Fruit of the Loom, Inc.

One of America’s most famous brands, this company has a long tradition of manufacturing quality products. A brief history is provided below.

1851 - Robert Knight began producing textiles by purchasing a mill in Warwick, Rhode Island.

1856 - The name "Fruit of the Loom" is adopted and labels are adhered to bolts of fabric produced by B.B. & R. Knight Corporation.

1871 - "Fruit of the Loom" is registered as a trademark in the United States Patent office (#418) one year after passage of the first trademark law by Congress.

1875 - The arrangement of three fruits -- an apple, a pear and a cluster of grapes -- is adopted for a Fruit of the Loom label.

1893 - The arrangement of the fruit in the logo as seen today, with an apple, grapes, gooseberries and a cluster of leaves, is prepared for the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago.

1926 - Jacob Goldfarb began the Union Underwear Company in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Company produced only the pajama check nainsook "unionsuit".

1938 - Union Underwear Company contracted exclusive licensing rights for men's and boys' underwear on the Fruit of the Loom trademark from B.B. & R. Knight Corporation, a popular label already steeped with consumer confidence.

1975 - High visibility ads used "Fruit of the Loom Guys" to stress quality and comfort.

1976 - Fruit of the Loom Inc. purchased the 'BVD' brand for men's and boys' underwear.

1978 - The company launched Underoos® -- a line of decorated children's underwear that quickly became an important product line.

1980 - New operating headquarters opened in Bowling Green, Kentucky.

1983 - The company entered the ladies underwear market.

1985 - Fruit of the Loom was acquired by Farley, Inc.



Certificate: Preferred Stock, issued in the 1950’s

Printer: E. A. Wright Bank Note Company

Dimensions: 8” (h) x 12” (w)

State: RI-Rhode Island

Subject Matter: Clothing and Accessories | Famous Companies

Vignette Topic(s): Company Logo Featured | Food Featured

Condition: Vertical fold lines, punch hole cancels in signature areas and body, and some toning from age.