ABC MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

This month's topics are:  

AREA & ORIENTAL RUGS

                      Ladik Oriental Rugs

MISCELLANEOUS

History of ABC

Children and Chores

Gift a Tree This Holiday Season

SPECIAL FOR DECEMBER

If there is a topic you would like us to cover in one of our upcoming newsletters, please call us at 

607-272-1566 

or contact us by clicking here.

GREAT NEWS!

GOT QUESTIONS?

NOW YOU CAN TEXT  US  at

607-272-1566

 LADIK ORIENTAL RUGS

LOCATION and HISTORHY

Ladik oriental rugs were woven for centuries in the town of Ladik in the province of Konya located in Central Turkey. Ladik is about 20 miles northwest of the city of Konya in the area that is also known as Anatolia (called Asia Minor by the Romans). 

Konya was the capital of the Turkic Seljuk Empire, the home of the dynasty that ruled parts of Central Asia and the middle East from the 11^th to the 14^th centuries. It was a very important communication and political center at that time. The advance of the Seljuk Empire marked the beginning of Turkish power in the Middle East.

It is believed that both pile and pileless (flatweave or kilim) rugs have been produced in Anatolia since the Neolithic period. Exactly how and when either type of rug was first produced is still unclear. The earliest specimens of knotted rugs discovered thus far in excavations of Turkish burial grounds seem to lend truth to the theory that this type of rug was first woven and used by Turks.

Rugs from the Anatolian region of Turkey are valuable historical documents relating to the socio-cultural and socio-economic values of each period in which they were produced. The significance and symbolism of the motifs used, the dyes and colors employed, and the individual weaving forms and techniques found in traditional hand-woven Turkish rugs are a testament to this fact.

Each of the tribes and peoples of the area were able to adopt what they felt was 'good' and 'true' from the different cultures they came in contact with. The conditions of isolation and cultural concentration found in the region led to highly distinctive regional styles. Ladik styles have more in common with styles from the neighboring Caucasus regions rather than from those of Persia.

ANTIQUE LADIK ORIENTAL RUGS

It is necessary to make a distinction between antique Ladik oriental rugs and those available more recently (before production ceased in the last quarter of the 20^th century). They are most different in their construction and the dyes and colors used, as well as in their designs.

Most antique Ladik rugs were made in the 19^th century, though a few date back to the late 18^th century. Ladik was a famous rug making center until the late 1970s. These rugs lost their popularity due to industrial production and the high cost of workmanship and weaving, in general, no longer takes place there.

KONYA-LADIK ORIENTAL RUGS

Konya-Ladik is the term used to refer to more recent Ladiks. They are different in construction from the antique Ladiks and their floral and medallion designs are mainly adopted from Persian weaving centers such as Tabriz, rather than the designs of the antique Ladiks which were largely adopted from their Caucasian neighbors.

CONSTRUCTION OF LADIK ORIENTAL RUGS vs KONYA-LADIK ORIENTAL RUGS

ANTIQUE LADIK ORIENTAL RUGS

The warps  (up and down cords) were wool and the wefts (side to side cords) were wool as well, with 2 or more shoots. The warps and wefts were often colored.

The pile was wool and was short.

The knot was the Turkish symmetrical knot.

The ends were adorned by a flat kilim with braided fringe at both ends.

The sides consisted of 2 cords weft-wrapped with wool.

KONYA-LADIK ORIENTAL RUGS

The warps are cotton and the wefts are cotton as well, with 2 or more shoots.

The pile is wool and is medium thick.

The knot is the Turkish symmetrical knot.

The ends consist of a flat kilim with fringes at both ends.

The sides were overcast with wool. 

DESIGN OF LADIK ORIENTAL RUGS

Antique Ladik oriental rugs were known for their prolific use of the prayer rug format and this is the format we have researched for this article. 

The mihrab motif is the prayer niche, sometimes known as an alcove, and is present in many different forms on all prayer rugs. It is a representation of the love of worship and pious belief of the weavers.

