Pendleton Woolen Mills history

In 1895, the company enlarged the scouring plant and converted it to a woolen mill that made bed blankets and robes for Native Americans.

The Pendleton Woolen Mill, which began production in the fall of 1896, was a natural consequence of the scouring mill.

In 1902, it introduced photographs of well-known Indians of various tribes dressed in Pendleton robes as a form of advertising.

1904: The company launches its famous blue and gold label.

How important is it to the company’s history? How did the relationship with the Native Americans develop? The trade blanket is essential to our history, as it was the first product Pendleton produced in 1909.

In 1912 the company opened a weaving mill in Washougal, Washington (across the river from Portland) for the production of woolen fabrics used in suits and other clothing.

The second Bishop son, Roy, had left the company in 1918 to form his own company, the Oregon Worsted Company.

Then in 1924, the Pendleton virgin wool men's shirt was born, a colorful, plaid variant on the utilitarian men's work shirt of the era, using shirting material woven in Washougal.

The third son, Chauncey, died in 1927.

Ranchers, loggers, and sportsmen quickly adopted the shirt and, by 1929, the company was making a full line of men's wool sportswear.

In 1946, it opened a facility in Omaha, Nebraska.

1949: The company enters the women's wear market with its 49er jacket.

1960: Pendleton pioneers washable wool.

1969: Clarence M. Bishop dies; his two sons take over the business.

By 1970, a year after the death of Clarence M. Bishop, the company had two sewing operations in Portland, a plant in St Helens, Washington, and three plants in Nebraska.

In 1972, Pendleton became a year-round sportswear resource, introducing distinctively styled, non-wool menswear and womenswear for spring and summer wear.

1980: The company expands international distribution with the introduction of Pendleton Country Japan.

1993: Richard Poth becomes president of the business.

In 1996, as part of an effort to explore other market niches, Pendleton introduced its first mail-order catalog, inaugurated its web site, and opened four more company-owned retail outlets.

By 1998, women's casual wear accounted for 30 percent of all women's apparel sales—up from 10 percent five years earlier—and all catalogue items were also available online.

Bischoff's at the park opened in 1999.