A story about Capel Rugs

Early settlers in this country made their own rag rugs and braided rugs from strips of worn clothing and blankets to cover the drafty old houses. The following is the story of how Capel rugs, and manufactured braided rugs in particular, came into being. The history of this company and their never ending efforts to produce a fine product, is the reason that Capel rugs are in such demand today.

Until the early 20th century farmers depended on rope plow lines to allow mules to pull the plow. In small farming communities during the winter months some farmers would make their own plow lines while working on plows, wagons or whatever farm work was needed. In 1917, at the young age of 17, A. Leon Capel, Sr., the creator of Capel rugs, began his own plow line business and became the manufacturer of Gee-Haw Plow Lines. The name derives from the commands given the mules in that day when ‘whoa’ meant ‘stop’, ‘git up’ meant ‘go’, ‘gee’ meant ‘turn right’ and ‘haw’ meant ‘turn left’. Leon Capel used half the mule’s vocabulary in naming his company. The rope fibers used in making the plow lines were to become the brainchild of Leon Capel in the making of Capel rugs.

While in Atlanta marketing his plow lines to major distributors of farm supplies, Leon Capel read a news story about Henry Ford’s new invention – the mechanical mule. He quickly realized that with Ford’s current success it would be the same with this new idea of the tractor, and the mule and plow would soon be out of business. But he also quickly came up with a new idea of his own to use the rope materials from his Gee-Haw business. Capel rugs were about to come into being.

Not wanting to be at the end of his rope, Leon Capel struck on the idea of buying some braiding machines. Rather than twisting these materials into a rope for plow lines, he braided them and then with a sewing machine joined them together in concentric circles making the very first machine made braided rugs. At first his Capel rugs were only small throw rugs, but as he became experienced, he made larger and larger ones. Soon a complete size range was offered from 2’ x 3’ up to 12’ x 18’ and even larger by special order. These new innovative rugs made of braided yarn, were called New Departure and received immediate acceptance by consumers.

Looms were purchased and the manufacturing of chenille yarn began, followed by the creation of the first chenille braided rugs, called Old Homestead. These Capel rugs were so popular that in 1978, more than 50 years after the beginning of the company, the Old Homestead was selected for the Floor Covering Hall of Fame in Chicago. The braided rug business continued to grow and a spinning mill was bought in 1936 to provide the demand for more and more yarn.

Capel rugs are still made by the Capel family, continued by the three sons of A Leon Capel, Sr. Today Capel is responsible for its own spinning, dyeing, weaving, braiding, sewing and selling. They have a large international business which was begun in 1960 and offer a broad range of rug styles and colors, making every effort to supply their customers with the finest quality rugs available throughout the world.

Today, 80 years after stitching that first rug, Capel has become America’s largest manufacturer and importer of area rugs. Thanks to modern technology, many of the classic Oriental rug designs are being preserved in beautiful machine woven reproductions. Capel rugs in their Hand Hooked Collection feature an exciting array of designs, and hand knotted rugs from India and China display a devotion to quality, earning Capel its outstanding reputation as a source for only the finest area rugs.

The threads of Gee-Haw Plowlines remain the foundation of the business of Capel rugs, which is the most successful and diversified organization in the rug business. A member of the Capel family oversees all areas of the operation, which is dedicated to quality and value. It has been more than 80 years since the days of the old Gee-Haw Plowlines, and Capel is far from the end of its rope.

© Copyright 2004 Capel Incorporated

This is a fascinating story of the origin of Capel rugs. We appreciate Capel, Incorporated allowing us to share it with you. We know that you will enjoy looking for their fine rugs and invite you to contact Capel direct for any information you might desire. Their motto is “Area rugs for life” and their quality rugs will provide a lifetime of beauty and service.

To select from a variety of related products and services, choose from the following styles of quality area rugs:

About The Author:

Shirley Sims is a successful author and publisher of http://www.1st-area-rugs.net. An informational source, buyers guide and review of the best styles from leading manufacturers including capel rugs.