The company does handle acrylic awnings, which came out about 30 years ago. They last longer than canvas, don't rot, and hold their color better than canvas. And, although the advent of home air-conditioning slowed the business for a while, during the '70s, awnings began coming back. In addition to canvas and acrylic awnings, commercial back-lit awnings were added to the company's inventory in '85 and have become quite a fad. Two years after he took over the business, Utzinger inherited the house in front of the shop, where Lydia had continued to live until her death. He and Shirley moved in and became the first couple since his great-grandparents to live and work at 324 Jones St. In a sense, the business that had begun in the house and its garage has come full circle. Independent Awning & Canvas Company remains a small business that employs 11 workers, probably not many more than Utzinger's great-grandfather employed. Even with the changes in awning materials since 1915, canvas awnings - which Utzinger contends look the best - are still the company's staple. As in George's and Lydia's day, employees make the canvas awnings, hang them, take them down and store them for customers.. Back Lit Awnings Industrial Covers Canvas Patio Covers Retractable Awnings Curtains Specialty Canvas Products Cushions Valances Entrance Canopies Walkway Canopies Illuminated Flexible Awnings Window Awnings