What ties together prehistoric tools, Ben Franklin, trust busting, railroads, drug laws, plastics,
nanotubes and space travel? Discover the unexpected twists that join these threads in Ropewalk.
Learn about ropemaking's forgotten effects on agriculture and industry in Xenia, Ohio from the Civil
War to the present - and beyond.

Ropewalk features extensive interviews with Bill Hagenbuch, former president and chief engineer of
Hooven & Allison of Xenia, Ohio, one of the last natural fiber rope companies in the USA.
"Bill Hagenbuch is preserving a legacy...Ropewalk is a surprisingly fascinating local
history lesson and a valentine to an unsung industry. It is a feature that really shines
due to Hagenbuch's earnest, colorful, and charming narration."   
- Duante Beddingfield, Dayton City Paper (Click for full review of Ropewalk)

Presented by the Engineers Club of Dayton Foundation, the Cordage Institute, and
award -winning documentary filmmaker, Steve Fetsch.
A non-profit documentary film production for school and public libraries, local
museums, and historical societies.
All rights reserved.
Engineers Club of Dayton Foundation
Photo by Timothy Hearsum
Purchase the Ropewalk DVD
All proceeds benefit the Engineers Club of
Dayton Foundation for historic preservation and
education in science and technology.