Ep 10. Fallingwater/Cone Denim

John Ratzenberger's Made in America season 5 episode 10 explores the manufacturing processes of two iconic American products: Fallingwater and Cone Denim.

First, viewers are taken on a tour of Frank Lloyd Wright's masterpiece, Fallingwater, located in southwestern Pennsylvania. The home was designed to blend seamlessly with its natural surroundings and was constructed using locally sourced materials such as sandstone and red cypress. The episode highlights the teamwork and precision required to maintain and preserve the property. From the stonemasons who painstakingly repair the walls to the craftsmen who create custom furniture, every aspect of preserving this historic structure is explored.

Next, the show takes viewers to the Cone Denim White Oak plant in North Carolina. The plant has been in operation since 1905 and produces some of the highest quality denim in the world. The episode shows the intricate process of creating denim from scratch, including spinning cotton into yarn, dyeing it with natural indigo, and weaving the yarn into fabric. The denim is then finished using a number of techniques, such as sanforization to prevent shrinkage and mercerization to give it a soft sheen. The episode also delves into the history of denim and its role in American fashion and culture.

Throughout the episode, John Ratzenberger interviews workers and experts in both fields, providing insight into the challenges and rewards of their respective industries. Viewers will gain a new appreciation for the intricate processes required to create these American icons and will be left with a deeper understanding of the importance of preserving these pieces of history.