1880, Samuel Horner, an English immigrant and professional spinner, purchased from John and William Gallery a small Eaton Rapids, Michigan mill built in 1844. Assisted by his entire family, Horner developed a prosperous business processing locally produced wool, and by 1883 operations were substantially expanded with additional machinery for carding, spinning, weaving and finishing. Manufacture of cloth blankets began in 1885, and in 1887 the company contracted to furnish uniforms to the Vocational School of Lansing. Innovative electrical technology brought about subsequent modernization in 1888, and a new mill was erected in 1900. In 1918 the company was incorporated as the Eaton Rapids Woolen Mills; in 1937 it was renamed Horner Woolen Mills. During World War I, its first government contract ordered spun khaki fabric, and new knitting machines were installed to increase output. During World War II, the mill again produced various products for military use. By the end of the 1940s it had established a nationwide reputation for quality.
Posted on: Thu, 08 Jan 2015 02:52:20 +0000
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