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Barrage balloon manufacture. Assembling the balloon. These workers are ready to fasten one-half of a barrage balloon to the other half--the final major step in the assembly of the huge balloon. After this is done, all accessories, ropes and rigging will have to be added before the balloon can be tested, finally inspected, packed and shipped to Uncle Sam. General Tire and Rubber Company, Akron, Ohio

Barrage balloon manufacture. Assembling the balloon. These workers are...

Public domain photograph of industrial architecture, factory building, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Battery of curing molds. While the curing, or cooking, operation is going on for the tire we have followed through the plant, it is also going on simultaneously for hundreds of other tires in production. This view shows one corridor in the curing room where fifty tires are being cured at once. Additional molds flank this group on both sides of long corridor such as this one. Firestone (General) Tires, Akron, Ohio

Battery of curing molds. While the curing, or cooking, operation is go...

Public domain image of an industrial building, factory, structure, works, 19th-20th century industrial revolution, free to use, no copyright restrictions - Picryl description

Tracks for Army vehicles, fresh from the curing press of a large Ohio tire plant. Grooves are buffed on the ends of the track section. Goodrich, Akron, Ohio

Tracks for Army vehicles, fresh from the curing press of a large Ohio ...

Public domain photograph - historical image of Ohio, United States, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Closing the cover of the mold. Entirely automatic, the "watch-case" mold is closed by pushing a button, which starts several operations. First the airbag is filled with live steam which circulates during the entire process; next an automatic timer sets itself for the proper length of time and temperature; next pressure is exerted to squeeze the tire into the mold pattern. Firestone (General) Tires, Akron, Ohio

Closing the cover of the mold. Entirely automatic, the "watch-case" mo...

Public domain photograph of 1930s-1940s industrial development, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Feeding cord to the fabric machine. Cords feed down through the floor to the calendaring machine two stories below. As may be seen from this picture, the cords are gathered in four banks at this point, but join together in a solid mass by the time they reach the rubber-impregnating calendaring machine. Another set of four banks of cords also issue from the creel room carrying heavier weight cord stock for truck tire use. Firestone, Akron, Ohio

Feeding cord to the fabric machine. Cords feed down through the floor ...

Picryl description: Public domain image of a factory worker, plant, manufacture, assembly line, industrial facility, early 20th-century industrial architecture, free to use, no copyright restrictions. show less

Aircraft tire manufacture. Inspector in rubber factory checks large airplane tire prior to preparation for shipment. Stack of airplane tires for a famous American fighter are shown in background. Goodyear, Akron, Ohio

Aircraft tire manufacture. Inspector in rubber factory checks large ai...

Public domain photograph of sport activity, 1930s, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Putting tire into curing mold. From the vacuum expander, the potential new truck tire is taken to this "watch-case" curing mold in which it is baked under high heat and pressure for a long time. The exact time and temperature varies with the type and size of tire. The airbag inside the carcass is filled with live steam during this process so that heat is added from both inside and out. The mold contains the tread pattern, or design, as well as all markings which will appear on sidewall. Under this heat and pressure the rubber turns semi-liquid, and flows into every crevice, completely bonding the rubber processed fabric carcass to the cushion, the cushion to the tread. After this operation it is now one unit--a complete tire. Firestone (General) Tires, Akron, Ohio

Putting tire into curing mold. From the vacuum expander, the potential...

Actual size of negative is C (approximately 4 x 5 inches). Title and other information from caption card. Transfer; United States. Office of War Information. Overseas Picture Division. Washington Division; 1944... More

Centering fabric on the drum. The fabric layer is slipped onto the drum, layer upon layer, by the use of a rod forced between the last layer applied and the one being applied while the wheel is spinning. This rod stretches the new fabric sufficiently to permit the loop to fit snugly in place--clear on the carcass. After the fabric is in approximate position, the tire builder checks it for accuracy by stopping the wheel, bending the overhanging edges over to see that they each overhang the same distance. Firestone (General Tires), Akron, Ohio

Centering fabric on the drum. The fabric layer is slipped onto the dru...

Public domain photograph of 1930s America, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Barrage balloon manufacture. Neck and neck in the stretch. Appearing like race horses galloping down each side of a long strip of barrage balloon fabric, the worker with the scissors apparently finishing ahead of the fellow with the electric fabric cutter. Actually the scissors are not used for cutting, but for "touch up clipping" only, since the power cutter is so much faster. After these men have cut the patterns, the pieces are sent to "seamers" who assemble the individual pattern pieces into strips of "gores," which in turn are assembled into completed barrage balloons. General Tire and Rubber Company, Akron, Ohio

Barrage balloon manufacture. Neck and neck in the stretch. Appearing l...

Public domain photograph of 1930s industry, war production in the United States free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Barrage balloon manufacture. Cementing with a paint brush. This worker is a fabric cementer busy applying a rigging patch to the side of a new barrage balloon. Although the fabric looks mussed at the moment, it will be stretched tight and smooth when the new piece of fabric is added. Seams are triple protected against leaks, folded over, cement-welded, taped on both sides with overlapping rubber adhesive tape. Such seams will never pull apart under pressure. General Tire and Rubber Company, Akron, Ohio

Barrage balloon manufacture. Cementing with a paint brush. This worker...

Public domain photograph of 1930s America, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Vacuum shaping machine. Flat carcasses taken from the storage racks are placed in this vacuum machine in which two things happen. First a combination vacuum suction and squeezing action pulls the tire into the shape it will always have in use. Second, an airbag is forced into the inside to provide inside strength for the curing step. Firestone (General) Tires, Akron, Ohio

Vacuum shaping machine. Flat carcasses taken from the storage racks ar...

