Wilson's Wiping Cloth: accept no other name. Anyone can make a wiping cloth, but it takes a Wilson firm to make certified wiping cloths.

Mr. Wilson's son took over the business from the old man, liquidated it in '85 and enjoyed a good retirement on the proceeds. By then the market for Shop Towels may have diminshed, replaced by stronger paper towels that didn't need laundering.

Still, there's nothing like hot water, Gojo, and a good shop towel.