19 Comments
User's avatar
Joseph L. Murphy's avatar

This paragraph struck me: Workers who love Carhartt can’t seem to throw it away, and pieces are often too worn to donate. So they send things back to Carhartt with letters of appreciation.

I came across a farmer doing chores in NE Iowa and had to take a picture of his Carhartt coat. You can see it has many years of service. I made a print on 16 x 20 canvas and hung it in my office as a reminder of the U.S. farmers I work for. You can see the photo here: https://www.jmurphpix.com/Home/Home/i-WJGHBdF

Joan Zwagerman's avatar

Archivists rock. I am one and we do society’s most important work: memory keeping.

Phoebe Wall Howard's avatar

Amen, sister. 🩷

Jason Walsmith's avatar

I love this story and the messages it contains. An often overlooked asset to a brand or company. Nostalgia speaks to people’s emotions in a way other things can’t. I was the archivist for Templeton Rye Whiskey for about 5 years when the company launched it was an amazing adventure.

Phoebe Wall Howard's avatar

I love hearing about Templeton Rye!!

Rainbow Roxy's avatar

It's interesting how Carhartt's original pocket watch cut survied, making me wonder what 'heritage' features new AI-driven workwear might include for future generatons.

Mary C. McCarthy's avatar

Carhartt, a topic in my periphery. However, Phoebe skillfully makes it a topic now within my command. A perfect conversation starter with Carhartt wearers. Thanks

Phoebe Wall Howard's avatar

I love hearing your thoughts in response to stories. We just traveled to St. John and saw half a dozen people from different countries wearing Carhartt pants and shirts. Made me smile.

Anglo Back Forty: Lea Donovan's avatar

A great case study in what we Archivists do, and why it's more important than ever.

Patty Mallett's avatar

Didn’t personally know Carhartt until we moved to Detroit, but now have a few Carhartt jackets in the closet. It’s top quality stuff. Glad to hear they have an archivist on their staff!

Phoebe Wall Howard's avatar

I have learned so much about archivists and their incredible work. Also grateful that Carhartt trusted me as a notoriously private company. We are HUGE supporters of the brand as a family.xo

Chris Siebrasse's avatar

Thanks for my education on this storied brand.

Gregg Wilczynski's avatar

Happy Saturday morning Ms P W H

Great story about a very significant article of clothing. Son Nick bought me my first Carhart (not ever called a coat or jacket), several years ago. It’s black. He has a couple. We are in total agreement that it is the best, most durable jacket to own. I have shopped at a Carhart outlet type store on Trumbal , west of downtown Detroit. It’s just fun to see all of the stuff available. They have sold Carhart at Lowes as well. Worker people know a great wearable piece of clothing which fortunately is identifiable as bery good and … cool.

To have a full time archivist on board is significant for the company as we know, because of their documented history, they “ain’t no hit and run shop”!

Thanks for making my Saturday read a positive experience.

Gregg

PEACE

Phoebe Wall Howard's avatar

So good to hear your thoughts, experiences.

Susan Beckman's avatar

For curiosity sake only - when brands like Carhartt appear in movies, does the company really get paid for the use? I remember hearing that every time an Apple device shows up, the company makes a bundle - or they’re paid upfront for their brand appearing in the flick. Does anyone know?

Phoebe Wall Howard's avatar

A lot of companies pay for TV/film placement but others do not if the product is an obvious fit. Carhartt may provide the product at no cost vs pay for its use. Film scripts are sometimes given to company execs for consideration. Most high profile case: Director Steven Spielberg wanted to use M&M's in the blockbuster “E.T.” but Mars Inc. rejected the product placement deal — Hershey's agreed, leading to a sales explosion for Reese’s Pieces, one of Hollywood's most famous marketing successes. Note: Auto companies often pay for placement.

Susan Beckman's avatar

Thanks, Phoebe! I’d heard about the ET Reese’s Pieces marketing but forgot about it! You’re such a wealth of knowledge. Happy new year to you and John!

Phoebe Wall Howard's avatar

I knew a script reader who scanned the hit “Friends” for opportunities. In this case, he represented a specific fruit. And when the bowl of fruit is on the table during scenes, viewers notice the product. That can be good. But if there’s an argument in that scene, for ex., you wouldn’t want to be associated with negative feelings.