Actual size of negative is C (approximately 4 x 5 inches). Title and other information from caption card. Transfer; United States. Office of War Information. Overseas Picture Division. Washington Division; 1944... More

Aircraft tire manufacture. Every airplane tire for military aircraft is carefully balanced on a special machine to guarantee flawless performance in service. Inspector is making final check on airplane tires destined for military service. Goodyear, Akron, Ohio

Aircraft tire manufacture. Every airplane tire for military aircraft i...

Public domain photograph of the 1930s-1940s World War Two, armed forces, military production, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Shaping the tire with "saucers." Spinning discs which are delicately controlled by movable arms smooth out each layer of fabric as it is added to the growing carcass, and curves around the sidewall and bead with considerable pressure. In the center foreground, one of these saucers may be seen as this tire builder maneuvers it around the sharp corner of the tire drum. In the right foreground two others pull across from the center to the edges to smooth out each layer. Firestone (General Tires), Akron, Ohio

Shaping the tire with "saucers." Spinning discs which are delicately c...

Picryl description: Public domain image of a factory worker, plant, manufacture, assembly line, industrial facility, early 20th-century industrial architecture, free to use, no copyright restrictions. show less

A huge and rapidly increasing supply of tracks for Army halftrac cars comes from one Ohio tire plant alone. Traveling chain hoists carry tracks from the curing press to trimming racks on which curing plates and overflowing edges of rubber are removed. Goodrich, Akron, Ohio

A huge and rapidly increasing supply of tracks for Army halftrac cars ...

Picryl description: Public domain image of a factory worker, plant, manufacture, assembly line, industrial facility, early 20th-century industrial architecture, free to use, no copyright restrictions. show less

Tracks for Army halftrac cars must undergo a careful inspection and be approved before they can be released from the production line of a Midwest tire plant. Goodrich, Akron, Ohio

Tracks for Army halftrac cars must undergo a careful inspection and be...

Public domain photograph - historical image of Ohio, United States, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Mounting a wheel on a halftrac scout car is made as simple a job as possible. The soldier in the field won't have the uniform working conditions of the man on an Ohio assembly line, but the tire mounting job is the same. White Motor Company, Cleveland, Ohio

Mounting a wheel on a halftrac scout car is made as simple a job as po...

Picryl description: Public domain photograph of a car, 1930s, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

Barrage balloon manufacture. Folding instructions. Supervisor Howard Swires instructs a worker at barrage balloon department in the technique of folding fabric patterns to make efficient use of all working space. General Tire and Rubber Company, Akron, Ohio

Barrage balloon manufacture. Folding instructions. Supervisor Howard S...

Public domain photograph of the United States in the 1930s, portraits, people, events, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Military tire manufacture. Huge truck tire like those shown in this tire storeroom are playing important part in the nation's war effort. Tires like these are used on huge trucks and military prime movers. Goodyear, Akron, Ohio

Military tire manufacture. Huge truck tire like those shown in this ti...

Public domain photograph of the 1930s-1940s World War Two, armed forces, military production, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Barrage balloon manufacture. Seamers at work. Putting rubber cement on both surfaces which are to be fastened together, these workers assemble individual pattern pieces into strips or "gores" for barrage balloons being made for army balloon corps. By an ingenious arrangement of folds, strips nearly a hundred feet long can be handled by each worker on the table in front of him. General Tire and Rubber Company, Akron, Ohio

Barrage balloon manufacture. Seamers at work. Putting rubber cement on...

Picryl description: Public domain image of a factory worker, plant, manufacture, assembly line, industrial facility, early 20th-century industrial architecture, free to use, no copyright restrictions. show less

Barrage balloon manufacture. Handling ropes and fingers. Frayed ropes are attached to the rubberized fabric "fingers" by sewing and cementing to give maximum "grip" on the balloon. Such ropes are fastened to the ground cable which controls the height and flight of the balloon. General Tire and Rubber Company, Akron, Ohio

Barrage balloon manufacture. Handling ropes and fingers. Frayed ropes ...

Public domain photograph of 1930s industry, war production in the United States free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Tracks for scout cars and other Army vehicles grow under the hands of skilled workers of a large Midwest tire plant. Goodrich, Akron, Ohio

Tracks for scout cars and other Army vehicles grow under the hands of ...

Picryl description: Public domain image of a worker, labor, factory, plant, manufacture, industrial facility, 1930s, mid-20th-century industrial photo, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

Shaping the tire with "saucers." Spinning discs which are delicately controlled by movable arms smooth out each layer of fabric as it is added to the growing carcass, and curves around the sidewall and bead with considerable pressure. In the center foreground, one of these saucers may be seen as this tire builder maneuvers it around the sharp corner of the tire drum. In the right foreground two others pull across from the center to the edges to smooth out each layer. Firestone (General Tires), Akron, Ohio

Shaping the tire with "saucers." Spinning discs which are delicately c...

Actual size of negative is C (approximately 4 x 5 inches). Title and other information from caption card. Transfer; United States. Office of War Information. Overseas Picture Division. Washington Division; 1944... More

Off to the calendaring machine. The finished batch is taken by other tire workers to the next step in the milling process. In this instance, the batch goes from the mill room to the calendaring machine, where it will become a part of the cord fabric. Firestone (General Tires), Akron, Ohio

Off to the calendaring machine. The finished batch is taken by other t...

Public domain photograph of 1930s-1940s US industrial development, Second World War, US war production, indusry, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Removing the finished tire from the tire drum. The inner drum shoes are unlocked after the tire is loosened; They are removed, leaving the tire free to slide right off. Then they are replaced and the next tire is started. Firestone (General Tires), Akron, Ohio

Removing the finished tire from the tire drum. The inner drum shoes ar...

