RED WING HISTORY
Red Wing Shoes began as a company in 1905.
Charles H. Beckman organized the Red Wing
Shoe Company in the quiet river town of Red Wing, Minnesota. The first boot
sells for $1.75. An American success story unfolds. In 1907, production is 100
pair per day.
By 1915, production tops 200,000 pairs
annually. World War I soldiers are issued the Red Wing No. 16. In 1918, J.R.
Sweasy becomes the general manager and in 1921, the president of Red Wing
Shoes. For the next three decades, Sweasy steers the company successfully
through two world wars and the Great Depression.
On October 18th, 1929, Black Friday sends
the country deep into depression. To save money on coal, workers burn scrap
leather to stay warm in the factory.
In 1940 Red Wing's legendary quality and
durability again catches the eye of the U.S. Military. Red Wing begins
manufacturing boots for soldiers, making 239 different sizes and widths for
the Army alone.
In the 50's, America begins building and
working again, Red Wings gain popularity all across the country. Norman
Rockwell creates a series of drawings for Red Wing Shoes. Les Kouba, a young
artist who would later become famous for his wildlife art, also is
commissioned by Red Wing Shoes for the 1963 catalog.
With the oil industry booming, the late 60's
and 70's became a time for global expansion. Red Wing Shoes enters Canada,
Mexico, South America, Europe and a number of oil producing countries in the
East.
By 1985, production reaches two million
pair. The factory expands for the third time and adds a night shift at both
plants. Red Wing Shoes expands its products to over 150 styles, serving every
industry imaginable.
From a tiny corner shop started in 1905, Red
Wing Shoe Company, Inc. has grown into the most respected manufacturer of hard
working boots and shoes around the globe. Today, with four facilities and
hundreds of craftspeople making thousands of pairs by hand each day, Red Wing
Shoe Company, Inc. will continue to provide comfort, quality and durability
for the next hundred years.
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