what ’ s working
Warranted to Be
An AWB member since 1919 , Pendleton Woolen Mills stays true to its roots while embracing innovation and change .
Debbie Ritenour
Pendleton Woolen Mills has been producing high-quality , highly coveted blankets , clothing and accessories in the Pacific Northwest for more than 100 years .
At A Glance
Pendleton Woolen Mills traces its roots back to
1863 , when master weaver Thomas Kay arrived in Oregon .
The company became known for its distinctive blankets , later expanding into apparel and accessories .
Today , Pendleton is a brand synonymous with quality and craftsmanship .
This story is part of a new series highlighting AWB ’ s legacy members .
www . pendelton-usa . com
Born in rainy West Yorkshire in northern England , Thomas Kay grew up in the woolen industry — literally . By the age of 9 , Kay was working in a mill as a bobbin boy , an oftendangerous job that involved replacing the bobbins , or spindles of thread , on the looms . Three years later , he became a spinner ’ s apprentice . By the time he moved to the United States in search of new opportunities in 1857 , Kay was a master weaver .
Kay ’ s early life was a far cry from that of the bronzed teenagers who dominated the surfer scene in sunny Southern California a century later , but his legacy would have a major impact on the sport . The iconic blue and charcoal plaid shirt every surfer wore was created by the company that traces its roots back to Kay ’ s arrival in Oregon in 1863 . In fact , the Board Shirt by Pendleton Woolen Mills became so popular that an up-and-coming rock ’ roll ’ band named itself the Pendletones in its honor . The Pendletones would later become known as the Beach Boys .
20 association of washington business