description Thomas Kay Woolen Mill Overview
The Thomas Kay Woolen Mill is a preserved historic textile mill in Salem, Oregon. Thomas Kay established the mill in 1889, and the site became part of the wool-manufacturing history of the Willamette Valley. The surviving complex is associated with the Willamette Heritage Center, where exhibits interpret textile production, industrial labor, and the development of Salem's manufacturing economy for museum visitors and students.
help Thomas Kay Woolen Mill FAQ
When was the Thomas Kay Woolen Mill founded?
The Thomas Kay Woolen Mill Company was incorporated on June 16, 1889, in Salem, Oregon. The factory opened in March 1890 after Thomas Kay secured a site with water power from the Willamette River.
What did the Thomas Kay Woolen Mill produce?
The mill manufactured blankets, wool flannel, tweed, and Mackinaw fabrics from raw wool. Its production included processes such as sorting, scouring, dyeing, carding, spinning, weaving, and finishing.
What happened to the Thomas Kay Woolen Mill in 1895?
A fire destroyed the main building in 1895, but Salem residents and the Kay family rebuilt it. The mill returned to operation within six months.
When did the Thomas Kay Woolen Mill stop operating?
The mill ceased operation entirely in 1962, after decades of family management. Competition from man-made fibers such as polyester was a major reason the traditional woolen business declined.
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