Picryl description: Public domain image of a worker, labor, factory, plant, manufacture, industrial facility, 1930s, mid-20th-century industrial photo, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

Barrage balloon manufacture. Tugging a finished half of a barrage balloon into position for joining with the other half. These workers have come to the final assembly step in producing barrage balloons for American air defense. Four steps in final production are shown in this photo: the half-balloon they are dragging in; the nose of a ship on the right which is in the process of being deflated for packing and shipping; and the inflated balloon in the background which is being inspected for final okay before being shipped. General Tire and Rubber Company, Akron, Ohio

Barrage balloon manufacture. Tugging a finished half of a barrage ball...

Picryl description: Public domain image of an aircraft, assembly line, industrial facility, 1930s aviation, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

Shaping the sidewall. Moistening the bead area with a special rubber solvent and cement, the tire builder makes ready to force the overhanging edges down and around to the bead where it will first be anchored, then trimmed. The wheel spins and stops by foot control, leaving both hands free for work upon the tire itself. Firestone (General Tires), Akron, Ohio

Shaping the sidewall. Moistening the bead area with a special rubber s...

Actual size of negative is C (approximately 4 x 5 inches). Title and other information from caption card. Transfer; United States. Office of War Information. Overseas Picture Division. Washington Division; 1944... More

Covering the beads. Beads are covered with sturdy fabric which builds back down into the sidewall of the finished tire for added strength. Passenger tires are normally supplied with only one wire bead, but truck tires usually have two or more, depending upon the size, weight and number of plies. Firestone (General Tires), Akron, Ohio

Covering the beads. Beads are covered with sturdy fabric which builds ...

Picryl description: Public domain image of an industrial building, factory, workshop, workers, 20th century, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

Closing the cover of the mold. Entirely automatic, the "watch-case" mold is closed by pushing a button, which starts several operations. First the airbag is filled with live steam which circulates during the entire process; next an automatic timer sets itself for the proper length of time and temperature; next pressure is exerted to squeeze the tire into the mold pattern. Firestone (General) Tires, Akron, Ohio

Closing the cover of the mold. Entirely automatic, the "watch-case" mo...

Actual size of negative is C (approximately 4 x 5 inches). Caption card lists some of the printing history of image. Title and other information from caption card. Transfer; United States. Office of War Informa... More

Sealing and shaping the bead. Each new bead must be sealed into position by this forming tool as well as by use of the solvent-cement compound. Every tire built is the personal achievement of the expert tire builder. Building a larger size truck tire often consumes a full day's work! Firestone (General Tires), Akron, Ohio

Sealing and shaping the bead. Each new bead must be sealed into positi...

Public domain photograph of 1930s-1940s industrial development, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Another sturdy track for an Army halftrac car will soon be ready for use. On the trimming rack of the Ohio tire plant in which it was made curing plates and overflowing edges of rubber are removed. Goodrich, Akron, Ohio

Another sturdy track for an Army halftrac car will soon be ready for u...

Picryl description: Public domain image of workers, labor, 1940s, economic conditions, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

Steel bases for the bogie wheel assemblies of Army halftrac cars are inspected in a Midwest tire plant. Accurate gauging is necessary to insure positive fit in molds and in wheel assemblies. Goodrich, Akron, Ohio

Steel bases for the bogie wheel assemblies of Army halftrac cars are i...

Public domain photograph - working class people, the 1930s United States, work, labor, worker, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Wrapping in cloth prevents sticking. Reels of fabric may be stored for a few moments or a few days, wrapped in cloth to prevent it from sticking to itself when rolled up. These reels are brought from storage to machines such as this, in which the fabric is out on a powered bias cutter to exact length for one ply of a tire. This worker is making a layer of two plies, with the cords running at right angles, one laid on top of the other. This layer will later be used by a tire builder in building up the plies of his tire to the required number. Firestone (General Tires), Akron, Ohio

Wrapping in cloth prevents sticking. Reels of fabric may be stored for...

Public domain photograph of 1930s industry, war production in the United States free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Conservation. Scrap iron and steel. Tire reclaimed from automobiles, scrapped for their iron and steel content. The rubber content of these tires can be reclaimed successfully to replace the use of new rubber in many articles. The U.S. Army is experimenting at the moment with the use of retreaded tires on trucks (U.S. Route 1,

Conservation. Scrap iron and steel. Tire reclaimed from automobiles, s...

Shaping the sidewall. Moistening the bead area with a special rubber solvent and cement, the tire builder makes ready to force the overhanging edges down and around to the bead where it will first be anchored, then trimmed. The wheel spins and stops by foot control, leaving both hands free for work upon the tire itself. Firestone (General Tires), Akron, Ohio

Shaping the sidewall. Moistening the bead area with a special rubber s...

Public domain photograph of 1930s industry, war production in the United States free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Barrage balloon manufacture. Glove for a gas bag. Fitting the outstretched fingers of a fabric patch to the side of a barrage balloon, this worker must be extremely careful to put the patch on smoothly. Any wrinkles might bind, pinch or chafe and cause leaks. Sewn and seamed inside this "glove" is a webbing of rope which will become part of the rigging which controls the giant balloon as it flies thousands of feet above cities, arsenals, or other bomber objectives. General Tire and Rubber Company, Akron, Ohio

Barrage balloon manufacture. Glove for a gas bag. Fitting the outstret...

Public domain photograph of 1930s America, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Barrage balloon manufacture. Getting supplies at the storehouse. This barrage balloon builder has come to the company's storehouse to obtain more reinforcing tape to fasten the seams of a barrage balloon. Small, but vital to production, every piece of material must pass over this counter and be recorded before issuance. The storekeeper is the only man who knows the secret formula for mixing the rubber cement combination which works most effectively in making air-tight seams. General Tire and Rubber Company, Akron, Ohio

Barrage balloon manufacture. Getting supplies at the storehouse. This ...

