rock group.

United States Congressmen William J. Pascrell, Jr., Steve Rothman, Congresswoman Marge Roukema, State Senators Henry P. McNamara and Assemblyman Richolas R. Felice all attended and offered congratulations and proclamations. Olympic Gold Medalist Kerri Strug, who is spokesperson for the ACE® bandage, autographed souvenir photos, and members of the New Jersey Nets ran a basketball clinic.

All buildings were open throughout the day, and many picnickers enjoyed wandering through the new Centennial Museum in building I. Some were lucky enough to find Former CEO Wesley J. (Jack) Howe in the boardroom to greet them.

As the sun began to set, the celebrants assembled under the huge white tent for an outdoor concert presented by the 75-member New Jersey Symphony Orchestra. Henry Becton's wife Jean and all five of their children were on hand with their families. Castellini presented Becton with a special gift and words of thanks for traveling with him to 30 centennial celebrations over the preceeding nine months at Becton Dickinson locations around the world. "Although we know he did it with pleasure, we thank him from our hearts," said Castellini.

The audience applauded enthusiastically after each musical selection, and rose for a standing ovation when conductor David Commanday turned the baton over to a surprise (and surprised) guest conductor, Henry Becton. Then 3,000 people joined in singing Happy Birthday to the company's beloved patriarch, who celebrated his own birthday today.

The grand finale was a 20-minute display of brilliant fireworks high in the sky over Franklin Lakes-- a spectacular conclusion to the party of the century!