Fred W. Franz' Armageddon

Franz was the Watchtower's prophet during his later years, up until his senility forced him to retire from an active role in the 80's. He is responsible for creating much of the expectation, and subsequent disappointment, regarding all the dates and chronology related to his career in the Watchtower headquarters. He died at the age of 99, and was still the official president.

He is responsible for statements regarding the date 1975. Young Witness men and women were urged not to pursue a career because the end was at hand. It was even recommended that some could sell their houses and use the money to go door-to-door full-time in the remaining months. Listen to Fred Franz speak in 1975 ABOUT 1975. RealAudio

	Frederick W. Franz remained single during his entire long life of over 100 years, and was president from 1977 to 1992 at his death.
	Left: Jim Rissell, former workmate who worked on the "Wood-Hoe," an experimental printing press designed to print and bind 100,000 books in one day. This huge printing press cost $1.6 million in 1975 dollars, and was tested for over a year before the Society was forced to sell it as useless. The printing design was experimental and the cylinders faulty. For the full story go here. Below: View of Watchtower factory buildings circa 1976.