Picryl description: Public domain image of a political campaign, politician, office meeting, 1930s, mid-20th-century United States, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

Aircraft tire manufacture. Wide range of tire sizes required for military aircraft is illustrated by this photograph. Tire at bottom is of type used on average medium bomber while small tires at top are for tail wheels of various types. Goodyear, Akron, Ohio

Aircraft tire manufacture. Wide range of tire sizes required for milit...

Public domain photograph of the 1930s-1940s World War Two, armed forces, military production, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

The Army is an important user of tire chains. Each of the new halftrac scout cars being turned out in a large Midwest plant will carry tire chains as standard equipment. White Motor Company, Cleveland, Ohio

The Army is an important user of tire chains. Each of the new halftrac...

Public domain photograph - historical image of Ohio, United States, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Barrage balloon manufacture. Spider and the flies. Putting last touches on a completed barrage balloon are these workers and their supervisor (standing). To inspect the bag for leaks, the light inside is turned off, leaving the workers in a midnight gloom. Then a co-worker on the outside takes a bright light, and works along the length of the entire balloon, back and forth, until he has covered every inch. The tiniest pinhole shines forth like a bright star in the sky, and these alert inspectors spot it and repair it. Cloth moccasins are worn inside the bag, or else stocking feet--to avoid chafing the fabric. General Tire and Rubber Company, Akron, Ohio

Barrage balloon manufacture. Spider and the flies. Putting last touche...

Picryl description: Public domain image of an arch stone structure, bridge, or tunnel, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

Tire building. This tire builder starts the carcass by slipping a layer of fabric onto the tire drum. The layer is made with the seam cut on the bias so that there will be no straight-across strain on the tire seams. The layer fits tightly, and each successive layer is banded to the preceding one by applied pressure. Firestone (General Tires), Akron, Ohio

Tire building. This tire builder starts the carcass by slipping a laye...

Picryl description: Public domain image of an aircraft, assembly line, industrial facility, 1930s aviation, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

Leaving this tire builder's hands, this finished carcass is rolled away to the vacuum expanding machines, or to storage until these machine operators are ready for it. Since the rubber throughout the carcass is not yet cured, the tire is still somewhat soft and squashy. Firestone (General Tires), Akron, Ohio

Leaving this tire builder's hands, this finished carcass is rolled awa...

Public domain photograph of sport activity, 1930s, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Aircraft tire manufacture. Workman packages airplane tires of type in common use on U.S. military fighter aircraft. Goodyear, Akron, Ohio

Aircraft tire manufacture. Workman packages airplane tires of type in ...

Public domain photograph of the 1930s-1940s World War Two, armed forces, military production, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Aircraft tire manufacture. Wide range of tire sizes required for military aircraft is illustrated by this photograph. Tire at bottom is of type used on average medium bomber while small tires at top are for tail wheels of various types. Goodyear, Akron, Ohio

Aircraft tire manufacture. Wide range of tire sizes required for milit...

Actual size of negative is C (approximately 4 x 5 inches). Title and other information from caption card. Transfer; United States. Office of War Information. Overseas Picture Division. Washington Division; 1944... More

Aircraft tire manufacture. Wide range of tire sizes required for military aircraft is illustrated by this photograph. Tire at bottom is of type used on average medium bomber while small tires at top are for tail wheels of various types. Goodyear, Akron, Ohio

Aircraft tire manufacture. Wide range of tire sizes required for milit...

Actual size of negative is C (approximately 4 x 5 inches). Caption card lists some of the printing history of image. Title and other information from caption card. Transfer; United States. Office of War Informa... More

In time of war there is no excuse for carelessness, and it is carelessness that is responsible for the loss of most tire mileage. Running into a curb can mean a break in the tire wall, or at least a weakening. Blowouts are more apt to occur when these sidewalls are in bad condition

In time of war there is no excuse for carelessness, and it is careless...

Public domain photograph related to Great Depression, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

View of the creel room. Spools of cord are brought from storage into this creel room, from which they are woven into tire fabric. Each spool is connected by a complicated pulley arrangement to the bank of cords seen in the center of the picture and travels overhead to reach that bank. Firestone (General Tires), Akron, Ohio

View of the creel room. Spools of cord are brought from storage into t...

Public domain image of an industrial building, factory, structure, works, 19th-20th century industrial revolution, free to use, no copyright restrictions - Picryl description

Leaving this tire builder's hands, this finished carcass is rolled away to the vacuum expanding machines, or to storage until these machine operators are ready for it. Since the rubber throughout the carcass is not yet cured, the tire is still somewhat soft and squashy. Firestone (General Tires), Akron, Ohio

Leaving this tire builder's hands, this finished carcass is rolled awa...

Actual size of negative is C (approximately 4 x 5 inches). Title and other information from caption card. Transfer; United States. Office of War Information. Overseas Picture Division. Washington Division; 1944... More

Adding valve patch and stamping. As the endless tube passes by, the proper length of each tube is automatically crimped into the edge, and serves as a guide for placing the valve patch and stamping the trade name. This tire worker operates both sides of this machine....places the patch into position before it reaches the pressure rollers, and stamps the name just after it leaves the rollers. Firestone (General) Tires, Akron, Ohio

Adding valve patch and stamping. As the endless tube passes by, the pr...

Picryl description: Public domain image of a factory worker, plant, manufacture, assembly line, industrial facility, early 20th-century industrial architecture, free to use, no copyright restrictions. show less

Military tire manufacture. Huge truck tire like those shown in this tire storeroom are playing important part in the nation's war effort. Tires like these are used on huge trucks and military prime movers. Goodyear, Akron, Ohio

Military tire manufacture. Huge truck tire like those shown in this ti...

