Auburn facility
Caldwell Lace
Leather Purchases Indiana Company
The Caldwell Lace Leather Co., Inc. of Auburn has
announced the purchase of the August Barth Leather Co. of New Albany,
Indiana. The transfer was completed Wednesday, June 14. The purchase price
was not announced.
New Albany’s oldest
industry still in operation, the August Barth Leather Co. was founded by
August Barth in 1863. He operated this tannery until his death in 1902,
when it was incorporated and carried on by his four sons. After the last
son died in 1950, the business was run by a son-in-law of the Barths until
his death in 1967.
During its long history,
the company was never closed, nor did it cease operation at any time
except during the 1913 and 1937 floods, and for a period of one week
following a disastrous sky-lighter fire in 1952.
August Barth Leather Co.
occupies 140,000 square feet of floor space in solid brick three story
buildings. The tannery specializes in Russet Strap Leather for golf bags,
luggage, wallets, waist belts, camera cases and all products requiring
firm strap leather.
This is an entirely
different type leather than that produced in the Auburn tannery.
Caldwell Lace Leather Co.
has enjoyed continuous growth at Auburn with a complete line of leather
and leather products. This acquisition will give them great
diversification in tanning leather for their customers in the United
States and abroad.
The new officers of August
Barth Leather Co. are: W. C. Howlett, chairman of the board; J. Richard
Howlett, president of the board; Larry C. Howlett, executive vice
president; and Leah Blankenship, secretary-treasurer.
Larry C. Howlett will be
located in New Albany to manage this company. The business will be carried
on under the same name and policy as in the past.
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