Burk Brothers and Company facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Burk Brothers and Company
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Burk Brothers Site, August 2010
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 Location in Philadelphia
Location in Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
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| Location | 913-916 N. Third St., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
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| Area | 2 acres (0.81 ha) |
| Built by | Fredericks, Geo.; Et al. |
| NRHP reference No. | 85003493 |
| Added to NRHP | November 14, 1985 |
Burk Brothers and Company was once a large factory in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It was located in a neighborhood called Northern Liberties. This company was famous for making special types of leather.
The factory was made up of 12 buildings connected together. These buildings were constructed between 1855 and 1913. They were designed specifically for turning animal skins into fine leather.
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What Was Burk Brothers and Company?
Burk Brothers and Company was a major factory that processed animal skins. They specialized in making kidskin into a fancy type of leather. This leather was known as morocco or glazed kid leather. The factory complex was quite large, covering about 2 acres. It was a very important part of the leather industry in Philadelphia for many years.
Making Leather: A Look Inside
Imagine a busy factory where raw animal skins arrived. Workers at Burk Brothers would transform these skins step-by-step. They used special methods to clean, treat, and color the skins. This process turned them into beautiful, durable leather. The finished leather was then used to make many different products. These could include gloves, shoes, bookbindings, and other fancy items.
What is Kidskin Leather?
Kidskin leather comes from the skin of young goats. It is known for being very soft, thin, and flexible. This makes it perfect for making high-quality leather goods. Morocco leather is a type of kidskin that is often very fine and has a special grain. Glazed kid leather has a shiny, smooth surface. Both were popular and valuable products.
A Place in History: The National Register
In 1985, the Burk Brothers and Company factory complex was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This is a special list of buildings, sites, and objects that are important in American history. Being on this list means a place has historical value. It helps to preserve and recognize important parts of our past.
Why Are Old Buildings Important?
Old buildings like the Burk Brothers factory tell us stories. They show us how people lived and worked in the past. They also show how industries developed over time. Even though the Burk Brothers factory buildings have since been taken down, their history is still remembered. Their place on the National Register of Historic Places helps us learn about Philadelphia's industrial past.