Please continue reading here for more information and photos of Ladik Oriental Rugs, their design, dyes, colors, and sizes, as well as for information on the status of Ladik weaving today. 

HISTORY OF ABC

1971-IN THE BEGINNING

The history of ABC (originally called Adams Building Cleaners) began in 1971 when Kenneth W. Adams started his business of pressure washing  the exteriors of homes, mobile homes, and businesses throughout the Ithaca area.
From this small beginning, the Custodial division, ABC Cleaning Co., grew as it accumulated weekly and monthly contracts with local business owners for the cleaning maintenance of the interiors of their buildings as well.          

1982 - SECOND VISION

Ken's second vision became a reality in 1982 when ABC Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Co. came into being with the purchase of our first truck-mounted steam-cleaning unit.

This updated method of carpet cleaning gave ABC the opportunity to share its knowledge of cleaning with local residents and business owners, using an environmentally healthy method.

ABC was also the first cleaning business in central New York to introduce professionally schooled and certified carpet and upholstery cleaning technicians.      

MILL INSPECTION & TEACHING

Eventually, Ken was credentialed as a Senior Mill Inspector and he performed inspections of carpet-related problems for the carpet mills throughout New York State.

He also used his vast knowledge of the cleaning industry to hold instructional classes for each technician, developing a standard of excellence throughout ABC.

His firm belief in education and the completion of tasks the right way the first time led him to the opportunity of teaching his skills of proper cleaning techniques to students at Ithaca College, Cornell University, and BOCES.      

1988-ABC SERVICES of ITHACA, INC.

On July 1, 1988, ABC officially became a privately-held corporation under the name ABC Services of Ithaca, Inc. 

1993-NEW HOME

After 22 years of nurturing the Custodial, Carpet & Upholstery, and Area Rug Cleaning divisions of ABC at 1754 Danby Road, ABC Services moved to downtown Ithaca to 720 West Green Street. 

This move presented an opportunity to expand our rug cleaning plant and cater to walk-in traffic for customers wishing to bring in their area rugs for cleaning.

HAND-WOVEN TEXTILES & ORIENTAL RUGS

Ken has spent years pursuing his passion for the care and cleaning of hand-woven textiles and oriental rugs. Our employees attend rug cleaning and rug repair schools and seminars throughout the country.

He has published an article on how to start an in-plant rug washing business for novice cleaners. He has the distinction of being the 18th person in the world to become a Certified Rug Specialist through the National Institute of Rug Cleaners.

2003-PERMANENT HOME FOR ABC

On September 30, 2003, a lifelong dream was realized with the purchase of the new home for ABC at 130 Cecil Malone Drive in downtown Ithaca. Offices, conference room, meeting rooms, and a large welcoming front reception were long-awaited improvements to the former physical space.

The acquisition of a specialty rug washing machine and an automated temperature controlled drying room enable our new and larger plant to more than double daily production. 
This large building, which now houses the most up-to-date carpet, upholstery, and rug cleaning equipment, has ensured our continued growth in our industry and in our area.

2004-PRESIDENT OF ASCR INTERNATIONAL

During the late 1990s through the mid-2000s, Ken was very active in ASCR International (Association of Specialists in Cleaning and Restoration) and, in 2004, he was elected President of the Association. After serving as President, he spent several years on the Board of Directors.

2005-OUR VISION CHANGES

In 2005, as part of our plan for the continued growth of our business, ABC closed the Custodial cleaning division as well as the Mold Remediation and Fire and Water Damage Restoration divisions to concentrate services in the Residential and Commercial Carpet, Area Rug, Upholstery, and Tile and Grout Cleaning divisions.             

2010-FOUNDING OF ARCS

ASCR International eventually morphed into the RIA (Restoration Industry Association) and it moved away from rug and carpet cleaning to a concentration on restoration services such as fire, flood, and mold instead.

