Rutherford Weekly

One of the nation's oldest women's clothing labels was started in Rutherfordton, and now, 85 years later, Doncaster and Tanner is being highlighted in a new book published by the Rutherford County Historical Society. "Doncaster & Tanner Decades of Timeless Fashion," written by Robin Lattimore, was the subject of a recent program by the Historical Society. Several former Doncaster and Tanner employees were in attendance, as was Mike Tanner, son of the business' founders. "Doncaster and Tanner are a very significant part of the county's history," Lattimore explained. The company was created by S.B. Tanner II and his wife, Mildred "Millie" Tanner, pulling together financial backing to launch the company first as the Doncaster Collar and Shirt Company. "The couple spent part of their honeymoon in Doncaster, England," Lattimore said, explaining how the couple came up with the business' name. "The company first custom made shirts for A &P Groceries, and used a supply of fabrics coming from local mills." Millie Tanner's connection to the Charlotte Women's League, however, is what launched the company into women's fashions. "Millie was asked to design and create a simple dress that the Junior League could sell," Lattimore continued. "The company lengthened the shirts and created a shirtwaist dress. Millie decided if they could satisfy the Junior League, they could satisfy other women as well." By the mid-1930s the company moved to a new manufacturing facility, and as the years continued the company pulled in well-known fashion designers, like Dorothy Cox. The Tanner brand was launched, with a business model that was not direct sell like Doncaster but rather could be purchased in retail stores. In the early 1960s the business grew again, and moved to its current location on Rock Road in Rutherfordton. "By the early 90s there were more than 700 people employed by Doncaster and Tanner," Lattimore said. Along with the information presented, Lattimore also shared a collection of Doncaster and Tanner clothing items. One dress, he pointed out, was very similar to what Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis would've worn. "Doncaster was not following the fashion, but was at the beginning of fashion," he said. Clothing presented was in chronological order from the 1950s forward, and as society changed, so did fashion. "These clothes represent a time and craftsmanship from right here in Rutherford County," Lattimore said, explaining that the brands were manufactured in the county until the early 1990s. Mike Tanner spoke during the program as well, saying that Lattimore's research about the company had provided information he had seen before - including a photo from his parents' wedding. "This made me feel good about how Doncaster and Tanner is an institution in Rutherford County," Tanner said. The fashion brands aren't just well-known for county residents, but from around the world as well. "Doncaster and Tanner fashions have been featured on the pages of Vogue as well as in the New York Times and Chicago Tribune," Lattimore said. "One of the ladies I spoke with said she was recognized at the Taj Mahal wearing a Doncaster dress." Limited copies of the book are available for a $20 donation to the Rutherford County Historical Society; to purchase, contact Lattimore via email at rlattimore@tjca. org. For more information, visit the Historical Society's Facebook page or visit rchsociety.com. OUR 24 th YEAR • ISSUE NO. 49 • December 8, 2016 RutherfordWeekly.com 828-248-1408 FREE FREE Mon-Sat 11am-6pm 719 S. Broadway, Forest City Right off Exit 182 from US74 828-229-3123 ©Community First Media Community First Media Made in America glass Local artwork & more Vaping Supplies Vaping Supplies Skateboards Skateboards HOURS: Monday - Friday 8:00am - 5:30pm Sat 8:00am - 3:00pm Follow Follow Us On Us On NORRIS NORRIS MERCHANDISE MERCHANDISE 2011 S. Lafayette St. (Hwy. 18 S) SHELBY, NC www.norrismerchandise.com 704-482-8464 Carhartt Outerwear starting at $ 46.99 Uncle Henry Limited Edition Knife Set only $ 24.99 Yeti Cups starting at $ 19.99 Bow Packages starting at $ 299.00 w/ free setup Christmas Gift Guide INFORMING RUTHERFORD COUNTY INFORMING RUTHERFORD COUNTY Rutherfordton clothing label's anniversary celebrated with new historical book Article By: Allison Flynn, Rutherford Weekly Article By: Allison Flynn, Rutherford Weekly LOCAL LOCAL LOCAL BUY The historical society presented a program on Doncaster and Tanner recently, which included clothing from the company that was manufactured in Rutherford County. The Rutherford County Historical Society has published a book about Doncaster and Tanner companies to celebrate the business' 85th anniversary. This photo from the book shows the shirtwaist dress that was the catalyst for the brand's women's fashion line.

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