Great historical video series titled "How We Got Here" from American History Channel that focuses on some important turning points in our history. This particular video highlights the making of Levi's denim pants.
Description:
If tradesman Jacob Davis doesn't survive the California Gold Rush, he will never meet Levi Strauss and the idea for the copper rivet will not be born. The saga of Levis Strauss and the triumph of blue jeans is the incredible story of HOW WE GOT HERE. Starring: Josh Fapp, Benjamin Horatio Garvis Runtime: 23 minutes Original air date: January 27, 2015
Highlights:
Levi Sraus was born 1829 in Germany, the youngest of seven. His two older brothers went to New York around 1845.
1847 - Levi goes to New York to learn the dry goods business
1848 - Gold is discovered in California
At this time, San Francisco had 34 dry goods stores but mostly lacking any real goods (since they didn't have reliable shipments).
Levi wants to set up shop so his brother sends a ship full of dry goods including cloth. At first he plans to make tents, but then realizes the miners are in short supply of long-lasting clothes, especially pants with strong knees.
Jacob Davis is a taylor and he figures out that copper rivets at stress points make the pants more durable. These stronger pants become very popular. Levi offers to become his partner so they can mass-produce these pants.
1872 - At first, the pants are made of a brownish canvas, but then they invest in twill cotton fabric dyed indigo. They patent their product.
1886 - They put a leather patch on the back of the pants
1890 - Their patent expires
1902 - Levi dies
Early 1900s - Buffalo Bill Show features denim-wearing cowboys to Easterners, opening a new area of demand
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