Since the RIA no longer fit our business needs, in 2010 Ken helped to found ARCS, (Association of Rug Care Specialists). This professional organization now serves the specific needs of area and oriental rug cleaners and rug repair specialists throughout the world. Members include owners and managers of some of the oldest and most prestigious rug cleaning companies in the world. 

2014-SELLING RUGS ON CONSIGNMENT

To find out more about the history of ABC and where we are today, please continue reading here.

CHILDREN AND CHORES

Why Is It the Majority of Our Children Balk at Doing Chores Around the Home?

Children and Chores...Why do they always appear to be on 2 opposite sides of the pole? Aside from the fact that chores are typically not much fun, why are parents almost always met with tantrums when trying to get their children to do even simple chores? Is there some way to change how children look at chores or should we simply hold our ground and insist they do their chores, no matter what!

Children who willingly do chores may be few and far between. But these are the children who learn that household work must be done and each member of a family has to contribute to getting it done. (And, if we persevere, perhaps the ones with the tantrums will understand  as well-(eventually!)

The Research

If we look at some of the research that has been done, it appears that children who do chores most often turn out to be more successful adults:

• Julie Lythcott-Haims, former Dean of students at Stanford University and author of 'How to Raise an Adult,' has suggested that the earlier children start doing chores, the more prepared they will be for adulthood. Additionally, children doing chores when growing up may make better employees who can collaborate well with coworkers and are able to work independently.
• A University of Minnesota study found the best predictor of success in education, careers, and relationships was whether a child started doing chores as early as age 3 or 4. In fact, the earlier we start having children help out, the greater the benefits. When they are young, children love to help us do things. As they grow older they lose interest.  So, perhaps it would be wise to take advantage of this childhood enthusiasm.

Does Skipping Chores in Childhood Lead to Skipping Chores in Adulthood?

It is a simple fact that when children become adults and go out into the world, they have to, at some point, learn that even if you have to work late, you still have to clean up the kitchen, shop, and attend to personal affairs. 

It is entirely possible that skipping chores in childhood may very well lead to skipping chores in adulthood.  But by making children do chores in the home such as their own laundry or taking out the garbage or washing the dishes, they are able to take part in the work of the real world. It helps them to take the focus off themselves and what they need at the moment.

Discouraged?

Don't be discouraged! If you do not insist your child or children participate in doing chores regularly, you are not alone. Most parents don't require chores. Excuses such as the parents are too busy or the child has too much homework are common. 

In a Braun Research poll of 1,001 parents, 82 percent said they grew up doing chores themselves, but only 28 percent said they regularly assign chores to their children.

Children and Chores in the Community

Children doing chores around the house is important. And helping out in the family's community can also teach life-changing lessons. 

Children can learn that no matter how small their individual task is, they are part of a team doing the work. When that happens, everyone does better. Helping out at a food pantry or religious function are good examples of this.

Some Strategies to Get Children to do Chores

Please continue reading here for strategies and more information on children and chores.

GIFT A TREE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

ABC and ONE TREE PLANTED.org

As you may know, ABC has partnered with One Tree Planted.org to help with sustainability and reforestation on our planet by planting trees! With every invoice for any of our services, we plant one tree.

Since the holiday giving season is upon us, this organization has suggested 11 reasons to gift a tree for the holidays. Here is why and how...

11 Reasons to Gift A Tree Planted in Nature

For the Holidays

The season of giving is upon us! And while love and generosity are among the things that make the holidays so special, our daily routines and even holiday traditions come with an environmental cost. 

When it comes to gifts, sometimes we're lucky enough to get something we really want and will use for a long time, but how often does that really happen? 

Most gifts just end up sitting around collecting dust, are returned, or thrown away within a year. While half of returns are re-shelved to be resold, some 5 billion pounds of returned goods end up in landfills, equivalent to the trash produced by 5 million Americans, and the returns process accounts for 1.6 billion gallons of diesel fuel and 15 million metric tons of CO2. 

Yikes. That's A LOT of waste in a short amount of time. Luckily, there are ways to break the vicious wasteful cycle.

