Whalebone Building | NYC
George Messmann was the final whalebone cutter in the United States, running his business at 161 Duane Street in New York City. His workshop, founded in 1860, became famous for crafting whalebone products used in items such as corsets, hoop skirts, and umbrellas. In June 1920, Messmann closed his shop, marking the end of an era for this traditional craft.
The building at 161 Duane Street, originally constructed in 1845 as a private residence, had been repurposed for various uses over the years, including a schoolhouse and coffee mill. By 1860, it housed Messmann's whalebone cutting business, which he operated for 56 years. Prior to Messmann, the business had been run by two predecessors, A.J. Vetter and William Forster, in the same building.
In 1920, the New York Times published an article covering the closure of Messmann's shop, noting that it was the last remaining whalebone cutting business in the city. The article reflected on the building's history and the decline of the whalebone industry, due to both the diminishing whale population and shifting fashion trends.
Today, the building at 161 Duane Street still stands, serving as a historic reminder of New York City's industrial past. The "Whalebone" sign remains visible, honoring the legacy of George Messmann and his significant contributions to the whalebone cutting trade.
Oil and Bone: Whale Consumption in the Lives of Plymouth Colonists
Whaleboning in America has a rich history rooted in the whaling industry, which played a vital role in the country's economy from the late 17th century through the 19th century. Whalebone, or baleen, is a flexible, keratinous material found in the mouths of certain whale species, notably the right whale. It was prized for its strength, flexibility, and lightness, making it an essential material in the production of a variety of products.
Early Beginnings
The American whaling industry began in the early 1600s, with New England becoming the epicenter of whaling activity. Initially, the primary focus was on harvesting whale oil, which was used for lighting lamps and as a lubricant. As whaling grew, so did the demand for other whale products, including baleen, which was used in everything from corsets and hoop skirts to umbrellas, canes, and buggy whips.
The Rise of Whalebone Products
By the 18th century, whalebone (baleen) became highly sought after for use in fashion and everyday items. In particular, corsets, which were an essential part of women's fashion during this period, used whalebone to provide structure and support. The flexible yet firm nature of baleen made it ideal for shaping garments, especially corsets, which were tightly laced to create an hourglass figure.
The Golden Age of Whaleboning (19th Century)
The 19th century marked the peak of whaling in America, with New Bedford, Massachusetts, and Nantucket being the leading whaling hubs. Whalebone became so integral to the fashion industry that it was even used in the creation of luxury items such as fan ribs, combs, and brush handles. At the height of the whalebone trade, baleen was processed in factories in coastal cities like New York and New Bedford, where skilled artisans worked to shape it into its desired forms.
Decline of Whaling and Whaleboning
The rise of synthetic materials, such as steel and plastic, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries gradually replaced the need for whalebone in fashion and other industries. Additionally, overhunting led to a significant decline in whale populations, further diminishing the availability of baleen.
By the early 20th century, the last whalebone cutter in the U.S., George Messmann, operated his shop in New York City. Messmann’s business, which produced products like corsets and umbrella ribs, closed in 1920, marking the end of the whalebone era. At that time, synthetic alternatives had largely taken over the market, and the whaling industry itself was in sharp decline, eventually leading to the cessation of commercial whaling in the U.S. by the mid-20th century.
Legacy and Preservation
Despite its decline, whaleboning remains an important part of American industrial history. Artifacts such as antique corsets, walking sticks, and furniture still carry the legacy of whalebone craftsmanship. Today, whalebone is no longer used in fashion or everyday items due to environmental concerns and the protection of whale species under international law, but its historical impact on American industry, fashion, and technology remains notable.