Public domain photograph of the 1930s-1940s World War Two, armed forces, military production, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Barrage balloon manufacture. Rope work. Splicing and handling ropes is a vital part of barrage balloon manufacture, and requires unusual skill to make ropes lie smoothly, pull uniformly, avoid chafing the fabric, or bunching after the balloon is fully inflated. An early step in the work is shown here, in which the rope is frayed out into its many strands, which are then cemented into fabric "fingers" for greatest holding power. General Tire and Rubber Company, Akron, Ohio

Barrage balloon manufacture. Rope work. Splicing and handling ropes is...

Public domain photograph of indoor, interior activity, America in the 1930s, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Wrapped, sealed, labeled. Ready for delivery, this finished tire carries the description and size of the tire on an outside label. May be kept for a long period when wrapped in this protective covering, but during the war emergency, most tires are sent out unwrapped because it thus saves paper, they are usually put into immediate use and require no storage protective, and there is less need for attention to appearance. Firestone (General) Tires, Akron, Ohio

Wrapped, sealed, labeled. Ready for delivery, this finished tire carri...

Actual size of negative is C (approximately 4 x 5 inches). Title and other information from caption card. Transfer; United States. Office of War Information. Overseas Picture Division. Washington Division; 1944... More

Tracks for scout cars and other Army vehicles go through a curing process in an Ohio tire plant. The hydraulic press in which this important operation is performed assures uniform cure under automatically regulated temperature. Goodrich, Akron, Ohio

Tracks for scout cars and other Army vehicles go through a curing proc...

Public domain image of an industrial building, factory, structure, works, 19th-20th century industrial revolution, free to use, no copyright restrictions - Picryl description

Making the wire beads. Beads which reinforce the tire and hold it firmly on the rim, are made of the highest grade piano wire, and are extremely tough and durable. They must be made to precisely the correct length, and are foiled on the machine illustrated here. Care must be taken that there are no burrs, slivers or rough spots which might cut into the bead wrapping or fabric. General Tires, Akron, Ohio

Making the wire beads. Beads which reinforce the tire and hold it firm...

Public domain photograph of 1930s-1940s industrial development, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Rolling for Uncle Sam. Rolling away a finished tire, this tire company worker is proud of the job it will do, for it is a huge airplane bomber tire, of the kind used by Uncle Sam on his giant defenders. The tire will receive a few finishing touches before shipping, although it is ready for service as is. Firestone (General) Tires, Akron, Ohio

Rolling for Uncle Sam. Rolling away a finished tire, this tire company...

Picryl description: Public domain image of a bomber aircraft, military aviation, air forces, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

Through final inspection. Tires on an endless-crane overhead, swing through the final inspection department and spray paint booth where they are given a preservative coat of special tire paint. The tire-around-the-man is the new military tire--the non-directional. Firestone (General) Tires, Akron, Ohio

Through final inspection. Tires on an endless-crane overhead, swing th...

Public domain photograph of the 1930s-1940s World War Two, armed forces, military production, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Making the wire beads. Beads which reinforce the tire and hold it firmly on the rim, are made of the highest grade piano wire, and are extremely tough and durable. They must be made to precisely the correct length, and are foiled on the machine illustrated here. Care must be taken that there are no burrs, slivers or rough spots which might cut into the bead wrapping or fabric. General Tires, Akron, Ohio

Making the wire beads. Beads which reinforce the tire and hold it firm...

Actual size of negative is C (approximately 4 x 5 inches). Title and other information from caption card. Transfer; United States. Office of War Information. Overseas Picture Division. Washington Division; 1944... More

As the track for an Army halftrac develops to recognizable form on the "building wheel" of an Ohio tire plant, an important operation is performed by trained men. All rubber of the finished halftrac adheres firmly to steel bodies. Goodrich, Akron, Ohio

As the track for an Army halftrac develops to recognizable form on the...

Public domain photograph of indoor, interior activity, America in the 1930s, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Sealing and shaping the bead. Each new bead must be sealed into position by this forming tool as well as by use of the solvent-cement compound. Every tire built is the personal achievement of the expert tire builder. Building a larger size truck tire often consumes a full day's work! Firestone (General Tires), Akron, Ohio

Sealing and shaping the bead. Each new bead must be sealed into positi...

Actual size of negative is C (approximately 4 x 5 inches). Title and other information from caption card. Transfer; United States. Office of War Information. Overseas Picture Division. Washington Division; 1944... More

Barrage balloon manufacture. Reinforcing the fins of a fish-of-the-air. These workers at the barrage balloon division, are putting double reinforcements on the right fin of a completed barrage balloon before it is deflated and sent to army training camps Every seam must be absolutely gas- and air-tight, since the tiniest pinhole would permit valuable amounts of precious helium to escape. General Tire and Rubber Company, Akron, Ohio

Barrage balloon manufacture. Reinforcing the fins of a fish-of-the-air...

Picryl description: Public domain image of an aircraft, assembly line, industrial facility, 1930s aviation, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

A black and white photo of bags of cement. Office of War Information Photograph

A black and white photo of bags of cement. Office of War Information P...

Public domain photograph - United States during the 1930s and 1940s, Farm Security Administration, New Deal, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Adding tread rubber stock. When the fabric carcass has been built to the proper number of layers and cushion rubber has been added under the tread, the thick, extra tough tread rubber is added, having been molded to the proper shape by extrusion in a previous operation. Mechanical guides help this builder to put the tread on absolutely straight, so the tire will be in perfect balance. Firestone (General Tires), Akron, Ohio

Adding tread rubber stock. When the fabric carcass has been built to t...

Picryl description: Public domain image of a factory, plant, manufacture, assembly line, industrial facility, early 20th-century industrial architecture, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

Barrage balloon manufacture. John and his colleagues. Silhouetted against the spiderweb pattern of the inside of a great barrage balloon, this supervisor watches "balloon tailors" at work on an inside seam. The area in the picture will be filled with helium in service. General Tire and Rubber Company, Akron, Ohio

Barrage balloon manufacture. John and his colleagues. Silhouetted agai...

