You know those thick, fuzzy blankets in hotels or at your grandparents?
Maybe you owned one yourself.
If you’ve seen one before, there’s a good chance you saw an original Vellux blanket, invented 60 years ago in Biddeford, Maine.
The Vellux blanket, created in 1966 by Francis Spencer of Biddeford at the Pepperell Mills, now has its own museum.
“I’m very proud of my grandfather for his invention,” Jeff Spencer said.
The Spencer blanket came out just in time to save the Pepperell mill from closing, keeping hundreds of workers employed as Maine’s textile industry was declining.
“‘Vel,’ for velvet and ‘lux’ for luxury, the Vellux blanket saved the Biddeford mills, providing them with new work for 40 years,” museum officials said.
“Come see the full history at the Biddeford Mills Museum’s exhibit.”
Mayor Liam LaFountain honored the museum last week, welcoming an organization representative, R.L. Caron, to his office for a presentation.
LaFountain thanked Caron and the museum “for the outstanding work preserving and sharing this important chapter of our city’s story.”
The museum’s website features video interviews with former employees, including Dick Guay, who was the Vellux Department manager.
If you’re dying for a Vellux you can still find one…
