Founded on the banks of the Cannon River in Faribault, MN, the Faribault Woolen Mill is a living testament to American craftsmanship. Founded in 1865, the year Lincoln died and the Civil War ended, Faribault woolens are renowned for their comfort and quality. From providing woolen blankets for pioneers heading west to comforting our troops through two world wars, our woolens are woven into American history.

 

1856 – Carl H. Klemer creates what would ultimately become the Faribault Woolen Mill Company. The original horse powered mill initially operated as a wool carding factory, turning local wool into wool batting.

 

1872 – Cloth, flannel and wool blankets are offered by the Mill for the first time. Locals use these goods in their homes and buggies. New equipment would later be installed to meet demand for woolen goods in Faribault and the surrounding area.

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1917 – As America enters World War I, the Mill supplies over 100,000 olive drab Army blankets and learns what it takes to provide its goods on a larger scale. On the home-front, central heating becomes a way of life and the double-fold blanket sells for $20 a piece.

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1937 – Nearly every major department store is now carrying the Faribault blanket line giving the Mill national recognition as a quality manufacturer of fine woolen goods. Since 1886, the number of woolen mills still operating in the U.S. dropped from 800 to just 80.

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1941 – With the onset of the second World War, most of the production at the Mill is diverted to producing Army blankets and sleeping bags for soldiers. Civilian volunteers flood to the Mill with a mission to help in any way possible.

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1945 – Faribault begins post-war production using high-quality, imported fibers from Australia and New Zealand. Later, the company becomes the first to introduce the Pak-A-Robe, a plaid wool sports throw in a convenient carrying case.

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1956 – The Mill is the first woolen manufacturer to offer moth-proofed, thermal woven, and washable woolen blankets. The improved functionality becomes widely appreciated in homes and institutions across the country.

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1965 – Faribault Woolen Mill Company celebrates its 100th anniversary one year after a fire broke out near the Mill's current entrance. They begin to offer a new line of blankets and throws using new colors and designs, all the while expanding uses for its products in commercial airplanes and hotels.

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1977 – The Mill leads a fight to eliminate import duties on certain grades of imported wool. Their success lowers the cost for producers across the nation. One hundred and seventy five employees strong, Faribault is producing over half of the blankets made in America.

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1991 – After 125 years of success, the company remains in full stride. Acquiring new facilities across the country and expanding capabilities in necessary areas, Faribault sets itself up for an even larger presence moving forward.

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2009 – A number of challenging circumstances causes the Mill to shut its doors for the first time in its long, storied lifetime. Employees of the Faribault Woolen Mill are forced to leave and its equipment is tagged for sale to be shipped overseas.

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2011 – A revival of the Faribault Woolen Mill Company begins. The brand that once ruled American woolen production returns with a new vision built with the same values and dedication it was originally founded upon.

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2015 – Celebrating 150 years and counting, the mill still continues the tradition of creating some of the finest woolen products in the country.

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Source: faribaultmill