From the archives - November 4, 2021

In 1755, James and Patrick Clark began a loom equipment and silk thread business in Paisley, Scotland. By 1806, Patrick had invented a way of twisting cotton together for use instead of silk. He opened the first plant for manufacturing cotton thread in 1812. The Clark family began operating in Newark, New Jersey, U.S., naming the business the Clark Thread Co.

In 1802, James Coats set up a weaving business, also in Paisley. He opened a cotton mill, in 1826, to produce his own thread. When he retired in 1830, his sons, James and Peter, took up the business under the name of J. & P. Coats. The firm expanded to the United States, in 1890.

In 1952, J. & P. Coats and the Clark Thread Co. merged to become Coats & Clark's. Over the years, with several mergers, the company became the world's largest manufacturer and distributor of sewing thread and supplies. It is now known as the "Coats Group."

In a recent donation to the museum, these two plastic containers were found. In the 1950s and 1960s, Coats & Clark's manufactured zippers and marketed them in this form.

Your Boundary County Historical Society and Museum, 7229 Main, Bonners Ferry, Idaho, sponsors this column.

Visit the museum Thursday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., visit the website at www.boundarycountymuseum.org or the museum’s Facebook page for historical photos and stories, and to see upcoming events. We can be reached at doyouremember@meadowcrk.com or 208-267-7720. Thank you for your continued support!