Dream continues: Ratzlaff Draperies celebrate 50 years years ago
By ROWENA PLETT
Staff writer
A business which evolved 50 years ago from one woman's dream and determination is still in operation in Goessel. Ratzlaff Draperies currently is owned and operated by James and Gayle Voth.
In order to remain a viable enterprise, Ratzlaff Draperies has been forced to undergo changes in products and customers from time to time in response to changes in the market place.
The business began in 1955 in the home of John and Hilda Ratzlaff, Gayle's parents. Hilda sewed curtains for a new trailer factory in Newton, American Coach Co.
She landed the contract after repeated contacts with the company and a trial run of the finished product.
According to her March 13, 1956, diary, she sewed all day: "Am so thankful I got that sewing job because I sure enjoy it."
Her daughter, Gayle, was born in July, but Hilda didn't let that slow her down. Gayle recalls spending many hours as a child playing next to her mother as she sewed.
Hilda sometimes was assisted by a neighbor lady or relatives.
In November 1965, the expanding business was moved into John and Hilda's two-car garage. They employed five women.
Within a year, it became apparent a bigger facility was needed. John joined Hilda in the business, and they converted his auto repair garage in downtown Goessel into the new Ratzlaff Draperies.
The business continued to grow. Twelve women sewed curtains for 20-25 mobile homes a day for four manufacturing companies in Newton, McPherson, Halstead, and Arkansas City.
Hilda supervised the workroom while John worked in the office.
In January 1970, the business was moved to a new metal building on the west edge of Goessel, where it remains today.
Daughter Gayle and James Voth were married in 1975. James was working at Hesston Hay and Forage (now AgCo), and Gayle was attending Bethel College.
James joined the business in 1977 at the age of 22. After working there in various capacities for two years, he and Gayle bought the business from her parents.
"By 1980, the mobile home market crashed with the economy and we were forced to think about ways to diversify," Gayle said. "Diversification has been the key to surviving the changing economy."
Production included custom window treatments for individuals, commercial window treatments, waterbed sheets, lace collars, mini-van cargo mats, infant seat covers, and even an embroidered decorative pillow for the king of Jordan.
The business reached its zenith while producing infant seat covers. In 1991, it employed 45 people in two shifts, providing seat covers to customers in five countries.
When the North American Free Trade Agreement was passed, they lost the infant seat cover business to Mexico.
One of Ratzlaff Draperies's most lucrative accounts was with Pizza Hut, which contracted with them to supply curtain decor for its businesses worldwide.
The other significant account was with G and T, a company which supplies interior decor for sport yachts.
A branch factory in Maryville, Tenn., employed 16 people for that purpose.
However, when Congress enacted the luxury tax in 1990, the yacht business dropped off, forcing the Voths to close their Tennessee factory after three years.
They continue to supply sport yachts with high-value customized bedding packages, drapes, spreads, towels, pillows, and quilted yard goods.
Some products are machine quilted, while other, more valuable products are produced on hand-guided machines.
The business no longer produces draperies for individual homes, but does commercial jobs such as decor for nursing homes and other public buildings, and computerized embroidery on business shirts and caps.
The latest innovation which has yet to be fully marketed is the Pro Pouch for golfers. Worn on the belt, the leather pouch holds golf balls and tees.
The business currently employs 12 people. During the summer, high school and college students are employed. Gayle said they are a big help.
In October, the company celebrated its 50th anniversary with a dinner at Brookville for owners and employees.
Carolyn Cornwell of Newton has worked for Ratzlaff Draperies for 10 years.
"I love working for Ratzlaffs," she said. "We all know each other, and we're all family here."
The Voths have two children: Amanda 24, a law student at the University of Kansas, and Kelcy, 20, a junior at Bethel College. Both are pursuing careers in business.
"All in all, it has been a remarkable 50 years," Gayle said. "It has been challenging, exciting, frustrating, and rewarding. As we move into our 51st year, we anticipate more challenges as well as more rewards.
"With God's help and the help of good employees, we can make the coming years successful."
