Faribault Woolen Mill Author on AM Minnesota 12-9-2015

Faribault author Lisa M. Bolt Simons is joined by Jana Woodside from the Faribault Woolen Mill and a Faribault Area Chamber representative to discuss the book Faribault Woolen Mill Loomed In The Land Of Lakes.

This book published by History Press is filled with high-definition photos of the equipment and the items made at the historic Faribault mill.

Simons notes in her book that the mill has survived a devastating fire and was even closed for a number of years before making a comeback.

Established in 1865 by Carl Klemer, Simons says, "the Faribault Woolen Mill is an authentic example of American craftsmanship."

She goes on to write, "the company's success has relied on the stewardship from the Klemer, Johnson and Mooty families, as well as veteran employees."

The photography for the book was provided by Jillian Raye and includes a photo of a note describing the number of blankets produced for the U.S. Army during World War II.

The note says production grew from 12,690 blankets in 1941 to 58,620 in 1945. The peak year was 1943 with 67,000 blankets produced.

I'm looking forward to an informative show about the early years in Faribault and the perseverance of a company planted firmly in the community's roots.

I hope you will tune in at 9:30AM.

If you can't listen this morning, watch the program later on our YouTube channel.