Onaway Garment Plant Closes -1966 From Presque Isle County Advance and Onaway Outlook Jan. 21, 2016

  

  
CAPTION:  Years that end in six have seen some of the worst economics moments in Onaway's history.  Two such 
moments happened in January.  The American Wood Rim Company plant was destroyed by fire 90 years ago.  That 
is one of the worst moments in the town's history, since four people were killed in the blaze.  It was 50 years
ago this week the Northern Garment Manufacturing Company, Inc. was preparing to shutter. The company lost its 
biggest customer and decided to cease production.  At its peak, about 50 women and a few men were put out of work.
Onaway Chamber of Commerce president Sam Alexander said, " We will do all within our power to find a new employer."
Rudolph David owner and manager of the closing firm said the closing of the plant was absolutely unavoidable when
half its orders were lost and there was no prospect of finding the customers to fill the gap.  The firm manufactured
athletic jackets and children's jackets primarily.  Jelly Kids, Inc. of Chicago had been the firm's biggest customer, 
but advised Rudolph that they planned on establishing a plant in Ft. Smith, Arkansas.


From the The Presque Isle County Advance  Jan. 21, 2016 page 7B. 


Retyped by J. Anderson