On October 21, the Historical Society of Walden and the Wallkill Valley unveiled a historical marker for the Wooster Manufacturing Company on 30 Elm Street in Walden, a clothing factory that operated in the village between 1887 and 1926.

The society received the marker from the William G. Pomeroy Foundation, a historical preservation and blood donor organization that provides markers for locations across the country. With Wooster’s addition, Walden currently comprises 10 markers, including those for Walden Knife Company, Schrade Cutlery, and New York Knife Company.

“This is our tenth overall marker in Walden; you can walk around in the village and come across them. We have such great history here,” said Barbara Imbasciani, president of the historic society.

Previously known as “Wooster & Stoddard,” the business was co-owned by Hiriam Wooster, a businessman who moved to Walden in 1870, and George Stoddard, president of Walden Savings Bank from 1894 to 1909. A prominent manufacturer in the village, the factory specialized in “Kantrip, wares” a sturdy clothing line that was popular among workers.

The society’s commemoration featured its history club members reciting Wooster’s “Kantrip” jingle, a piece meant to dissuade customers from buying its competitors’ apparel.

“This is a tale of cautionary to buy Wooster’s wares and not from the imitators,” said Nancy Phelps, one of the society’s trustees.

While the factory is no longer in operation, Wooster Manufacturing Co.’s legacy will remain as durable as the clothing that Wooster and Strodder produced.

For more information on New York State’s markers and Walden’s history, check out Pomeroy’s website at wgpfoundation.org/ and the society’s at thewaldenhouse.org.