The first time we visited the Pendleton Woolen Mills Factory Store in Pendleton, OR (June, 2022), it was closed. All we could do at that time was peer in the window as we were on a tight timeline to meet up with Joe’s brother and couldn’t hang around for the 11am opening. This brought a tear to Sue’s eye, for sure, and she vowed to return someday. Over the intervening years, Joe has purchased several beautiful items from Pendleton for Sue as gifts and to assuage her sadness about not being able to visit the factory. This time, however, we not only ensured that we arrived during store hours, we also got a tour of the factory which was great fun.

Pendleton Woolen Mills is a sixth-generation, family-owned company and their textiles are known for their quality, beauty and craftsmanship. Pendleton Woolen Mills was incorporated in 1909 by the Bishop family. Of possible interest to our Philly friends, the Bishop’s three sons attended the first textile school in the United States, The Philadelphia Textile School (established 1884 and merged with Thomas Jefferson University in 2017). The brothers then brought their weaving expertise home to Pendleton.

While Pendleton is known for its blankets, they have since expanded into clothing, bedding, home goods, and accessories. In 1961, The Beach Boys (originally known as the Pendletones), wore Pendleton’s Original Surf Plaid Shirt on the cover of their Surfer Girl album and in 1998, Jeff Bridges wore their Original Westerley Sweater as The Dude in The Big Lebowski. Both items are still in production today. During WWII, Pendleton Woolen Mills turned their focus to providing woolen goods for the war effort.

Pendleton continues to produce exceptional goods that are recognized worldwide, and is proud to give back through donations and philanthropic partnerships. 
This is apparent through their annual support for the National Park Foundation, their partnership with the American Indian College Fund, and their participation in the annual Pendleton 
Round-Up, considered to be one of America’s top rodeos since its inception in 1910.

Factory tours require a reservation and the factory was quite loud, requiring headsets to hear the tour guide. Carding, spinning, and weaving on a large scale is a loud business. Pendleton’s looms can produce 300 yards of 80-inch shirt fabric in one day. All wool is examined for irregularities and all blankets are hand-finished.

If you are interested, our purchases included socks for Joe, a jacket for Sue, and a pillow for the rig. This is the only store that sells blanket seconds (same high quality), and we saw many we liked, but had no way to get one home. Next time, for sure!

Thanks for following along.