About Us

The year was 1921 when Walter Emerson opened the doors for business at the W.S. Emerson Company on Central Street in Bangor, Maine. It was and still is a family owned and operated business with “Uncle” John Trickery as one of Walters first employees, soon becoming the general manager in 1933.

They made their business by traveling to remote areas, woods, camps, towns, to offer their services. As the business grew, so did their need for more room. They purchased a four story brick building on Exchange Street in Bangor and called it home.

After the passing of Mr. Emerson in 1952, the company was purchased by “Uncle” John Trickery. He expanded the business and moved it to its present location at 15 Acme Road in Brewer, Maine. It was chosen as the site to build a new 30,000 sq. ft. warehouse that opened in late 1965.

In 1982, Winslow’s son’s John and Russ became President and Vice President upon his passing. With great success during the 1980′s both the retail and wholesale divisions of the company expanded.

When the 1990′s struck so did the success of Wallchart, which dramatically changed the business climate. Reinventing the W.S. Emerson Company became their top priority. In-house embroidering was sold to end users to pave the road of success, quickly followed by screen-printing. Computers were added to expand the creative design process, along with the completion of a 10,000 sq. ft. warehouse expansion in 2003. In 2005 the Bridge Laser system was installed to produce customized applique work.

Today the company employs over 50 individuals who each contribute to the success of W.S. Emerson.