What type of leather is used for shoes, belts, and other items that require durability and strength?
- Suede
- Patent Leather
- Sole Leather
- Upper Leather
Correct Answer: Sole Leather
Correct Answer Explanation: Sole leather is a type of leather that is specifically used for making shoes, belts, and other items that require durability and strength. It is thicker and more robust than other types of leather, making it suitable for these applications.
Which animal hides are used to make the most types of leather?
- Horse
- Calf
- Sheep
- Goat
Correct Answer: Calf
Correct Answer Explanation: Calfskin is a versatile type of leather that can be used to make a wide range of products, including shoes, bags, jackets, and gloves. It is known for its softness, durability, and natural beauty.
What process is used to make leather pliable and soft?
- Tanning
- Fat-liquoring
- Drying
- Splitting
Correct Answer: Fat-liquoring
Correct Answer Explanation: Fat-liquoring is a process used in leather making that involves working the hides in a mixture of soap and oil. This process makes the leather more pliable and softer, enhancing its feel and texture.
What was Peter Coddington’s assumed name when he started working in the tannery?
- Peter Strong
- Nat Jackson
- John Milburn
- James Coddington
Correct Answer: Peter Strong
Correct Answer Explanation: Peter Coddington, a privileged and spoiled youth, was sent to work in his father’s tanneries after failing his freshman year. To avoid the stigma of his wealthy background, he adopted the name Peter Strong, hoping to blend in with the other workers.
What was the name of the park built by the Coddington Tannery for its employees?
- Milburn Park
- Coddington Park
- Strong Park
- Jackson Park
Correct Answer: Strong Park
Correct Answer Explanation: The Coddington Tannery, recognizing the importance of its employees, built Strong Park as a place for recreation and relaxation. This act of generosity reflected the company’s commitment to the well-being of its workforce.
In “The Story of Leather,” what does Peter initially struggle with?
- The harsh working conditions of the tannery
- The complex process of leather making
- His friendship with Nat Jackson
- His father’s disapproval of his work
Correct Answer: The harsh working conditions of the tannery
Correct Answer Explanation: At first, Peter, accustomed to a life of privilege and ease, finds the environment of the tannery unpleasant and unappealing. He struggles to adjust to the physical labor, the strong smells, and the demanding nature of the work.
What is a toggle-boy’s job?
- To assist in the tanning process
- To make leather shoes
- To attach toggles to leather to stretch it
- To operate machinery in the tannery
Correct Answer: To attach toggles to leather to stretch it
Correct Answer Explanation: Toggle-boys were workers in patent leather factories who attached toggles to leather pieces. These toggles were used to stretch the leather tightly, creating a shiny and waterproof finish.
What is a “green-salted” hide?
- A hide that has been tanned with chrome
- A hide that has been dried and salted
- A hide that has been salted fresh from the animal
- A hide that has been treated with chemicals
Correct Answer: A hide that has been salted fresh from the animal
Correct Answer Explanation: Green-salted hides are animal hides that are salted immediately after being removed from the animal. This process helps to preserve the hide and prevent spoilage.
What is the process of soaking, liming, unhairing, and puering called?
- Tanning
- Fat-liquoring
- Beamhouse
- Splitting
Correct Answer: Beamhouse
Correct Answer Explanation: The beamhouse refers to the section of a tannery where hides undergo various processes, including soaking, liming, unhairing, and puering. These processes are essential to prepare the hides for tanning.
What type of leather is known for its soft, napped finish?
- Suede
- Patent Leather
- Sole Leather
- Upper Leather
Correct Answer: Suede
Correct Answer Explanation: Suede is a type of leather characterized by its soft, napped finish. It is often used for making gloves, jackets, and shoes due to its luxurious feel and breathability.
What does Peter’s initial disdain for the tannery highlight?
