Manual 50 x 60-Inch Tapestry Throw, All Fired Up

Fireman's Prayer - When I am called to duty, God, wherever flames may rage, give me strength to save some life, whatever be its age. Help me Embrace a little child, before it is too late. Or save an older person, from the horror of that fate. And hear the weakest shout, and quickly and effectively to put the fire out. I want to fill my calling, and to give the best in me, to guard my every neighbor, and protect his property. And if according to your will, I have to lose my life, Please bless with your protecting hand, my children and my wife. AMEN. Although Thomas Lemuel Oates started Manual Woodworkers & Weavers in 1932, the story goes back further. The roots of the company can be found in Oates' entrepreneurial spirit. He and his brother used to farm the mountain areas of Bat Cave in western North Carolina. They would also help their mother find materials for her crafts. The sons began to make wooden whistles, buckets and bird-houses. They would sell their wares along with her crafts to the people from Charlotte that came through in their horse-drawn buggies on the way to the mountains. Later, Thomas worked at the Ashville Postcard Company. When the Depression hit, he lost his job, but it inspired him to go into business and sell crafts, like cornhusk dolls and woven pieces, that were produced by the local women. He had learned about the wholesale business while working at Ashville. He built a waterwheel to generate electricity at a mill, began making product and opened shop. Over the years, he expanded the company. His son, Lemuel Oates, who would next manage the company, says he worked in the business from a young age. He explains the products were made from cotton scraps left over from making socks. Half-inch circles would be looped together to form a variety of products.