Ep 4. French Quarter/United Record Pressing

John Ratzenberger's Made in America season 5 episode 4 explores the unique culture and craftsmanship of New Orleans' French Quarter, showcasing some of its oldest and most vibrant businesses. The episode features a diverse range of artisans, from bakers to blacksmiths, and highlights the importance of preserving the city's traditional crafts and trades.

In the first segment of the episode, Ratzenberger meets with a local blacksmith who creates custom ironworks for homes and businesses throughout the city. The blacksmith shares his passion for the art and the history of the trade, and explains some of the unique challenges he faces working in a city built on a swamp.

Next, Ratzenberger visits a traditional hat maker who has been hand crafting hats in the French Quarter for over twenty years. With meticulous attention to detail, the hat maker creates custom headpieces for locals and tourists alike, using old-world techniques and materials. Ratzenberger learns about the significance of hats in New Orleans culture and the artistry required to create them.

The episode then moves to a famous French Quarter bakery where Ratzenberger learns about the history and technique behind the city's iconic French bread. While the bakery has been in business for over a century, they continue to use the same recipe and methods that were used when they first opened their doors. Ratzenberger gets a behind-the-scenes look at the bakery's operations and the intricate process of baking and shaping each loaf.

Next, the episode takes a turn toward the music industry as Ratzenberger visits United Record Pressing, an iconic vinyl pressing plant that has been in operation since the 1960s. The plant has pressed records for some of the biggest names in music, including The Beatles and Elvis Presley. Ratzenberger speaks with the plant manager about the importance of vinyl in today's digital age, and gets an up-close look at the pressing process.

Throughout the episode, Ratzenberger emphasizes the importance of preserving traditional crafts and trades and supporting small businesses. He highlights the significance of these timeless trades and the impact they have on the city's culture and history.