Jockey International is marking its 150th anniversary and a special event Wednesday raised that celebration to new heights.
A flag went up at Navy Memorial Park in honor of the company’s anniversary as part of a special ceremony.
Jockey International was founded as S.T Cooper & Sons in St. Joseph, Michigan, by the Rev. Samuel T. Cooper and his sons, who set out with a passion for crafting high quality wool socks and hosiery in 1876. The company moved to Kenosha in 1892, where the company has thrived since.
Debra S. Waller, chief executive officer and chairman of Jockey, spoke during Wednesday’s event, reflecting on the company’s history and how it set the foundation for what Jockey is today.
“(Samuel T. Cooper’s) mission at the time was to bring comfort and care into his community, and so many people have benefited because of his vision and determination,” she said. “He was an innovator and a pioneer of his time, and we are eternally grateful for that.”
His idea came to life with the help of the community, and his three sons Willis, Henry and Charles, who helped expand the business. They moved the business into Kenosha and in 1902 began construction of a new mill. The mill that they helped build is where Jockey’s 60th Street headquarters are currently located.
Jockey President and Chief Operating Officer Mark Fedyk said, as a celebration of Jockey’s milestone, the flag will fly during the month of May honoring the company’s commitment to the city.
Banners with Jockey’s anniversary year are also visible in Downtown Kenosha along 8th Avenue.
Fedyk said Jockey’s official 150th anniversary will fall on May 14.
Mayor David Bogdala spoke Wednesday of the company’s milestone. Last year the City of Kenosha also celebrated 175 years, and the United States is also celebrating 250 years.
Bogdala said that the U.S., Kenosha and Jockey have all stood the test of time.
“These are three brands that stand the test of time, and this is what America and Kenosha are all about,” he said. “It is about partnerships, friendships and family, and this Jockey family that’s here has stood the test of time for 150 years.”
Bogdala noted the company has helped the community in a number of ways. They’ve partnered with Kenosha Unified School District for a mentorship program and have supported Kenosha Emerging Leader’s Academy.
“This company is about helping and connecting people and doing things for the right reason,” he said. “I’m very honored to be here today, and to think about the legacy that we have here in this community.”
The ceremony also brought in Devin Johnson aka “Mr.D”, the Best Buy Teen Tech Center coordinator and a Jockey community partner. The center is located at Kenosha Emerging Leader’s academy and is designed to empower local youth by giving them access to technology and resources.
The center is powered by Jockey and Johnson said he’s very grateful for what that support has done for teens. That support has allowed him to share his love of technology throughout Kenosha and the world.
Waller expressed her gratitude for the city’s support throughout Jockey’s history.
“Reverend Cooper had one idea and it changed the way that people feel underwear, while setting a foundation to change lives,” she said. “One idea can change the world.”
Read more at the Kenosha News.