Picryl description: Public domain image of an architectural element, dome, cathedral, classical architecture, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

Adding the bead wire. Taking a more solid form, the carcass is now ready for the addition of another bead before the final layers of fabric are added. The bead cover is shaped to the exact curvature of the tire, and fits its diameter perfectly. The bead is forced into position under pressure by the machine controlled with the worker's right hand. Firestone (General Tires), Akron, Ohio

Adding the bead wire. Taking a more solid form, the carcass is now rea...

Public domain photograph of 1930s-1940s industrial development, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

One way to increase tire life--and to do your part in the saving of rubber for the forces of fighting to defend your right to drive in freedom over the roads of this democracy is to keep the pressure right. This driver isn't thinking of war, however, as he checks his tire pressure. He's just using common sense as he takes a few moments to make certain that costly carelessness will not rob him of tire mileage

One way to increase tire life--and to do your part in the saving of ru...

Picryl description: Public domain image of an automobile, 1940s car, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

Barrage balloon manufacture. Birthplace for air-whales--gigantic barrage balloons which look like monster whales-of-the-air, made in this huge room. Four are seen here: left rear is a balloon being folded into the shipping container at the extreme rear; next to it is an inflated balloon on which final inspection and checking is now complete, and ready for deflation and packing; at the right is a completed balloon in the process of being inflated for inspection; in the foreground is an assembled balloon awaiting final fitting and inflation. General Tire and Rubber Company, Akron, Ohio

Barrage balloon manufacture. Birthplace for air-whales--gigantic barra...

Picryl description: Public domain image of an aircraft, assembly line, industrial facility, 1930s aviation, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

Warehouse view of cord stock. Cord stock as it is received from the mill. This special twist cotton cord comes from southern mills. It differs from other tire cords in that it is woven and twisted by gear-driven machinery instead of belt-driven equipment. Slips and strains of belt-machinery are reflected in the cord and on into the finished tire, whereas in a gear-driven machine there are no slippages, therefore no weakened cords in the finished tire. Firestone (General Tires), Akron, Ohio

Warehouse view of cord stock. Cord stock as it is received from the mi...

Actual size of negative is C (approximately 4 x 5 inches). Title and other information from caption card. Transfer; United States. Office of War Information. Overseas Picture Division. Washington Division; 1944... More

Tracks for Army halftracs cars, made of rubber firmly bonded to steel members, are cured under heat and pressure in tracks molds which are first sprayed with a mold lubricant. The work is done in an Ohio tire plant. Goodrich, Akron, Ohio

Tracks for Army halftracs cars, made of rubber firmly bonded to steel ...

Picryl description: Public domain image of an industrial building, factory, workshop, workers, 20th century, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

Aircraft tire manufacture. Wide range of tire sizes required for military aircraft is illustrated by this photograph. Tire at bottom is of type used on average medium bomber while small tires at top are for tail wheels of various types. Goodyear, Akron, Ohio

Aircraft tire manufacture. Wide range of tire sizes required for milit...

Public domain photograph of the 1930s-1940s World War Two, armed forces, military production, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Barrage balloon manufacture. Fin-shaping cords. These workers are inside the rear-right horizontal fin of a barrage balloon, checking the ropes which give the fin shape and hold it together. Since barrage balloons are non-rigid and entirely collapsible, these ropes come closest to being the "back-bone" for the gigantic "defenders of cities." General Tire and Rubber Company, Akron, Ohio

Barrage balloon manufacture. Fin-shaping cords. These workers are insi...

Public domain photograph of 1930s-1940s bridge, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

The serial numbers of each track for Army halftrac vehicles crated for shipment from a Midwest tire plant are given a final check. Goodrich, Akron, Ohio

The serial numbers of each track for Army halftrac vehicles crated for...

Public domain image of an industrial building, factory, structure, works, 19th-20th century industrial revolution, free to use, no copyright restrictions - Picryl description

Warehouse view of cord stock. Cord stock as it is received from the mill. This special twist cotton cord comes from southern mills. It differs from other tire cords in that it is woven and twisted by gear-driven machinery instead of belt-driven equipment. Slips and strains of belt-machinery are reflected in the cord and on into the finished tire, whereas in a gear-driven machine there are no slippages, therefore no weakened cords in the finished tire. Firestone (General Tires), Akron, Ohio

Warehouse view of cord stock. Cord stock as it is received from the mi...

Public domain photograph of United States agriculture in the 1930s, country, farmer, farm, great depression, migration, dust bowl refugees, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Aircraft tire manufacture. Wide range of tire sizes required for military aircraft is illustrated by this photograph. Tire at bottom is of type used on average medium bomber while small tires at top are for tail wheels of various types. Goodyear, Akron, Ohio

Aircraft tire manufacture. Wide range of tire sizes required for milit...

Actual size of negative is C (approximately 4 x 5 inches). Title and other information from caption card. Transfer; United States. Office of War Information. Overseas Picture Division. Washington Division; 1944... More

Aircraft tire manufacture. Inspector in rubber factory checks large airplane tire prior to preparation for shipment. Stack of airplane tires for a famous American fighter are shown in background. Goodyear, Akron, Ohio

Aircraft tire manufacture. Inspector in rubber factory checks large ai...

Public domain photograph of indoor, interior activity, America in the 1930s, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

It won't be long before this track will be helping an Army halftrac car negotiate rough country in a hurry. Final trimming and the assembly of guides on cross plates are done on a finishing machine in a Midwest tire plant. Goodrich, Akron, Ohio

It won't be long before this track will be helping an Army halftrac ca...