- The importance of hard work
- The value of community
- The social divide between the wealthy elite and the working class
- The importance of social responsibility
Correct Answer: The social divide between the wealthy elite and the working class
Correct Answer Explanation: Peter’s initial reluctance to work in the tannery demonstrates the social divide that existed between the privileged upper class and the working class in the 1920s. His upbringing had instilled in him a sense of entitlement and a lack of appreciation for the manual labor performed by those who worked in the tanneries.
What is the main reason why the United States imports hides from other countries?
- The United States does not have enough animals to meet the demand for hides.
- Imported hides are of a higher quality than domestic hides.
- The United States is trying to support international trade.
- The United States wants to keep prices low.
Correct Answer: The United States does not have enough animals to meet the demand for hides.
Correct Answer Explanation: The United States does not produce enough hides to meet the demand for leather goods, so it imports hides from other countries, such as Brazil, Argentina, and India. This is due to a combination of factors, including the size of the livestock population, the availability of pastureland, and the cost of raising livestock.
How does the company demonstrate its commitment to its employees?
- By providing them with generous salaries and benefits.
- By investing in new technologies that reduce the need for human labor.
- By building recreational facilities like Strong Park and a reading room.
- By promoting a culture of competition and individual achievement.
Correct Answer: By building recreational facilities like Strong Park and a reading room.
Correct Answer Explanation: The Coddington Tannery, recognizing the importance of its employees’ well-being, built Strong Park and a reading room for them to enjoy. This demonstrates the company’s commitment to its workers’ social and intellectual development, going beyond simply providing jobs.
Which of the following is NOT a type of leather tanning?
- Vegetable tanning
- Chemical tanning
- Chrome tanning
- Mechanical tanning
Correct Answer: Mechanical tanning
Correct Answer Explanation: Vegetable tanning, chemical tanning, and chrome tanning are all methods used to tan leather. Mechanical tanning is not a recognized type of tanning. Tanning is a chemical process that alters the hide’s structure, making it durable and resistant to decay.
Which of the following is a type of leather that has a shiny, waterproof finish?
- Suede
- Patent Leather
- Sole Leather
- Upper Leather
Correct Answer: Patent Leather
Correct Answer Explanation: Patent leather is a type of leather that has a shiny, waterproof finish created by coating it with a varnish. The varnish creates a smooth, glossy surface that is resistant to water and stains.
What does the novel suggest about the working conditions in the tannery?
- They were safe and comfortable for workers.
- They were hazardous and potentially dangerous.
- They were well-regulated by government agencies.
- They were considered to be the best in the industry.
Correct Answer: They were hazardous and potentially dangerous.
Correct Answer Explanation: The novel highlights the harsh working conditions in the tanneries, where workers were exposed to strong chemicals, dust, and heat. The risk of accidents and injuries was a constant concern, and the dangers of inhaling harmful chemicals were not fully understood at the time.
What is the name of the tree used for tanning leather?
- Oak
- Hemlock
- Quebracho
- Chestnut
Correct Answer: Quebracho
Correct Answer Explanation: Quebracho is a type of tree native to South America that is used to produce tannin, a substance used in vegetable tanning. The bark of the quebracho tree contains a high concentration of tannin, making it a valuable resource for the leather industry.
Which of these is not a type of goat leather?
- Kashmir
- Nubian
- Moroccan
- Argentinian
Correct Answer: Argentinian
Correct Answer Explanation: Argentinian is not a type of goat leather, it is a geographical location. Kashmir, Nubian, and Moroccan are all types of goat leather, known for their specific characteristics.
What was Peter’s main motivation for working in the tannery?
- To learn the trade from his father
- To earn money to support his family
- To prove his worth to his father
- To make friends with the other workers
Correct Answer: To prove his worth to his father
Correct Answer Explanation: Peter, initially resentful of being sent to the tannery, was driven by a desire to prove his worth to his father. He wanted to show his father that he was capable of hard work and responsibility, hoping to regain his father’s respect and approval.
