The Akron Beacon Journal from Akron, Ohio • Page 88

Jt 'Akron Beacon Jourail (liulflid Disptry Hendty, Etc. IS, tfiS Started In 102.7 I Huge Parade Balloons A Goodyear Specialty 0 r.nnnYFAR OX YOUR force would soar, then drop as contracts came in and w-ert fulfilled. Each time personnel ware transferred to other operations, some were lost for good. If I I 1 figure of Popeye was turned out. To put him together required 25 gallons of cement.

To finish him required 17 gallons of white paint, 10 gallons of blue, five of red and one gallon of black-enough paint to cover five bungalows. Popeye wasn't a particularly big figure, either. IT TAKES a lot of skilled work to turn out such a balloon. From an artist's drawing, the balloon room begins to plan the work. Intricate patterns are followed and crews cement them together in an operation that is bewildering to an outsider.

While the helium restriction stopped production of these balloons this year, it couldn't" ground them entirely. Macy's had three figures of previous years Spaceman, Popeye and Toy Soldier in last month's parade. They were Inflated with air and were suspended by rolling cranes. 60th ANNIVERSARY the One of the most delightful and charming chapters of Goodyeari history hat enfolded the last 30 years In the balloon room. There are made the balloon figures used in parade and displays, notably the annual Thanksgiving parade staged by Macy's Department Store In New York.

Popeye, Krazy Kat, Mickey Mouse, Spaceman, Mighty Mouse many other cartoon, and fantasy figures have been turned into rubberized fabric and helium for air borne appearances before millions of people. been seen in many parts of the world and have enchanted millions of children and grownups. They have been star performers of many Macy parades and, in the recent years that this parade has been nationally televised, Goodyear balloon figures have become familiar items in all parts of the country. SCORES OF these figures have been built over the years. A Macy parade may include a half dozen or so different balloons.

These balloons are big, some parading 10 stories above the heads of spectators. Last year, a 56-foot tall FAUX GOODYKAR sought new ideas for balloon products to keep the department together during low periods. Such thinps as tarpaulins for foothall and baseball fields, salvage covers for protecting goods from water damage during building fires, swimming pool linings, wTestling mat covers and advertising balloons were built. That's how the giant parade figure was born. Goodyear figures have MACHINE CO.

1625 Massillon Rd. Akron, O. INCREASED government demands for precious helium has forced at least a temporary halt in the parade figure production this year. Parade figures first were built for the 1928 Macy's parade. The balloon room was in a slump period then.

It has bustled during World War had kept plenty busy a few years earlier in building gas cells for the airship Shenandoah, but. in 1928, there wasn't much to do. Tha balloon room work 76ad 1pm TTHERS CmKlV WAV WORLD WAR II Interrupted parade balloons but they came back for Thanksgiving, 1945. Thia is cna of Good-ear's figures for that year. a a ll WAim you MICKEY MOUSE WAS MADE FOR 1934 MACY PARADE Even with th hundreds of different type-faces at our disposal it would be difficult to express the depth of our appreciation for all that Goodyear has meant to us.

From a small print shop established by R. J. Reapp in 1927, this company has grown to one of the finest printing and typesetting firms in this part of the country. A recent remodeling of our modern one-floor plant has given us one-third more floor space. For the past 21 years we have been privileged to serve Goodyear with typesetting, tabular composition (both Linotype and Monotype), letterpress printing, and offset lithography.

After Mr. Reapp passed away in 1956, his daughter Marilyn J. Bangs became president. William E. Mowrey, associated with Reapp for the past 26 years, became vice-president continuing in charge of all production.

William A. Bonnette, another longtime Reapp employee, is secretary-treasurer in charge of sales. The entire Reapp organization joins in congratulating Goodyear on its Diamond Anniversary and in saying "Thank You" for 21 years of friendly association. THANIC YOU hank tjou i. I SPACEMAN GETS FLIGHT TEST IN 1954 Goodyear's newest plant at THANK YOU Apple Grove, W.

Va which soon will begin producing the company new plastic idene, growing like is five stories high and has approximately 100,000 square f- 4 i leet of floor space. Thank You Congratulations THAUK YOU Tijw(flafiuc SPetvicc, yitc. Thank ESTABLISHED 1937 goodyear tire rubber co. ON THEIR 60th Anniversary CONGRATULATION'S to the Goodyear Tir Rubber Company on tha occasion of its 60th Anniversary. GOODYEAR LEADERSHIP in many fields has contributed much to th industrial strength of America and the pleasures of so many of her people.

GROWING LIKE 60 is a fitting phrase and one for which Goodyear haj good cause to be justly proud. Cooper Tire Rubbtr Company PWley, OhU ttttttttt Uti.LHtUU DARLING COMPANY 4201 S. Ashland Av. Chicago 9, Illinois AKRON 255 JAMES ST. JkX A Mill.