Collar

Aiton's Encyclopedia (1910)

the neckband of a coat, cloak, gown, or other garment, either standing or rolled over. Separate bands or ruffs of muslin, linen, lace, or fur have been known for centuries. Various decorative collars are a part of the insignia or regalia of certain orders. Collars of a particular pattern are worn as a mark of dignity by knights, bishops, and others of rank. A hempen collar is a sorry jest for the hangman's rope. The detachable linen shirt collar is said to be an American invention, first made at Troy, New York . The manufacture of Troy collars was begun in 1829 by Ebenezer Brown. Detachable cuffs were made as early as 1845, and the "Troy Laundry" grew up as a collateral branch of business. At first the maker got on by cutting one collar at a time with a pair of scissors and making it by hand. Some of the steps in the advancement of the business that may be mentioned are the cutting of a pile of cloth of many thicknesses at one operation; the use of sewing machines for stitching; and the introduction of buttonhole machines. The business has grown so large that it would now be an impossibility to do the work by hand. The making of collars and cuffs is the most highly centralized industry in the United States . Nine-tenths of American collars and cuffs are made in the city of Troy and less than one percent are made outside of the state of New York. According to the last census the industry employs 17,115 people, who draw wages to the amount of $5,658,969, annually, and make 10,086,045 dozens of collars and cuffs each year, worth $15,769,132. See Laundry