What is the main reason why the tannery industry is constantly evolving?
- The increasing demand for leather products
- The development of new technologies
- The need to reduce environmental impact
- The desire to improve the quality of leather
Correct Answer: The development of new technologies
Correct Answer Explanation: The tanning industry is constantly evolving due to the development of new technologies and processes. These innovations aim to improve efficiency, reduce costs, minimize environmental impact, and enhance the quality and durability of leather products.
How does the author show that the Coddington Tannery is a successful company?
- It is the largest tannery in the country
- It uses innovative methods of leather production
- It provides good wages and benefits for its employees
- All of the above
Correct Answer: All of the above
Correct Answer Explanation: The novel portrays the Coddington Tannery as a successful company that uses innovative methods of leather production, employs hundreds of workers, and provides good wages and benefits. The author emphasizes the company’s commitment to innovation, employee well-being, and overall success within the industry.
How many different types of goatskin are there?
- 20-30
- 40-50
- 60-70
- 80-90
Correct Answer: 60-70
Correct Answer Explanation: The novel states that there are between sixty and seventy different types of goatskin, each with unique qualities and characteristics. This wide variety allows for the creation of diverse leather products tailored to specific needs and preferences.
What is the approximate weight of a single hide?
- 5-10 pounds
- 10-15 pounds
- 25-60 pounds
- 60-100 pounds
Correct Answer: 25-60 pounds
Correct Answer Explanation: The novel mentions that a single hide can weigh between twenty-five and sixty pounds. The actual weight varies depending on the animal’s breed, age, and other factors.
What does the novel reveal about the importance of community?
- The importance of family ties
- The need for support and belonging
- The power of shared experiences
- All of the above
Correct Answer: All of the above
Correct Answer Explanation: The novel demonstrates the importance of community in various ways. Peter’s friendship with Nat Jackson illustrates the power of shared experiences and the need for support and belonging. The camaraderie among the tannery workers and the company’s efforts to foster a sense of community highlight the importance of social connection and shared values.
What does the novel teach us about the leather industry?
- It is a complex industry involving a wide range of processes.
- It plays a significant role in the global economy.
- It is subject to regulations and standards.
- All of the above
Correct Answer: All of the above
Correct Answer Explanation: The novel provides a detailed look at the leather industry, revealing its complexities, global reach, and regulatory framework. It shows the various processes involved in leather making, from preparing hides to tanning and finishing, emphasizing the industry’s intricate nature.
What type of leather is traditionally dried in the sun?
- Patent leather
- Suede
- Sole Leather
- Upper Leather
Correct Answer: Patent Leather
Correct Answer Explanation: Patent leather is traditionally dried in the sun, which contributes to its shiny, waterproof finish. However, this process can be challenging during inclement weather. The novel highlights the reliance on sunlight in this traditional method of leather production.
How does the author demonstrate the importance of innovation in the tanning industry?
- By showing the use of new technologies in the Coddington Tannery
- By highlighting the constant search for improved methods of leather production
- By emphasizing the challenges faced by the industry due to changing consumer demands
- All of the above
Correct Answer: All of the above
Correct Answer Explanation: The novel portrays the tannery industry as constantly seeking new ways to improve its processes and products. The author demonstrates the importance of innovation through examples like the Coddington Tannery’s use of new technologies, the ongoing search for better tanning methods, and the challenges faced by the industry in responding to changing consumer preferences and environmental concerns.
What is the main message of the novel?
- The importance of hard work and perseverance
- The value of personal relationships and community
- The importance of humility and recognizing the value of all work
- All of the above
Correct Answer: All of the above
Correct Answer Explanation: The novel conveys a multifaceted message about the importance of hard work, perseverance, personal relationships, community, and humility. Through Peter’s journey, it emphasizes that true success lies not in wealth or social status but in developing character, forging strong connections, and finding meaning and purpose in one’s work.