Volk Brothers' Merchant Tailors

Greenwood, Eaton Twp., Clark Co., WI  

Volk Brothers Tailor Shop (date unknown - bef. the streets were paved)

Submitted by Betty Comstock

 The above advertisement appeared in the Greenwood Gleaner, Oct. 4, 1934

----Source: Greenwood Gleaner (Greenwood, Wisconsin) 26 Nov 1908

CONCRETE BLOCK TESTED KNOCKERS SCORED

To those who are not already acquainted with the facts governing this test, I wish. to explain as briefly as possible how this test came to be made.

I was requested by Volk Bros. to figure on the cost of the veneer for their remodeled building, which I did.  We agreed upon the cost, I was told to make the blocks no mention being made at this time as to what proportion of sand, gravel or cement to be used, or that they would be subject to any test, other than to sustain their own weight to the height of 26 ft.

Some 60 days later as the building was nearly ready for me to commence work, I hauled up three loads of these blocks, when the soreheads, knockers, backbiters, kickers and wise men of which Greenwood is note, got in their work on them with such remarks as "he didn't put any cement in them, " "they will never stand," "they will crush right down," "I would not have them put on a building of mine if he would put them on for nothing," etc.  To all of those I wish to say never fear, I was never known to do something for nothing, but I will prove to you beyond any reasonable doubt that I was doing as I agreed and was giving Volk Bros. their money's worth.  I am writing this to protect my business, to explain this unnecessary delay in finishing up my work and to show how ignorant some people are that think they know it all especially regarding concrete.

The outcome of all this knocking was I was forbidden to haul any more blocks until a test could be made.  After the usual amount of red tape was gone through I took a block from the pile not the best or the poorest sent it to Madison where the government testing machine is located and this is the report in brief:  The maximum load sustained by the block was 44, 000 pounds and the stress 475 lbs. per square inch and the factor of safety in crushing would be in the neighborhood of 15 or 15 time the height of the proposed building or 390 ft. and the maximum load 488 ft. in height.  This is according to government test.  I do not ask you to take my word for it, if you are interested I will show you the original report which is positive proof.  Think of these business men (I mean these men that have no business of their own but are always minding other people's business) with their green goggles on looking up 400 ft. waiting to see my veneer crush.

I thank you one and all for reading over this explanation and report, and if you don't see around town occasionally you will know I have been crated up and shipped to Madison to be examined as to my proficiency to lay up this veneer. --A. (Alfred) Eggett

William F. Volk Obit

Val Volk obit