Spirit of the Peoples through the Years

Celebrating 100 years of Weaving

There are certain patterns that have stood the test of time at Pendleton. One of those patterns is Spirit of the Peoples.

The “Spirit of the Peoples" blanket was introduced for the 2009 season as part of the Centennial collection, to celebrate 100 years of weaving Trade blankets at the mill in Pendleton, Oregon. The original colors were meant to represent the many shades of raw wool, which range from almost white to almost black, with every shade of brown in between. Small accents of burgundy and olive added color, with an overall effect as warm and embracing as wool itself.

Spirit of the Peoples

Our Centennial Spirit of the Peoples pattern was designed and woven in 2009 to commemorate 100 years of weaving America’s spirit in our Pendleton, Oregon mill. The pattern is a celebration of the Pendleton community, customers and associates who made possible this milestone. Six stripes represent the five generations who have led the company and the next generation that will lead us on. Directional crosses symbolize North, South, East and West—homes to the Native Americans, our first customers. Arrowheads denote the strength and good fortune that have blessed our journey thus far.

In 2009, the design was used in an oversized ceramic mug, a travel mug, a paperweight, and a variety of jackets and vests for men and women. Spirit of the Peoples was originally conceived as an anniversary offering, designed to appeal to collectors. The blanket was such a success that year, it almost outsold the always-popular Chief Joseph.  Our design teams understood that we had a pattern with staying power.

In 2010, Spirit of the Peoples was introduced into the Accessories line, where it was a bestseller whenever it appeared. In the 10+ years since its introduction, SoP (as we call it around here) continued to appear in clothing and blankets. Men’s jackets featuring this pattern were always a hit. The fabric by the yard also sells out at the Pendleton Woolen Mill Store in Milwaukie, Oregon, whenever it’s offered.

Other Versions

In 2010, Pendleton followed up the debut of the blanket with an additional brighter coloration of the Spirit of the Peoples.

This rarer scarlet version of the blanket was offered in 2010, 2011, and 2012.

Spirit of the Peoples Celebrates YOU

This pattern was conceived to celebrate the entire community that supports Pendleton, and that includes our customers and collectors. So thank you for over a century of your support and patronage. We couldn’t do any of this without you.