Interview with J. Edgar Rhoads, 1969 February 11 [audio](part 4)

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  • Government regulations on leather belting; Apprenticeships; Family members working at Rhoads
    Partial Transcript: "This was a subject Dr. Tatnall and I had been interested in for some time..."
    Synopsis: Rhoads describes changes to government regulations in leather belting which happened in 1931. He says that he was interested in seeing the changes since the regulations called for belts to be sold by thickness rather than weight. He describes it as an imperfect solution, but harder to cheat for dishonest sellers who had previously used "loaded" leathers. He talks about apprenticeships at his plant. He also talks about family members joining the staff at Rhoads. He says that there are no members of the Rhoads family preparing to take his position. He lists the other board members at Rhoads
    Keywords: Apprenticeships; Belts; Bureau of Standards; E.J. Rhoads & Sons, Inc; Education; Haverford College; Leather; Regulation; Rhoads family; Sales; University of Pennsylvania
Details
Title

Interview with J. Edgar Rhoads, 1969 February 11 [audio](part 4)

Date Created

1969-02-11

Scope and Content

Rhoads discusses his role in the family business, including price-setting strategies, becoming a partner in 1915, and hiring salesmen and various sales techniques. He also discusses various management practices and organizational skills that he utilized during his time at the business. He touches on United States and international competitors, and he discusses in detail the union movement in the 1930s and the company's relationship with union members. Rhoads also discusses the entrance of nylon into the belt-making business, government revisions on the leather building industry, and the succession of power within the company.

Interviewee

Rhoads, J. Edgar

Interviewer

Wilkinson, Norman B.
Pizor, Faith K.

Biographical Note

J. Edgar Rhoads (b. 1883) grew up in the family that started J.E. Rhoads & Sons, Inc., a leather manufacturing firm.

Note

2 of 3
Part 3: Ends somewhat abruptly, but NBW seemed to indicate to stop the reel

Subject(s)

Reminiscing
Children
Emigration and immigration
Tanneries

Find all items with name(s)

Rhoads, J. Edgar
Wilkinson, Norman B.
Pizor, Faith K.

Genre

oral histories

Brand Information

Sound Tape, Extra Triple Play, Polyester, 1200 ft.3412P

Language

English

Type of resource

sound recording-nonmusical

Extent

1 sound tape reel : 1.875 ips. ; Part 3 - 1:51:50, Part 4 - 0:18:05.

Physical Details

A and B
Part 3 - 1:51:50, Part 4 - 0:18:05

Repository

Audiovisual Collections and Digital Initiatives Department, Hagley Museum and Library

Original Collection

Eleutherian Mills-Hagley Foundation interviews on the history of the DuPont Company Powder Yard (Accession 1970.370)

Original Identifier

1970.370.081

Finding Aid

http://findingaids.hagley.org/xtf/view?docId=ead/1970_370.xml

Item Location

Box 3, Reel 81

Preferred Citation

[Description and dates], 1970370_8913_Rhoads_part4, Box 3, Reel 81, Eleutherian Mills-Hagley Foundation interviews on the history of the DuPont Company Powder Yard (Accession 1970.370), Audiovisual Collections and Digital Initiatives Department, Hagley Museum and Library, Wilmington, DE 19807

Access Condition

Access to this item is provided for educational and research purposes only. The user assumes responsibility for obtaining permission from the copyright holder to publish or distribute this material. If you would like more information, please contact askhagley@hagley.org

Hagley ID

1970370_8913_Rhoads_part4

PID

islandora:2277708

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