L-R Margorie Mainhart, Mrs. David Jones, David Jones, Norman King Jr., Judy King Molder with Marge Tarola (seated)
On May 22, 2019 several trustees for the R.K.Laros Foundation gathered at the National Museum of Industrial History with Marge Tarola, a past employee of the R.K.Laros Silk Mill on Broad Street in Bethlehem Pennsylvania. Recently interviewed as part of the Laros Oral History project in partnership with the Industrial Archives and Library, Marge began her career with Laros in 1946 at the corporation’s “Learner School” where she learned to sew. In 1954 Marge became a zig zag operator.The descendants of Laros employees Norman King and Roland Jones also joined the gathering to meet Marge. Their fathers both played important roles in her time with Laros.
Marge is second from left and has donated this photograph to the Laros collection at the Industrial Archives and Library.Laros Industries was founded in the summer of 1919.
Marge donated the 8” x 12” photograph of the sewing floor from the Laros Silk Mill on Broad Street during the reception. Marge is in the photograph second from left. After the photograph was taken, all employees received a copy and she has treasured her copy for almost 70 years. The photograph will be part of the Laros Collection at the Industrial Archives and Library.
Foundation Vice Chair Laura Bennett Shelton and Marge Tarola
Trustee Elizabeth Shimer Bowers and Marge Tarola
Norman King, Robert Bilheimer Laros Trustee and IAL Director and Marge Tarola
Laros Foundation Executive Director Sharon Zondag with Laros box donated to NMIH, Marge Tarola and her daughter Marjorie Mainhart
