The history of wool in the United States is a fascinating tale of resilience, innovation, and the pursuit of economic independence. Did you know that sheep have been common farm animals since at least 10,000 BC? Sheep thrive in almost every part of our world, as they easily adapt to changing climates and they eat a diet of weeds and other vegetation that many other animals won’t eat. Sheep have been companions to humans for an amazing amount of time, supplying food and wool materials for clothing and blankets.   When American settlers were first arriving from England, the motherland disco ..read more

Many people may be drawn to using washable wool bedding products but did you know that natural wool is the better choice? Natural wool possesses unique qualities that make it hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites, mold, and mildew, making it an excellent choice for those with allergies, respiratory conditions, or weakened immune systems. Washable wool can not provide the same level of assurance for true cleanliness.  Natural wool is exceptionally comfortable and provides superior insulation and breathability. It naturally regulates your body temperature in all seasons, keeping you w ..read more

Wool is widely known for its warmth, durability, and natural properties. Did you know that its importance goes beyond civilian applications? The United States military has a long-standing history of being the largest consumer of American wool. Here are some interesting ways in which the military utilizes wool and some past historical moments where wool played a pivotal role.  Wool in Military Uniforms: One of the primary uses of wool in the military is for crafting uniforms. Wool uniforms offer several benefits, including insulation, moisture-wicking properties, and flame resistance. Wool ..read more

Welcome to the fascinating world of wool processing at the historic Frankenmuth Woolen Mill! Situated in scenic Frankenmuth, Michigan, this mill has been a cornerstone of the community since its establishment in 1894. Let's take a trip back in time and explore the rich history of wool processing at this iconic institution.  The Frankenmuth Woolen Mill was founded by the revered visionary, Franz Ranke, who brought his skills and knowledge of wool processing to Michigan. With a company vision to create quality wool products, the Frankenmuth Woolen Mill quickly gained recognition for its ex ..read more

As proud Michiganders, we take our water seriously. Living in a state that borders 4 of the 5 Great Lakes gives us a profound appreciation for the clear, clean water that surrounds us. Formed by melting ice glaciers at the end of the latest Ice Age, Lake Huron's surface covers over 23,000 square miles.Because it was the first of the Great Lakes to be explored by the French, they called it La Mer Douce, meaning fresh-water sea. This fresh water is the main ingredient in the second step in our process for making our wool bedding, cleaning the wool.    Our ..read more

  Frankenmuth, more diverse than meets the eye By Mary Anne Ackerman, Mayor of Frankenmuth   If you were to ask most people about the type of businesses in Frankenmuth, they might respond, "Tourism." The hospitality (tourism) industry is a large part of our local economy. However, our business community is much more diverse than meets the eye.     A robust economy is vital to the success of our City. Our businesses provide jobs and put money back into our community through paychecks and taxes. They support our schools, churches, and civic organizations.   &nb ..read more

What does Made in the USA mean to you? It is a term that gets tossed around often and sometimes overlooked. It can mean different things to different people. To some it means pride in the American worker. Others say it stands for quality. Still others say it brings to mind a time when your didn't need a label to proclaim where it was produced because in most cases it was made here...in the USA. The founders of the Frankenmuth Woolen Mill, Franz Ranke and George Gruber, probably thought Made in the USA stood for opportunity. When they started their company in 1894, th ..read more

  Hannibal Lecter. Just hearing this movie villain's name is enough to give you nightmares...but then your nightmare turns into a night terror when you start hearing the screaming of the lambs... not with wool bedding from the Frankenmuth Woolen Mill. Our goal is to have no screaming from the sheep that give us the soft, fluffy wool that fills our bedding and lets you enjoy a night filled with nothing but sweet dreams.   Most wool bedding companies have no idea where their wool comes from, let alone how the sheep are cared for. They often paint a pretty picture in th ..read more

March 23rd was a sad day for our 126 year old business. Forced by the State of Michigan to close due to the Covid-19 virus we said goodbye to our staff as they left for what we hoped would be a short term layoff. While production at our 126 year old mill was idled an amazing thing happened. Folks from across the USA placed over 300 orders with us and we shipped our wool bedding to homes in every State in the Union. This amazing response made April and May our best sales months ever. The groundswell of support for products made in the USA was also felt by o ..read more

From the uniforms worn by the Continental Army to the inside of today’s MLB baseballs, wool has been literally woven into the history of our great country. Fighting for our liberty and freedom, the brave men of The Revolution appreciated the wool uniforms and blankets that helped keep the warm at Valley Forge. Thanks in part to those men and countless others since; we can celebrate today an American tradition like no other…Opening Day. 100% wool flannel uniforms were the norm in the Majors for over 40 years. The weight of these wool flannels was gradually reduced in half by the 1940’s with t ..read more