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The Genuine History of the Original Driza-Bone Coat (dry as a bone).
In the last century a scottish immigrant by the name of LeRoy started to manufacture oilskin rainwear for use on the sailing ships plying the waters of that time. This enterprising man was able to acquire the used lightweight sails from which the garments were then made.
At that time, the traditional means of waterproofing cotton was by the application of linseed oil. His garments acquired a reputation for being well-made and proved satisfactory for mairne use. Squatters heard of his reputation from many of the sailors who subsequently left their shift to work on land.
As time went by, the squatters asked for some changes in the design-first, a longer coat for horse riding. The next additions were; the fantail in the back to put over the saddle, wrist straps to stop the arms geting cold, and leg straps to stop the coat from flapping around whilst on horseback or walking.
The traditional linseed oil used, whilst very satisfactory for waterproofing, was found to go hard and crack during the long, dry summers. A new oiling process was needed and the unique Driza-Bone oiling process was developed so the fabric did not crack, or go hard and stiff, and could allow the garments to be stored for extended periods of time.
T.E. Pearson of Pearson's Sandsoap fame, was heavily involved with his great personal friend, LeRoy, in the invention of this new Driza-Bone proofing.
Over the years, the garments were refined by those who wore them to totally satisfy the harsh Australian climate conditions. This cultminated in a new range of garments with a unique Australian character. Incidentally, very few changes have been made to the basic design other that modern manufacturing procedures.
As time went on, the garments became known as "Driza Bone" and the trademark name was registed in 1933. The word "Driza-Bone" is an Australian abbreviation for the expression, "dry as a bone" which had, for many years described bones of animals found in the dry, arid centre of Australia. It also means anything that was totally dry. If a raincoat could keep you dry in the sometimes torrentail rain and cold, you were left dry as a bone.
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