The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1881-12-12
Sunshine and Rubber.
How they Combine In the Manufacture
OF the Popular Waterproof Clothing.
tP,ttsbura Tclesrapb.l

tPlttsburg Telegrsph.l
"Do you see that pretty girl in a waterproof
was the question projected into the reportoriaI
ear during the last rainy ''spell.'
II do, what about her?'
"Well'" said the gentleman, who was
dealer In rubber and other clothing, "do you
know what that cloak is made OFF"
With pitying smile for some people, ignor-
ance the scribe was about to launch into dis
sertation on the habits OF the Brazilans, the
tapping of the rubber tree and the workings up
OF the sap.
mo, no, know all about that" was the
sudden termination to the intended lecture.
"I mean to say that that girl Is carrying on
her pretty shoulders the combined effects Of
fourteen days sunshine and little rubber
thrown In, Just to materiaiize the rubber you
see."
The listener couldn't see and therefore asked
a Ia Goethe for more light. The gentleman
went on to give in substance the following in
formation regarding the recent demand for rub-
Der and gossamer cloaks, circulars aud coats,
and regarding the process Of their manufac-
ture.
''There has been something remarkable"
said he, "in the demand in Pittsburg for rub
ber cloaks, etc. During the dry. rainless
weather of last summer more rubber goods
wero sold in this city than ever before. Ono
large Boston firm, in reply to our telegram to
hurry up our order said simply. "we are
10000 coats behind our. orders now" The
ladies seem our best patrons; rubber or Cos
samer circular reaching to the feet, and having
a roomy hood to throw over the head, is aoso-
lutely independent Of the services Of an um-
brella, and besides, their skiris are kept nice,
dry aud clean. Then the little school glrls,
and the big school girls, bless their hearts,
must all have rubber circulars, and you
must have noticed how universally they are
worn"
"That's evident, but where does the sunshine
come in?'
"In this way, the best of these rubber circu-
lars are made from 'solarized' goods. That is,
fine cloth that has been treated to alternate
baths Of sunshine and liquid rubber. The bet
ter grades must have fourteen coats OF the
iiqaid, and after each coat must be exposed TO
direct rays OF the sun for varying periods. No
artificial heat seems to answer the purpose,
and in the suburbs of Boston, where most Of
these goods are made, acres of ground are oc-
cupied with rubber cloth In process OF taking
its solar bath.
"why have these goods cheapened so Of
late7"
because many firms are engaging in their
manufacture, the result of the popular demai d.
The lowest priced goods, might add, are not
soIarized but are prepared by artificial heat. in
the seams. Still very good article can be
bought for couple of dollars, ladies size
dollar more. Mems coats can now be had for
SO and 81, when few years ago, they cost SS,
$40 and S12. This change is not owing, as has
been thought, to the expiration OF patent COW
ering the process OF manufacture, bat rather
to the enormous demand which has sprung
mp, and which Pittsburg shares in marked
degree"
An umbrella dealer was asked whether he
felt like Othello, in the matter OF rubber cloth
ing supremacy. ssf
s'No my occupation isn't gone by any means;
there are lots OF people who will never lay aside
their umbrellas, and on these hang my hopes.
Still, don't sell as many as would like,
and must conform to the popular taste,
suppose"
1t was noticed that in many stores whore
rubber clothing had heretofore found no foot
hold, the familiar legend Misses and Ladies
Circulars was hung out. Rich and poor seem
alike inclined to robe themselves in the water
repelling fabric that is built mp of sunshine and
rnober