Lowell, MA (September 8, 2008) – Five individuals and companies have been inducted into the American Textile Hall of Fame, recognizing their significant contributions to and support of the textile industry. Honorees in the Class of 2008 are Levi Strauss & Co., the late Gordon Osborne, the late James C. Self, Pendleton Woolen Mills, and Edward B. Stevens.
The American Textile Hall of Fame was initiated in 2001 by the American Textile History Museum in Lowell to honor individuals, corporations and institutions that have made significant contributions to the textile industry in America, as well as those who have advanced the place, role, and appreciation of textiles in American life. This year’s recipients were honored September 8 at a luncheon at the American Textile History Museum, which is currently undergoing a major renovation.
“Each of these honorees has had a profound impact on the textile industry in unique ways,” said ATHM President & CEO Jim Coleman. “They are worthy of great recognition for contributions they made to shape an industry, as well as their philanthropic assistance that has led to a better world. We are honored to pay tribute to their achievements.”
Class of 2008 inducted into American Textile Hall of Fame
The following are the inductees into the American Textile Hall of Fame Class of 2008:
Levi Strauss & Co.
The world's largest brand-name apparel manufacturer, the company was founded in San Francisco in 1853 by Bavarian immigrant and dry goods wholesaler Levi Strauss. Today, Levi Strauss markets apparel in more than 110 countries under the Levi's®, Dockers® and Levi Strauss Signature® brands.
G. Gordon Osborne
Gordon Osborne began his work in the textile industry in 1934 when he joined Warwick Mills, rising to the role of President and Treasurer. He joined the Northern Textile Association in 1927, serving as chairman, treasurer and director, and was the only member to win its bronze, silver and gold medals. As a member of the ATHM Board of Trustees, he was instrumental in establishing its research library, which now bears his name.
James C. Self
James C. Self took a rundown cotton mill and turned it into "The Greenwood Story," one of the most notable success stories in South Carolina and textile history. Mr. Self has been recognized not only for his business acumen, but also his generosity to employees and the community. Today, Greenwood Mills is the largest weaver of fabric to the U.S. military and the largest supplier of blue jeans to Levi Strauss.
Pendleton Woolen Mills
Pendleton Woolen Mills traces its origins to Thomas Kay, an English weaver who settled in Oregon in 1863 and began making robes for American Indians. Now in its sixth generation and led by the Bishop family, the company has expanded the offering of vertically manufactured 100 percent pure virgin wool apparel and home products and built new distribution channels with retail stores, catalogs and websites.
Edward B. Stevens
Edward Brooks Stevens was born in Lowell, MA, and joined the family’s textile business in 1946. He became President of Ames Textile Corporation in Lowell in 1966, and has served as Chairman of the Board since 1977. Mr. Stevens serves as Chairman Emeritus of the Board of Trustees of the American Textile History Museum, where he has been honored with the Community Service Award and the President’s Distinguished Service Award for his immeasurable contributions to the Museum.
The 2008 American Textile Hall of Fame Committee was comprised of James M. Fitzgibbons, Chairman, Retired Chairman, Fieldcrest Cannon Inc., Kannapolis, NC; James S. Coleman, President and CEO, American Textile History Museum; Dr. A. Blanton Godfrey, Dean and Joseph D. Moore Distinguished University Professor, North Carolina State University College of Textiles; J. Craig Huff, Jr., Retired President, Draper Corp., Hopedale, MA; W. Duke Kimbrell, Chairman and CEO, Parkdale Mills, Inc., Gastonia, NC; Karl H. Spilhaus, President, National Textile Association, Boston, MA; Arthur M. Spiro, President and Treasurer, AMS Tex Enterprises, In., Great Neck, NY; and Edward B. Stevens, Chairman, Ames Textile Corp., Lowell, MA.
About ATHM
The American Textile History Museum was founded by hand-weaver and collector Caroline Stevens Rogers in 1960, with a mission to tell America’s story through the art, science and history of textiles. ATHM recently completed a $3.9 million Campaign for the American Textile History Museum, established to increase the Museum’s endowment, support daily operations, and fund major renovations to the core exhibition. Construction of “Textile Revolution: An Exploration Through Space and Time” is currently underway in anticipation of a grand re-opening of the Museum to the public in the coming months.
