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Jennifer Merin, author of the column "Around the World with Jennifer Merin," has embarked upon such journeys as sailing on a Viking longboat, ...
Read more about Jennifer Merin.
Jennifer Merin, author of the column "Around the World with Jennifer Merin," has embarked upon such journeys as sailing on a Viking longboat, ...
Read more about Jennifer Merin.
Around The World: Holiday Ramblings
Jennifer Merin
Labor Day weekend is the wrong time to go on a factory tour--you‘ll
find most of them closed. However, the day we set aside to show
respect for the men and women whose toil supports our comfortable,
convenient and enjoyable lifestyle is a great occasion for planning a
visit to one of the workshops where American-made goods are
manufactured.
You can schedule special trips to see factories that produce a favorite product or some large-scale machinery that’s changed your life, or you can be opportunistic and visit factories at any destination you’ve already selected and booked.
Here’s a sampling of interesting factory tours where you can see things that probably figure in some way into your life:
Original American Kazoo Company (http://www.edenkazoo.com), in Eden, NY, was established in 1916 and is now the only original metal kazoo factory in the world. There’s a museum displaying kazoos of all shapes and sizes, and chronicles the history of kazoos and the factory. From the museum space, you view kazoos being made on the original equipment. If you never tooted a kazoo, it’s time to try. The gift shop sells a wide selection, and some fun memorabilia. Open daily all year, tours are free.
Making another legendary American toy, Harley-Davidson Motor Company (http://www.harley-davidson.com/wcm/content/pages/factory_tours/york.jsp?locale=en_us) in York, PA offers a fascinating tour at its Vaughn L. Beals Tour Center, highlighting the company’s people, processes and products with a movie and visits to manufacturing and assembly areas, sit-on bikes, a kids’ area and souvenir shop. Tours are weekdays, free on a first come basis. Must be 18, with photo ID. Call 717-852-6590 for groups.
In Nazareth, PA, the Martin Guitar Company’s (http://www.martinguitar.com/visit/tour.html) free tour, offered weekdays at 1 pm, shows you how the instrument that is favored by so many of our favorite musicians is crafted. You get a fascinating view of how acoustic guitars and strings are made, and become familiar with innovation and artistry that have shaped the Martin guitar legend.
For most kids, having a Crayola in hand makes blank walls just too tempting, and who among us hasn’t been scolded for indulging in a bit of artistry? No scolding, ‘tho, at the Crayola Factory (http://www.crayola.com/factory), in Easton, PA, where everyone is encouraged to be created and think outside the lines. The tour combines education with playtime. It’s a treat for kids of all ages, so spend the day. Opening hours vary, so check before scheduling your visit. Admission is $9.50 per person, or $9 for seniors 65+.
Lionel Trains (http://www.lionel.com) are more than a great American toy, they’re a pastime. The Chesterfield, MI, factory offers a free 45-minute tour that includes a short video about the production process and a brief history of the company, and you‘ll be enthralled by the 14x40-foot model train layout with ten trains running simultaneously and accessories that you can operate by pushbutton. Exhibits display Lionel artifacts tracing the company’s history to founding in 1900. Kids get the chance to operate trains themselves. Open Wednesday through Saturday. Call 1-586-949-4100 x 1211 for reservations.
Michigan is also home to Jiffy Mix (http://jiffymix.com/tours.html), made by Chelsea Milling Company, a family run business based in Chelsea since the 1800’s, 100 years. Mabel White Holmes, grandmother of current President, Howdy S. Holmes, brought the first-ever prepared baking mix, “Jiffy,” to market in 1930. Now there are 18 “Jiffy” Mixes. The company boasts full manufacturing responsibilities, from storing wheat to making cardboard boxes for products. Free tours are given weekday mornings. Call (734) 475-1361 to make required reservations. Nobody under six years old may take the hour-and-a-half tour, which requires a lot of walking. Refreshments are served.
Emergency One (http://www.e-one.com), in Ocala, FL, makes fire trucks, rescue vehicles and other emergency equipment to meet the needs of fire departments, rescue/EMS squads, airports and Homeland Security agencies worldwide. The tour is free and fascinating, but it changes frequently, depending on current projects. Visitors must wear closed-toe shoes, high heels are discouraged. Safety goggles are supplied and must be worn.
Back to the toys! Although some people may say that a good baseball glove is an American essential. Nokona Athletic Goods Company (www.nokona.com) of Nocona, TX, is the factory that can put that good American-made glove in hand. Founded about 75 years ago, the company kept its plant in-country during the 60s, when most others began outsourcing abroad. The company doesn’t buy into player endorsements, but these are the gloves most majors use. Two years ago, the there was a bad factory fire, but the company regrouped and relocated and is still offering free tours on weekdays. The tours, guided several times throughout the day, provide insight into America’s favorite pastime (unless you prefer model trains), as you see gloves fashioned from cutting to finished product.
Corn is America’s major crop, and John Deere (http://www.deere.com/en_US/attractions/pavilion/index.html) has contributed much to its growth. Moline, IL’s John Deere Pavilion is more visitor center than factory, but it provides a great backgrounder on the history, influence and products of the famous farm equipment manufacturer. In 1848, John Deere changed America’s map by locating his first plant on the banks of the Mississippi River, producing superior self-scouring plows that opened the western frontier to agriculture. The Pavilion’s comprehensive agricultural exhibit draws visitors from around the globe. The Pavilion is open free of charge year-round, daily except for major holidays. Check the schedule for opening hours.
These plants and products enhance our daily lives. Remember them on labor day, and plan to visit them in the future. For a more complete list of factory tours, visit http://factorytoursusa.com.
Copyright 2008 Jennifer Merin
This news arrived on: 08/26/2008
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