Public domain photograph - historical image of Ohio, United States, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Placing the raw tube in the curing mold. This tire worker gives the tubes the same treatment his co-workers give tires; They are cured in a watch-case mold for the required length of time at the proper heat. Naturally tubes take less time than tires because they are single thickness. They are their own "airbags" and are cured inside and out by having live steam forced through them during the cooking process. Firestone (General) Tires, Akron, Ohio

Placing the raw tube in the curing mold. This tire worker gives the tu...

Public domain photograph of indoor, interior activity, America in the 1930s, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Rubber stock for the track treads of scout cars and other Army halftrac vehicles is milled in one Ohio tire plant. All rubber firmly "welded" to the steel parts is formed into one tough durable piece. Goodrich, Akron, Ohio

Rubber stock for the track treads of scout cars and other Army halftra...

Public domain photograph of manufacturing, industry, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

A pair of tracks for an Army halftrac car comes from the hydraulic curing press of a Midwest tire plant in nearly complete form. Wooden slide bars facilitate. Goodrich, Akron, Ohio

A pair of tracks for an Army halftrac car comes from the hydraulic cur...

Picryl description: Public domain image of a factory, plant, manufacture, assembly line, industrial facility, early 20th-century industrial architecture, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

Barrage balloon manufacture. Lineup of cementers. Assembling patterns into gores which in turn are assembled into balloon sections, these workers are charged with making seams strong and gas-tight, since the full tug of gas from the inside, and rigging on the outside is exerted on these sections. General Tire and Rubber Company, Akron, Ohio

Barrage balloon manufacture. Lineup of cementers. Assembling patterns ...

Picryl description: Public domain image of a factory worker, plant, manufacture, assembly line, industrial facility, early 20th-century industrial architecture, free to use, no copyright restrictions. show less

Molds automatically open. At the end of the curing time, the mold draws the steam out of the airbag, opens the lid and ejects the tire from the tread pattern. Workers need to do nothing but pull out the finished tire and put in another uncured carcass. General Tires, Firestone, Akron, Ohio

Molds automatically open. At the end of the curing time, the mold draw...

Picryl description: Public domain image of a worker, labor, factory, plant, manufacture, industrial facility, 1930s, mid-20th-century industrial photo, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

Forming the bead with "saucer," this tire builder follows every curve of the tire, shaping and pressing on the new layer. This saucer is matched by another on the far side of the tire which works on the other side at the same time, assuring perfect balance of the finished tire. The saucers may be swiveled in every direction to press the tire at right angles or lightly at a tangent. Firestone (General Tires), Akron, Ohio

Forming the bead with "saucer," this tire builder follows every curve ...

Public domain photograph of indoor, interior activity, America in the 1930s, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Battery of curing molds. While the curing, or cooking, operation is going on for the tire we have followed through the plant, it is also going on simultaneously for hundreds of other tires in production. This view shows one corridor in the curing room where fifty tires are being cured at once. Additional molds flank this group on both sides of long corridor such as this one. Firestone (General) Tires, Akron, Ohio

Battery of curing molds. While the curing, or cooking, operation is go...

Actual size of negative is C (approximately 4 x 5 inches). Title and other information from caption card. Transfer; United States. Office of War Information. Overseas Picture Division. Washington Division; 1944... More

The mill room. Measured batches are delivered to these tire workers, who worked in a room full of batteries of rolling mills. Here, by a rolling process, the rubber is squeezed, pulled, pounded and mixed with the other ingredients until all are blended into a "treated rubber" stock. Firestone (General Tires), Akron, Ohio

The mill room. Measured batches are delivered to these tire workers, w...

Public domain image of an industrial building, factory, structure, works, 19th-20th century industrial revolution, free to use, no copyright restrictions - Picryl description

Fill 'er up! Tugging at the large hose, known as the "inflation sleeve", this worker stands inside the "manhole" of a new barrage balloon to guide the sleeve into the opening through which it will pump air to test the giant rubber balloon for leaks. General Tire and Rubber Company, Akron, Ohio

Fill 'er up! Tugging at the large hose, known as the "inflation sleeve...

Picryl description: Public domain photo of a monument or sculpture, free to use, no copyright restrictions image.

The halftrac production department of an Ohio tire plant now handling a large Army order displays a poster that expresses the sentiments of the management and the workers. Goodrich, Akron, Ohio

The halftrac production department of an Ohio tire plant now handling ...

Picryl description: Public domain photograph of a car, 1930s, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

Barrage balloon manufacture. All out for defense! Scrambling out of the zipper-covered "manhole" in the nose of a gigantic barrage balloon, this worker has finished patching, touching up and checking the great bag, and is ready to give the signal to deflate the balloon, pack it and ship it to Uncle Sam's army training fields where balloon squadrons are learning the technique of handling the blimp-sized gas bags. This ship is of the ballonet type. General Tire and Rubber Company, Akron, Ohio

Barrage balloon manufacture. All out for defense! Scrambling out of th...

Public domain photograph of indoor, interior activity, America in the 1930s, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Tying in new spools. This is a highly skilled occupation, and is supervised at this tire company by a man whose previous training was in a weaving mill in Scotland. The deft weaver's knot, which will not pull out, must be tied in the fraction of a second whenever a break occurs, to catch the broken ends together without interrupting the flow of cord. Firestone (General Tires), Akron, Ohio

Tying in new spools. This is a highly skilled occupation, and is super...

Picryl description: Public domain image of a factory worker, plant, manufacture, assembly line, industrial facility, early 20th-century industrial architecture, free to use, no copyright restrictions. show less

Giant tire manufacturing. Construction of modern airports and other military facilities which requires moving large quantities of earth necessitates equipment identified as earth movers. Earth movers use huge rubber tires like these, some of which cost as much as $2,500 each. Goodyear, Akron, Ohio

Giant tire manufacturing. Construction of modern airports and other mi...

