In making footwear, the linings and such parts as can be piled up layer on layer are cut by dies, usually on the large beam-cutting machines, commonly seen in leather shoe factories. The uppers are cut by hand from the engraved sheets, while metal patterns are used on the plain stock. The soles are cut by specially designed machines. The sheets of rubber from which the uppers and soles are cut are at this stage of the work plastic and very sticky. It is necessary on this account to cut the various pieces one by one and keep them separate, by placing them between the leaves of a large cloth book. In an ordinary rubber shoe there are from twelve to fifteen pieces, while in a common boot there are over twenty-five pieces.

The various pieces are next delivered to the making department, where they are fitted together on the "lasts" or "trees" in such a way that all the joints and seams are covered and the lines of the shoe kept exactly. Considerable skill is required to do this, as all the joints and seams must be rolled down smooth and firm to ensure a solid boot or shoe. The goods are all inspected before they are loaded on the iron cars to go to the varnishing department, where they receive the gloss which makes them look like patent leather.

From the varnishing department the shoes are taken to the vulcanizers, which are large ovens heated by innumerable steam pipes. The shoes remain in these vulcanizers from six to seven hours, subjected to extreme heat. This heating or

Making Rubber Bulbs

Making Rubber Bulbs.

Courtesy of the B. F. Goodrich Co.

Making Straightline Rubbers

Making Straightline Rubbers.

In the Truck Tire Stock Room

In the Truck Tire Stock Room.

Making Garden Hose (Wrapped Construction)

Making Garden Hose (Wrapped Construction).

Inspecting Automobile Inner Tubes

Inspecting Automobile Inner Tubes.

Courtesy of the B. F. Goodrich Co.

Belt Press and Roll of Conveyor Belt

Belt Press and Roll of Conveyor Belt.

How Are Rubber Shoes Made 128

"Building" Water Bottles

Vulcanizing Truck Tires

Vulcanizing Truck Tires.

Insulated Wire Ready for Shipment vulcanizing process fixes the elasticity of the rubber, increases its strength enormously and unites the parts in such a way as to make the shoe practically one piece.

Courtesy of the B. F. Goodrich Co.

The shoes next go to the packing department, where they are taken off the "lasts," inspected, marked, tied together in pairs, sorted and packed. They are then sent to the shipping department to be shipped immediately or stored in one of the spacious storehouses.