Two large machines, resembling cement mixers, were used to clean cowhides at the Hibbard-Stewart Co. in the Port of Tacoma Industrial Yard on October 9, 1970. Once the hides were cleaned and dried, they were converted into leather and used to manufacture a variety of products including bags, clothing and shoes. Hibbard-Stewart Co., founded in 1887, was located at 401 Alexander Ave. They did a brisk business in curing and preserving green cattle hides from local slaughterhouses and shipped them through the Port of Tacoma.
