Manasse-Block Tanning Company facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Manasse-Block Tanning Company |
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Remaining manufacturing buildings, being used as stores and live/work units
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| Location | 1300 Fourth Street, Berkeley, California, U.S. |
| Founded | 1900 – 1986 |
| Founder | August Manasse, Roy Block |
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Berkeley Landmark
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| Designated | April 21, 1986 |
| Reference no. | 101 |
The Manasse-Block Tanning Company was a special factory in America. It was founded in 1900 by August Manasse and Roy Block. Their families already worked with leather. This factory was called a tannery. A tannery is where animal hides are turned into leather.
The company first started in Oakland. In 1905, it moved to Berkeley, at 1300 Fourth Street. Another tannery had used this spot before. The Manasse-Block tannery stayed in Berkeley for 80 years. It closed its doors in 1986.
What They Made
This factory mainly made leather for boots and shoes. They took raw cow hides and processed them completely. This means they did everything from start to finish right there.
Later on, the factory changed how it worked. They started to get hides that were already partly processed. Then, they would just do the final steps at their factory.
A Special Place in History
On April 21, 1986, the city of Berkeley gave the factory site a special title. It became a City of Berkeley Landmark. This means it is an important historical place.
Today, seven of the original buildings are still there. They are now used for different things. Some are small shops, and others are homes where people live and work. This site is one of the oldest factory areas still standing in Berkeley. The oldest buildings have strong wooden beams and old-fashioned windows. They also have rustic wood siding.
- Manasse-Block Tanning Company
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The entire factory and office staff as of June 26, 1947
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Two men pressing the leather near the end of the tanning process. Oct. 1975
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Finish grading the leather. Oct. 1975
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The former office building, currently housing the Gilman Grill
See also
