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History

OUR HISTORY

For more than 100 years, EE Schenck has provided quality products and excellent customer service, enabling it to remain a cornerstone in the ever-changing sewing industry. Here is a look at just some of the company milestones from throughout the years.

Earl E. Schenck Sr. founded EE Schenck Company in Seattle, WA

Image of EE Schenk's ad in Capital Journal in 1941

Earl E. Schenck Jr. joined the company. Branches were open in Portland, OR & Spokane, WA.

The company’s third branch was opened in Vancouver, British Columbia Canada.

The company was incorporated with Lennart Norin and E.E. Schenck Jr. as primary stockholders. The Seattle, Spokane and Vancouver, BC branches were closed as Portland became the headquarters.

Stan Gray began working in the warehouse while in college. His duties started as fabric double and rolling, packing, shipping and delivery. He later moved to outside sales and then General Manager.

Photo of Stan Gray in a sales meeting

Stan Gray purchased 100% interest in the company and became president.

E.E. Schenck purchased J & J Textiles and assumed operations of the two distribution points: San Francisco and Los Angeles. A few years later the San Francisco location closed and the Los Angeles facility expanded.

Caption

The company’s first annual Trends Show was held in the Portland warehouse.

An image of EE Schenck's first Trends show.

Under Stan Gray's leadership, EE Schenck launched Maywood Studio to provide high-quality quilting cottons sold exclusively through independent retailers.

Caption

The company expanded to include the sale of sewing notions, patterns, books and gifts, offering customers a one-stop shopping experience. EE Schenck moved into their current warehouse located on Swan Island, near downtown Portland, which more than doubled their space.

Stan’s daughter and current President, Brittany Gray, joined EE Schenck promising continued family-operation and longevity for the company.

Caption

The L.A. warehouse closes as all shipping is now done from the growing Portland headquarters.

EE Schenck celebrates 100 years in business!

Image of EE Schenck celebrating 100 years in business.

Earl E. Schenck Sr. founded EE Schenck Company in Seattle, WA

Image of EE Schenk's ad in Capital Journal in 1941

Earl E. Schenck Jr. joined the company. Branches were open in Portland, OR & Spokane, WA.

The company’s third branch was opened in Vancouver, British Columbia Canada.

The company was incorporated with Lennart Norin and E.E. Schenck Jr. as primary stockholders. The Seattle, Spokane and Vancouver, BC branches were closed as Portland became the headquarters.

Stan Gray began working in the warehouse while in college. His duties started as fabric double and rolling, packing, shipping and delivery. He later moved to outside sales and then General Manager.

Photo of Stan Gray in a sales meeting

Stan Gray purchased 100% interest in the company and became president.

E.E. Schenck purchased J & J Textiles and assumed operations of the two distribution points: San Francisco and Los Angeles. A few years later the San Francisco location closed and the Los Angeles facility expanded.

Caption

The company’s first annual Trends Show was held in the Portland warehouse.

An image of EE Schenck's first Trends show.

Under Stan Gray's leadership, EE Schenck launched Maywood Studio to provide high-quality quilting cottons sold exclusively through independent retailers.

Caption

The company expanded to include the sale of sewing notions, patterns, books and gifts, offering customers a one-stop shopping experience. EE Schenck moved into their current warehouse located on Swan Island, near downtown Portland, which more than doubled their space.

Stan’s daughter and current President, Brittany Gray, joined EE Schenck promising continued family-operation and longevity for the company.

Caption

The L.A. warehouse closes as all shipping is now done from the growing Portland headquarters.

EE Schenck celebrates 100 years in business!

Image of EE Schenck celebrating 100 years in business.
1921

Earl E. Schenck Sr. founded EE Schenck Company in Seattle, WA

Image of EE Schenk's ad in Capital Journal in 1941
1945

Earl E. Schenck Jr. joined the company. Branches were open in Portland, OR & Spokane, WA.

1954

The company’s third branch was opened in Vancouver, British Columbia Canada.

1967

The company was incorporated with Lennart Norin and E.E. Schenck Jr. as primary stockholders. The Seattle, Spokane and Vancouver, BC branches were closed as Portland became the headquarters.

1968

Stan Gray began working in the warehouse while in college. His duties started as fabric double and rolling, packing, shipping and delivery. He later moved to outside sales and then General Manager.

Photo of Stan Gray in a sales meeting
1981

Stan Gray purchased 100% interest in the company and became president.

1987

E.E. Schenck purchased J & J Textiles and assumed operations of the two distribution points: San Francisco and Los Angeles. A few years later the San Francisco location closed and the Los Angeles facility expanded.

Caption
1988

The company’s first annual Trends Show was held in the Portland warehouse.

An image of EE Schenck's first Trends show.
1995

Under Stan Gray's leadership, EE Schenck launched Maywood Studio to provide high-quality quilting cottons sold exclusively through independent retailers.

Caption
2002

The company expanded to include the sale of sewing notions, patterns, books and gifts, offering customers a one-stop shopping experience. EE Schenck moved into their current warehouse located on Swan Island, near downtown Portland, which more than doubled their space.

2014

Stan’s daughter and current President, Brittany Gray, joined EE Schenck promising continued family-operation and longevity for the company.

Caption
2017

The L.A. warehouse closes as all shipping is now done from the growing Portland headquarters.

2021

EE Schenck celebrates 100 years in business!

Image of EE Schenck celebrating 100 years in business.