Why the White Oak Legacy Foundation.
The board members behind the White Oak Legacy Foundation, W.O.L.F., are on a mission to ensure that the rich history behind the state of North Carolina’s textile industry is never forgotten. One of the ways we hope to accomplish this is through the preservation and protection of our denim manufacturing heritage. Our namesake is the world-famous White Oak Denim Mill, which was based in Greensboro, North Carolina for over 100 years.
Mission Statement:
White Oak Legacy Foundation will work to preserve the history and heritage of denim and jean manufacturing in Greensboro, NC.
Goals:
1. Support the preservation of historic landmarks pertinent to denim and jean manufacturing.
2. Collect and preserve artifacts from Proximity Manufacturing Company and similar organizations in Greensboro area.
3. Preserve and operate a small number of shuttle looms to produce reproductions of “selvage” fabrics and garments.
4. Promote the proliferation of new manufacturing technologies that are more sustainable, especially new dyeing techniques (conventional dyeing was patented at White Oak in 1921).
5. Promote the use of sustainably grown cotton in denim and work to reduce the use of man-made polymers.
6. Educate the public and interested business partners through tours, displays, workshops, etc., emphasizing the reproduction of vintage denim using new sustainable technologies while still weaving on antique looms.
7. Insofar as possible, promote the preservation of sewn products or textile jobs in the area.
8. Support research efforts of others that are in line with these goals.
9. Promote Greensboro as a destination for those interested in the production of denim, jeans, indigo, and history of denim production.
10. Encourage and support the establishment of an “open source” denim and jean development center that would be open to all brands wishing to develop products.
11. Encourage the establishment of “The Denim Exchange,” a showroom for denim from around the world.
12. Support research on the use of natural indigo grown within the USA.
13. Maintain a close working relationship with the National Cotton Council, Cotton Inc., and others interested in promoting sustainable US cotton production.
14. Support education and research by North Carolina State University, the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Clemson University, Texas Tech University, Gaston Textile Technology Center, and inventors as it pertains to denim and jean manufacturing.