As an eco-friendly alternative or complement to other gifts, you can make a donation to plant trees on behalf of someone you love! 

Your sustainable gift can come with a custom Tree Certificate or card, and you'll rest easy knowing you've given a waste-free gift that will benefit nature for a lifetime.

Here are 11 reasons to gift a tree planted in nature for the holidays:

1. It is a Unique Gift 
For the most part, we can all predict what everyone is getting for Christmas this year. Whether it's the latest gadgets, socks, or new gear. Planting a tree is different and makes us recall fond memories of enjoying the outdoors. Plant trees for your bestie, grandma, the person who has everything, or the nature-lover. They will love the thoughtful gesture.

2. Good for the Environment 
There are a ton of ways trees benefit the environment, much more so than the last minute gift you found on sale that will get little use. And this kind of gift will reduce your carbon footprint since you won't have to have it shipped! 

3. Will Last a Lifetime
The gift that keeps on giving! A tree is truly an investment that will return benefits for years to come. Every year your loved one can look back and smile as they think about how their tree is growing and helping all who surround it. And you can follow our many reforestation stories online to learn about the individual impact of different projects.

4. Give Animals a Home
A tree is a gift for our furry, winged, and scaly friends too! 80% of the world's known terrestrial plant and animal species can be found in forests. One tree alone can be home to hundreds of living things! Just think about all the birds, insects, and mammals that will have a place to live thanks to the trees you've helped to plant.

5. Clean the Air 
Trees filter the air we breathe, produce oxygen, and remove carbon and harmful particles from the atmosphere. The World Health organization says that 9 out of 10 people breathe air containing high levels of pollutants but trees can help improve air quality!

6. Benefit Future Generations 
Young people today are increasingly concerned about how our changing climate will affect their future. By planting a tree you are taking positive action for future generations to come. We can reduce the effects of climate change one tree at a time.

7. Help End Hunger 
Trees can produce nutritious food for people in need, as well as food that can be sold. They can also restore degraded lands so that farmers can gradually increase crop yields, protect surrounding land to reduce damaging erosion and landslides, and help the ground retain more water so that there is more available for food to grow. With healthier food systems as a result of trees, communities also have improved health, jobs, and economic stability. 

8. Keep People Safe 
Trees offer a lot of protection when natural disasters occur, like flooding and landslides. Their intricate root systems act like filters by slowing down the water's absorption into the ground. According to the Food and Agriculture Association of the United Nations, a mature evergreen tree can intercept more than 15,000 liters of water every year.

9. Save Money
Planting a tree with One Tree Plantedis not very expensive, just $1/1 tree! So you can plant as many as you'd like, whether it's just one tree or a small forest. You can save a lot of money this year by gifting trees to the whole family. 

10. Reduce Waste 
Think of all the time you will save by not having to wrap a bunch of presents! You'll also cut back on the materials and wrapping paper you would've had to use. If every American family wrapped just three presents in reused materials, it would save enough paper to cover 45,000 football fields! And that's not even mentioning the avoided waste of unwanted or unused gifts.

11. You Can't Go Wrong!
It is the worst when you get something for someone and they don't like it. But who doesn't like trees? Or how about the hassle it causes when a gift doesn't fit and you have to beat the crowds to return it! That problem doesn't exist when a tree is your gift! It's planted in the great outdoors providing decades if not centuries of ecological value even after you've forgotten all about it.

Want More Info?

Please continue reading here to find out how you can gift a tree this holiday season. The One Tree Planted website also has a number of unique gifts available, each of them, when purchased, will also plant a tree. 

Check out their unique eco-friendly gift guide for 41 unique eco-friendly gift ideas as well.

ABC is on Facebook

We offer tips, trends, useful info, and

more for our Fans.

We also offer special 

Facebook only discounts. 

Like us on Facebook and receive a $10 Credit off your next cleaning.

ABC Oriental Rug & Carpet Cleaning Co. 

Since 1971 

(607)-272-1566

CLICK HERE

to check out our video -

It's What We Do!