Of puppies and wool shirts

[Keith Doty]

As my wife and I have worked our way thru the pain of loosing a faithful four footed friend and the joys of a new Lab puppy there have been casualties. A fine pair of Kangaroo western boots one but the one closest to my heart a Pendelton wool shirt my mother gave me for Christmas many, many years ago. "Skipper" got it cornered early one morning and it is now short sleeved (at the armpit) on one side with no buttons anywhere. In searching for a replacement I discoved Pendelton isn't the same, have gone to mystery source imports, lots of bad reviews. In searching I found Johnson Woolen Mills In Johnson, Vermont. They appear to be the real deal, a small American firm of many years still making good quality "Made in the USA" garments. I just ordered a new shirt and am waiting with high hopes!

[Garry L Gordon]

As my wife and I have worked our way thru the pain of loosing a faithful four footed friend and the joys of a new Lab puppy there have been casualties. A fine pair of Kangaroo western boots one but the one closest to my heart a Pendelton wool shirt my mother gave me for Christmas many, many years ago. "Skipper" got it cornered early one morning and it is now short sleeved (at the armpit) on one side with no buttons anywhere. In searching for a replacement I discoved Pendelton isn't the same, have gone to mystery source imports, lots of bad reviews. In searching I found Johnson Woolen Mills In Johnson, Vermont. They appear to be the real deal, a small American firm of many years still making good quality "Made in the USA" garments. I just ordered a new shirt and am waiting with high hopes!

Keith, you might check Bemidji Woolen Mill. We always stop at their outlet in Bemidji when we’re grouse hunting. They make some things there.

When you find a shirt you like, buy two or three. There’s always a pup in the future 😉

[Keith Doty]

I ordered one from Johnson. When it arrives I'll smoke it over. If I like what I get I'll definitely order a couple more as I have a couple other heavy wool shirts showing their age. I have worn'em hard for years but nothing lasts forever. If disappointed I'll return and certainly give your suggestion a shot, thanks.
Lab Pups.....oh yea, there will be others. Currently have a 10 year old male and Skipper's kennel mate is 9. Both currently in good health but getting on in years.

[Mike Koneski]

I have a friend that says "If you find something you like you better buy two of them. They always stop making stuff you like."

[Keith Doty]

Guaranteed, if I like it it will soon be discontinued to make way for "New and Improved" which it very rarely is. The Kangaroo hide boots this pup gnawed the right toe off were the lightest, most comfortable pair of dress boots I have ever owned, had'em for years. Obviously no longer available! Spent hours looking, no cigar.

[Garry L Gordon]

I have a friend that says "If you find something you like you better buy two of them. They always stop making stuff you like."

This is the “Gene Hill Rule.” I’ve been following it for years.

[Keith Doty]

New shirt arrived, a hearty stamp of approval here. Appears well made, stitching straight and tight, seams all double stitched, nice clothing. Classic 85% wool, 15% nylon for wear and shape retention. For anybody in need I'd say check them out. They also have an extensive line of blankets, camp blankets, and throws.

[edgarspencer]

My Dad bought me a new Pendleton whenever he couldn't think of something else, Mostly, at Christmas. He wore them all the time, but never seemed to wear them out. As I outgrew mine, I grew into his and it makes me feel good to wear his old shirts. I wear a different one each day, and don't repeat for at least 2 weeks. I believe I have about 2 dozen. My wife occasionally finds one at a thrift shop. There are many, usually dry cleaned and wrapped, on ebay.
My all time favorite is the Lindsey tartan, even though I have one Brown, and two Douglas, both of which are family names.

[Mike Koneski]

If Johnson's flannel lined wool button-down shirt came in a Hawaiian print......:bowdown:

[Keith Doty]

If Johnson's flannel lined wool button-down shirt came in a Hawaiian print......:bowdown:

Mike, I looked. Not yet. I think you ought to contact them and point out the sales potential. Now.....the process may drive the loom folks completely mad!:)

[Mike Koneski]

BWAHAHAHAHAHA!! MADNESS!! I'd pay to see them weave a hibiscus pattern on that scarlet red wool!! :bowdown::rotf:

[Phil Yearout]

“Hawaiian” and “wool” seems like an oxymoron :)!

[Stephen Hodges]

Johnson Woolen Mills is a icon here in Northern New England. I have been going to the mill store for more years than I want to count. There green wool hunting pants are awesome. The problem is you cannot wear them out. The past 15 years or so they were falling on hard times and either closed for a time or were close to closing. A gent purchased them a few years back and has revitalized the mill and store. I am glad for that. The mill store reminds me of the original LL Bean store. Creaky wooden floors and a smell that you cannot explain but know it is good:)

[Keith Doty]

“Hawaiian” and “wool” seems like an oxymoron :)!

It is a bit of a stretch but what a fashion statement!

[Stan Hillis]

If Johnson's flannel lined wool button-down shirt came in a Hawaiian print......:bowdown:

Come on down to visit ............ or stay. You can wear your Hawaiian prints to your hearts' desire, and no need for such extremes as shoes or heavy woolen gaah-ments.

https://www.jpgbox.com/jpg/72362_800x600.jpg (https://www.jpgbox.com/page/72362_800x600/)

[Mike Koneski]

“Hawaiian” and “wool” seems like an oxymoron :)!

Phil, y'all need to think outside the box.:whistle:

[keavin nelson]

Have a pair of Johnson wool bibs bought 20 years ago to cut wood and plow snow. I will never wear them out. Wish my dad's Pendleton shirts fit me. The XL of his era is more like a large today, and I wear an XL. Same is true for his Woolrich hunting coat.

[Destry L. Hoffard]

Buy American

Keep it up boys.

The very last mill that made terry cloth bath towels in the USA is closing this spring. One of my long time suppliers of Scout Neckerchiefs has apparently sold their name and goodwill to a foreign entity as of recently and I can't find another reliable one. Round House overalls only sells USA made if you order direct from the factory, the stuff you get from the dealers is all made in Vietnam. Anything American made is going fast, we've got to support it.

[edgarspencer]

In searching for a replacement I discoved Pendelton isn't the same, have gone to mystery source imports

A look at the Pendleton website, and a followup call, confirmed that many of their shirts are imported. However, their classic wool shirts are still made with fabric woven in their own mills. They ship the fabric to a Mexican factory, and they are then returned, for sale in their outlets.

[Alfred Houde]

The Pendleton "Board Shirt" has an interesting history. Surfers used them and later they became well known for being worn by the Beach Boys. If you look at early album covers or watch vintage performance videos of them, they are wearing matching Pendleton shirts.

Fred Bear also was a big fan of the board shirt and can be seen wearing the classic red/gray check pattern in many images.

[Bill Murphy]

I had a collection of Pendleton shirts, got to the point where I couldn't stand the wool. I gave them all to a friend who is always properly dressed and he was very appreciative. I believe all my Pendletons came from the outlet store at the last Duxback factory on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. What a place that was.