what ’ s working
awb and pendleton : 102 years of partnership
Headquartered in Portland , Pendleton continues to inspire and thrive . Today the brand is synonymous with authenticity , quality and craftsmanship . From its early days as a small producer of colorful trade blankets to its current status as a world-renowned manufacturer of woolen goods , Pendleton has become one of the most respected companies in the Pacific Northwest .
Pendleton Woolen Mills joined AWB in 1919 , seven years after opening a mill in Washougal in southwest Washington . Since its opening , the mill has been one of the largest employers in the city of about 16,000 , with almost 200 employees keeping the mill running 16 hours a day , five days a week . The 300,000-square-foot facility performs the company ’ s dyeing , carding , spinning and weaving processes .
Charles Bishop , the Washougal mill ’ s former manager and fifth-generation descendant of founder Thomas Kay , served on the AWB Board of Directors from 1995 to 1998 .
a family affair
Kay began working at a mill in Brownsville shortly after arriving in Oregon . In 1889 , he founded the Thomas Kay Woolen Mill in Salem . He would continue to perfect his trade over the years , turning out the first bolt of worsted wool west of the Mississippi . He also would teach it to his oldest daughter , Fannie , who was instrumental in the mill ’ s management .
After marrying retail merchant Charles P . Bishop and starting her own family , Fannie Kay Bishop encouraged her sons , Clarence , Roy and Chauncey , to follow in her father ’ s footsteps . In 1909 , the family purchased a shuttered mill in Pendleton in eastern Oregon . The original mill had made blankets and robes for Native Americans , and after building a new factory , the family resumed operations and began producing blankets for trade with nearby tribes . A year later , Pendleton opened its first retail store in Seaside .
In 1912 , Pendleton expanded into Washington with the purchase of a weaving mill in Washougal , just across the Columbia River . The Washougal mill allowed Pendleton to weave a wider variety of fabrics , and the following decade , the company expanded its product line as well by establishing a men ’ s line of clothing , starting with the now-legendary wool shirt . A women ’ s line would follow 25 years later , with the ’ 49er plaid wool jacket becoming one of the company ’ s best-selling products . Pendleton is now known just as much for its high-quality clothing as for its coveted blankets .
Pendleton ’ s popularity grew to new heights in the decades to follow . By 1972 , the company was offering year-round attire with new , non-wool clothing made for warmer months . In 1999 , Pendleton established a home division featuring towels , rugs and Southwestern decor . Every step of the way , Pendleton listened and responded to its customers ’ needs .
Pendleton ’ s success can be directly attributed to its commitment to quality , value , experience and trust — and to the company ’ s loyal and passionate customers . partnerships and collaborations
Pendleton has been supporting and collaborating with other organizations throughout its history . One of its longest-lasting partnerships dates back to 1916 , when the founder of the Great Northern Railroad commissioned the company to create a blanket for the lodges of Glacier National Park . Pendleton has been a staunch supporter of America ’ s national parks ever since . The company established a National Park Collection of blankets in 2016 and has donated more than $ 900,000 to the National Park Foundation .
In 1990 , Pendleton began partnering with the American Indian College Fund , which provides financial support for Native American students and tribal colleges and universities . winter 2022 21