Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1921-10-06
THIRTYsGI
SEWING COATS
MARATHON PRODUCTS co.
IN GOOD OPERATING
SHAPE

Thirty girls using electrically oper-
ated machines running at maximum
speed, supervisors carefully watching
their work, several expert tailors who
are cutting cloth from patterns ana
workmen who are preparing the spec
tally rubberized cloth used in the
manufacture of waterproof coats
these are the things that impress the
visitor to the Marathon Rubber Pro-
ducts company, corner Sherman ana
West streets.
Crowd Cloth Crew.
That concern, now in full operation
under the direction of Benedict Rees,
manager, who recently arrived from
New York, is now in splendid running
shape. Women were Immediately en-
ployed, taught how TO operate the
electric machines and are now doing
expert work So much are they turn
ing out now that at times they crowd
the crew that is rubberizing cloth In
another building.
The sewing machines, on which the
finished coats are made, are located III
the new structure OF the Marathon
Products company, completed only
few weeks ago. 1t is a fine structure,
with plenty of air and light and al
fords ample room for much expan-
sion. In another building, north OF
this corner structure, the cloth used
in the finished products of the con-
Germ, is rubberized by a special pro-
cess. The rubber is obtained in bulk
and the Marathon Products company
maintains its own color experts, who
by mixture of gasoline with the rub
n IN
form for the coating of various mater
ials. Thus we find attractive exterior
colorings on garments with the inside
of the apparel some other color and
rubberiZed.
Robin Hood Capes.
The company beginning operations
rather late, has been rapidly turning
out things which can be disposed of in
the late fall and which will be appro-
pirate for wear also in the spring |
season. Robin Hood capes for girls |
are an unusual and practicable gar
ment that is being put on the market. |
1t is in reality a raincoat, with bon |
net attached. RubberiZed aprons for |
the use of housewives, bibs for chill
dren and other smaller products are |
also being manufactured.
The Marathon Rubber Products |
has already found a consid- |
cradle demand existing for these arti-
Giles, as they are being sold in whole |
sale lots at prices which permit retail |
ing at very reasonable prices.
One of the most interesting of pro-
cesses in the company plant is that of
cutting patterns. Many hundreds of
the same type can be cut at the same |
time by an electric cutting device. The |
drying process requires all of the |
cloth that is rubberized to be hung |
and a separate room Is maintained Tor |
this purpose. The gasoline odor Is so |
strong In this room that few care to
venture inside, and of necessity smok- |
ing Is prohibited under heavy penalty. |
Division OF Labor.
There is certain fascination that |
seiZes everyone who visits the plant |
when the sewing machines are in OPP
GRAFTON. Each girl has her particular
task One sews part of Goa to-
gether, the next will add piece of |
cloth, then the arms are attached |
another one makes the button holes |
also by machine and finally the but
tons themselves are sewed on, not by |
hand, but by special machines also |
After the coat is thus far completed It |
goes to another department where |
long thin strips of material are ce-
along the seams, thus making |
the article completely waterproof. A |
thorough inspection of every garment |
is made.
While only small part of the plant |
is now utilized. it is anticipated that |
by next spring all of the space will be |
used for manufacturing purposes
- .----~----