Warm Wishes from Woolrich Inc. to Clinton County
Woolrich Inc. dates its local heritage to 1830 and Clinton County to 1839. The locally-headquartered apparel manufacturer has joined the county’s observance of its 175th birthday with the donation of 100 commemorative wool blankets for county use, proceeds to benefit this year’s celebration. Participating in their delivery to the county’s Garden Building on Tuesday were, left to right, county board chairman Pete Smeltz; Leah Dole, Woolrich director of creative services; Woolrich President Nick Brayton; commissioner Jeff Snyder and commissioner Joel Long. Record photo – John Lipez
LOCK HAVEN – A gift of 100 embroidered navy blue Woolrich blankets covered the Clinton County Commissioners’ meeting table Tuesday as a gesture of warm wishes for the county’s 175th Anniversary.
“Woolrich is extremely proud to have been able to partner with Clinton County on its 175th anniversary blanket” stated Nick Brayton, President. “Both Clinton County and Woolrich have an esteemed history in Central Pennsylvania. It is important that we were able to do this together.”
“Woolrich Inc. is known for their generosity; the county could not be more appreciative of this fabulous donation presented to the county during our 175th celebration” said Commissioner Jeff Snyder.
Leah Dole, Woolrich’s Director of Creative Services assisted the county’s 175th Anniversary Fund Raising Committee in choosing a blanket embroidered with the anniversary logo.
The company also provided a commemorative box for each blanket. The in-kind contribution of over $10,000 will help offset the expenses of the 175th Anniversary celebrations.
“We are reserving some of the blankets for special occasions, events and promotions” explained Commissioner Pete Smeltz “however, the majority of the blankets are available on a first come first serve basis for a donation of $75.”
“Woolrich represents the very fabric of our county’s history” stated Commissioner Joel Long “this commemorative blanket is a unique contribution of a product made and embroidered locally.”
The 175th Anniversary Fund Raising Committee is co-chaired by Brayton and Snyder and includes Gail Nestelrode, Cindy Love, Dan Welch, Bill Crowell, Maria Boileau and Lana Muthler. The committee has worked on a number of projects including wooden nickels, a print of Clinton County Veterans, a 175th anniversary pin, commemorative book and an end of the year celebration. The committee meets once a month to raise funds for the anniversary celebrations.
Since 1830 Woolrich has operated in the heart of Pennsylvania and Clinton County. According to the company’s website the tradition of custom-designed woolens dates back to the company’s founder, John Rich. In 1830 he constructed his first woolen mill in Plum Run, Pennsylvania. From his mule cart, Rich sold his quality fabrics to loggers, miners, rivermen and trappers. By 1845, he expanded the mill and moved to what is now Woolrich. Over the years, eight generations of his family have lived and worked amidst the same rural landscape of north-central Pennsylvania, not two miles from where John Rich erected his first woolen mill. It is in these roots that Woolrich Inc. finds a deep commitment to producing premium American fabrics that are as functional today as they were in the mid-nineteenth century. Bales of raw wool still come in one end of the mill and, after a good deal of work, exit as superior fabric. Woolrich is proud to be the longest continuously running woolen mill in the USA.
For information about the county’s 175th Anniversary and to purchase one of the anniversary blankets, please contact the county at 570-893-4019. The county’s website includes old and new photos, and a complete calendar of anniversary events at www.clintoncountypa.com/175.
