Today's Woolen Mills

The accounts featured today are some of the most well received and noted wool companies in America to date. (For more information on the role wool has played in the foundation of America, see yesterday's post: Wool in America | From Embargoes to WAR)

Woolrich, est. 1830 @woolrich

John Rich immigrated from England, started his first woolen mill, then travelled to local lumber camps and farms, selling woolen fabrics, socks, coverlets, and yarn from his mule cart. In 1845 John Rich built a new mill next to Chatham Run. That building still stands today and is a part of the community of Woolrich, PA. The Buffalo Check was invented in 1850 and is one of the most recognized pattern to date. - Woolrich

Johnson Woolen Mills, est. 1842 @johnsonwoolenmills

In 1842, Johnson Woolen Mills began producing fabric from the wool of local sheep. As a need for strong, warm and comfortable clothing grew, the mill began producing woolen shirts, jackets and pants to accommodate the local community. In the early 1900's, the high quality workmanship, warmth and comfort of Johnson Woolen Mill products gave hunters, loggers, fisherman and other outdoorsman a much needed advantage to Vermont's sub-zero temperatures. Over the next 100 years woolen products from our factory could be found in nearly every household in the northern United States. - Johnson Woolen Mills

Pendleton, est. 1863 @pendletonwm

The history of Pendleton Woolen Mills is one of opportunity, exploration and innovation. British weaver Thomas Kay laid the foundation when he arrived in Oregon in 1863. His expertise lives on in Pendleton's tweed, flannel and worsted wool apparel. Kay's grandsons, the three Bishop brothers, opened Pendleton Woolen Mills in the early 1900s. They joined Kay's weaving skills with stunning Native American-inspired designs in the Pendleton trade blankets, a benchmark for beauty and quality for over 100 years. Family-owned and operated for more than six generations, the uniquely American story of Pendleton Woolen Mills continues today. - Pendleton Woolen Mills

Faribault Woolen Mill, est. 1865 @faribaultmill

Today, in a historic mill nestled along the Cannon River in Minnesota, a nearly 150-year-old story is still being woven. The Faribault Woolen Mill endures as one of the last vertical woolen mills in America. Here, fifth generation craftspeople take raw wool and create blankets, throws, scarves and accessories of remarkable comfort and quality. Irreplaceable century-old machinery stands side by side with modern technology in our "new" mill, which was built in 1892. - Faribault Woolen Mill

American Woolen Company, est. 1899 @american_woolen

American Woolen Company now weaves fabrics for three branches of the U.S. military—the Army, Navy, and the Marines. On this Veteran’s Day, we thank our troops for wearing these uniforms and serving our country. Founded in Lawrence, Massachusetts in 1899, A.W.C. swiftly grew into the world’s largest wool manufacturer, operating over 60 mills and employing more than 40,000 people.Then synthetics and off-shoring decimated the industry. New England’s wealth of textile expertise was nearly lost amid the relics. But a single mill survived, preserving skill with natural fibers for another day. - AWC

Bemidji Woolen Mills, est. 1920 @bemidjiwoolenmills

Manufacturer of quality woolens since 1920. Our factory store sells our own products as well as many other superior brands, many made in the USA! We at Bemidji Woolen Mills are proud of our 97 year legacy and invite you to become a part of our long and rich tradition. In addition to the fine line of Woolen Clothing, Sweaters and Blankets, which are made right here in Bemidji, Minnesota. We offer products made by many World Class Companies. If at any time you have any questions, feel free to give our friendly sales associates a call. - Bemidji Woolen Mills

Cestari Sheep & Wool, est. 1946 @cestarisheep

Cestari Sheep and Wool Company is a small family-owned and operated American manufacturer of knitting and crocheting yarn.  We have a farm in Augusta County, Virginia where we raise sheep for wool that we use in our yarn.  We also source wool from reputable ranchers throughout the United States.  All of our sheep and wool products are always grown and processed in the United States.  Our cotton products are grown and processed exclusively in Virginia.  - Cestari

Mountain Meadow Wool, est. 2002/07 @mountainmeadowwool

Wyoming was one of the central locations where small ranches started in the late 1800’s. Unfortunately, in the last 20 years a decrease in wool prices has forced many of these historic ranches to shut down. Concerned with the loss of this way of life, in 2002, Karen Hostetler and her business partner embarked on a journey to preserve and sustain the ranches of the Great American West. In 2007, Mountain Meadow Wool Mill opened their doors as a full service mill that offered premium prices for wool from local ranches. - Mountain Meadow Wool

IN CONCLUSION

While these accounts are just a handful of the Woolen Mills in operation in America today, what we can learn from these featured is that these artisans/ranchers and farmers are committed to the preservation of the wool industry in America and they are worth celebrating! Thank you all for your due diligence, for upholding family tradition and honor - we appreciate it so much!