I see you worked for Ray too! Yup, on time was not at the top of the hour, the top of the hour meant in place and ready to begin. Same at closing, the top of that hour found you beginning to put your stuff away, not at the door.
I learned that at a very young age. I also learned that in todays society, those who are late for work on a regular basis live the closest to the place of their employment. The ones who are always on time live the most distance.