Public domain photograph of the 1930s-1940s World War Two, armed forces, military production, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Putting tire into curing mold. From the vacuum expander, the potential new truck tire is taken to this "watch-case" curing mold in which it is baked under high heat and pressure for a long time. The exact time and temperature varies with the type and size of tire. The airbag inside the carcass is filled with live steam during this process so that heat is added from both inside and out. The mold contains the tread pattern, or design, as well as all markings which will appear on sidewall. Under this heat and pressure the rubber turns semi-liquid, and flows into every crevice, completely bonding the rubber processed fabric carcass to the cushion, the cushion to the tread. After this operation it is now one unit--a complete tire. Firestone (General) Tires, Akron, Ohio

Putting tire into curing mold. From the vacuum expander, the potential...

Public domain photograph of indoor, interior activity, America in the 1930s, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Ray Halstead, FSA (Farm Security Administration) rehabilitation borrower, pumping up a tire. Dead Ox Flat, Malheur County, Oregon

Ray Halstead, FSA (Farm Security Administration) rehabilitation borrow...

Picryl description: Public domain image of industrial or agricultural worker, 1930s, 20th-century, free to use, no copyright restrictions. show less

Wrapping in cloth prevents sticking. Reels of fabric may be stored for a few moments or a few days, wrapped in cloth to prevent it from sticking to itself when rolled up. These reels are brought from storage to machines such as this, in which the fabric is out on a powered bias cutter to exact length for one ply of a tire. This worker is making a layer of two plies, with the cords running at right angles, one laid on top of the other. This layer will later be used by a tire builder in building up the plies of his tire to the required number. Firestone (General Tires), Akron, Ohio

Wrapping in cloth prevents sticking. Reels of fabric may be stored for...

Actual size of negative is C (approximately 4 x 5 inches). Caption card lists some of the printing history of image. Title and other information from caption card. Transfer; United States. Office of War Informa... More

Removing the finished tire from the tire drum. The inner drum shoes are unlocked after the tire is loosened; They are removed, leaving the tire free to slide right off. Then they are replaced and the next tire is started. Firestone (General Tires), Akron, Ohio

Removing the finished tire from the tire drum. The inner drum shoes ar...

Actual size of negative is C (approximately 4 x 5 inches). Title and other information from caption card. Transfer; United States. Office of War Information. Overseas Picture Division. Washington Division; 1944... More

Rolling for Uncle Sam. Rolling away a finished tire, this tire company worker is proud of the job it will do, for it is a huge airplane bomber tire, of the kind used by Uncle Sam on his giant defenders. The tire will receive a few finishing touches before shipping, although it is ready for service as is. Firestone (General) Tires, Akron, Ohio

Rolling for Uncle Sam. Rolling away a finished tire, this tire company...

Actual size of negative is C (approximately 4 x 5 inches). Title and other information from caption card. Transfer; United States. Office of War Information. Overseas Picture Division. Washington Division; 1944... More

Production. Wagon wheels. Revival of a dying art. A wheelwright in a Southern wagon plant operates a machine to insert bolts in the felly, or outer wooden rim of the wheel, prior to the fitting of the metal tire

Production. Wagon wheels. Revival of a dying art. A wheelwright in a S...

Picryl description: Public domain image of a worker, labor, factory, plant, manufacture, industrial facility, 1930s, mid-20th-century industrial photo, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

Wahington, D.C. Washington tire shop. Removing truck from vulcanizing mould after "cooking" for three hours

Wahington, D.C. Washington tire shop. Removing truck from vulcanizing ...

Public domain photograph of 1930s-1940s US industrial development, Second World War, US war production, indusry, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Washington, D.C. Tire with recap glued in place, ready to go in vulcanizing mould in tire retreading shop

Washington, D.C. Tire with recap glued in place, ready to go in vulcan...

Picryl description: Public domain image of a factory, plant, manufacture, assembly line, industrial facility, early 20th-century industrial architecture, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

War production suggestions. For making a contribution that will safeguard lives of combat pilots, James A. Merrill, research chemist at Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, Akron, Ohio, was presented with a Citation of Individual Production Merit by War Production headquarters of the War Production Board (WPB). His suggestion concerned development of a resistant barrier to aromatic fuels used in bullet seal tanks on airplanes. It will help keep planes in the air under extreme weather conditions, save the lives of pilots returning in planes with gas tanks pierced by bullets, and lessen unnecessary plane crashes

War production suggestions. For making a contribution that will safegu...

Public domain photograph of laboratory, scientist, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Conversion. Safe and lock company. Not for your car, but for a much more vital machine: this tire is destined for use on a thirty-seven-millimeter gun mount, now being assembled in a factory which once produced locks and safes for civilian use. York Safe and Lock Company, York, Pennsylvania

Conversion. Safe and lock company. Not for your car, but for a much mo...

Picryl description: Public domain image of a worker, labor, factory, plant, manufacture, industrial facility, 1930s, mid-20th-century industrial photo, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

A black and white photo of two men working on a truck. Office of War Information Photograph

A black and white photo of two men working on a truck. Office of War I...

Actual size of negative is D (approximately 3 1/4 x 4 1/4 inches). Photographed by Martha McMillan, Howard R. Hollem, Albert Freeman or Howard Liberman. Title and other information from caption card. Transfer; ... More

Washington, D.C. A close-up view of a worn-out tire on an autocar van

Washington, D.C. A close-up view of a worn-out tire on an autocar van

Picryl description: Public domain image of an automobile, 1940s car, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

Tire retreading. When new plies and rubber are set in place, they are vulcanized right into the tires, forming a part of them. "Cured," which means baked in an oven such as this, this tire emerges ready for long, hard wear almost as strong as a new tire

Tire retreading. When new plies and rubber are set in place, they are ...

Public domain photograph of a machine part, motor, equipment, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

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