the good life
A Brief History of Pendleton blankets
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In 1909, brothers Clarence, Roy, and Chauncey Bishop opened a wool factory in the town of Pendleton, Oregon, distinguishing themselves by creating intricately patterned blankets for local Native American tribes. Today, Pendleton—which has expanded to offer clothing, rugs, and bedding—stacks up as the country’s largest wool blanket manufacturer.
1909
After studying the design preferences of area Native American tribes, Pendleton rolls out its debut Indian trading blanket, a jacquard weave.
1916
The Bishop brothers partner with the National Park Service to produce the Glacier National Park blanket (left, middle), the first in an ongoing series celebrating treasured American landscapes.
1924
Pendleton expands into men’s apparel with wool shirts. Three years later, the Bishops introduce the Chief Joseph blanket (left, bottom), a tribute to the Nez Percé tribe’s leader. It remains the company’s best seller today.
During World War II, Pendleton devotes all its manufacturing to making blankets that keep American troops overseas warm.
1960
A California band dubs itself the Pendletones in honor of the brand. Though the group later changes its name—to the Beach Boys—the members wear Pendleton shirts on their first album cover.
2010
The 101-year-old business stays young thanks to current fashion collaborations with New York City boutique Opening Ceremony and surfing outfitter Hurley. Reported by Jourdan Crouch
Pendleton blankets (from top): Yakima Camp in blue, $88; Glacier National Park, $160; Chief Joseph in tan, $198; pendleton-usa.com
the best way to spend
6.25
$
18 . count ry l i v i ng.c om . February 2010
These pretty floral Baking Cups make cupcakes and muffins even sweeter. The icing on top? They cost less than nine cents apiece. (Set of 75; layercakeshop.com)
photogr aphs by (bl ankets) philip friedman/studio d; (baking cups) addie juell/studio d
1941