Manasse-Block Tanning Company facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Manasse-Block Tanning Company |
|
|---|---|
Remaining manufacturing buildings, being used as stores and live/work units
|
|
| Location | 1300 Fourth Street, Berkeley, California, U.S. |
| Founded | 1900 – 1986 |
| Founder | August Manasse, Roy Block |
|
Berkeley Landmark
|
|
| Designated | April 21, 1986 |
| Reference no. | 101 |
The Manasse-Block Tanning Company was a factory in the United States that made leather. It was started in 1900 by August Manasse and Roy Block. Their families already worked with leather in other parts of California. The factory moved to Berkeley in 1905. It stayed there for 80 years, making leather until it closed in 1986.
Contents
What Was the Manasse-Block Tanning Company?
The Manasse-Block Tanning Company was a place where animal hides were turned into leather. This process is called tanning. The company was founded by August Manasse and Roy Block. Their families had a long history in the leather business.
From Oakland to Berkeley
The company first started in Oakland, California. But in 1905, it moved to a new spot in Berkeley. This new location was at 1300 Fourth Street. It was a site that another leather factory, the Deach Tannery, had used before.
Making Leather for Shoes
The main thing the factory made was leather for boots and shoes. They took raw cow hides and processed them completely at the factory. This meant they did every step of the tanning process there. Later on, towards the end of the factory's time, they sometimes finished hides that had already been partly processed somewhere else.
A Historic Landmark Today
The Manasse-Block Tanning Company closed its doors in 1986. On April 21, 1986, the site was named a City of Berkeley Landmark. This means it's an important historical place. Today, the old factory buildings are still standing. They are now used for shops and homes. It is one of the oldest factory sites still around in Berkeley. The oldest parts of the buildings have strong wooden beams and rustic wood siding.
- Manasse-Block Tanning Company
-
The entire factory and office staff as of June 26, 1947
-
Two men pressing the leather near the end of the tanning process. Oct. 1975
-
Finish grading the leather. Oct. 1975
-
The former office building, currently housing the Gilman Grill
See Also
References
