Paris Woolen Mills (Stayton, Or.)

Located on the North Santiam River near Stayton, Oregon, the Paris Woolen Mills were among the longest-running woolen mill operations in the state. Although marginally profitable throughout its existence, the mill did operate successfully at several periods, most notably during World Wars I and II. Beginning as a carding operation in the late 1860s, the mill began full operation in 1905 as the Stayton Woolen Mills Company. Ownership changed frequently, and the company was known at various times as the Wilbur Woolen Mills, the Santiam Woolen Mills, and finally, in 1933, the Paris Woolen Mills, named for its new owner, Robert D. Paris. There was a period of relative stability under the proprietorship of the Etzel family, led by John W. Etzel, from 1947 to 1982. However, despite efforts of later owners to rejuvenate the business in the 1980s, the mill closed for good around 1989. Among the mill's primary customers in the 1950s through the 1970s, were the Curvon Corporation, the Horner Woolen Mills, J.C. Penny and Co., Montgomery Ward, Sears, Roebuck, the Jantzen Company, and various government agencies. The production records include a large selection of catalogs and operating manuals for textile machinery.

From the description of Paris Woolen Mills records, circa 1911-1990. (Oregon Historical Society Research Library). WorldCat record id: 56769714

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