Toppenish in Yakima County, Washington — The American West (Northwest)

The Blanket Traders

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 14, 2015

1. The Blanket Traders Marker

Inscription.
The patterns on these Pendleton blankets were taken from a 1905 catalog. They are authentic. Painted by artist Robert Morgan of Clancy, Montana in May of 1992. The traders of that era were the first whites to befriend the Indians.
The Toppenish Mural Society

Erected 1992 by Toppenish Mural Society. (Marker Number 16.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Native Americans • Settlements & Settlers.

Location. 46° 22.533′ N, 120° 18.675′ W. Marker is in Toppenish, Washington, in Yakima County. Marker is on South Toppenish Avenue south of Washington Avenue, on the right when traveling south. Marker is a framed, painted metal plaque, mounted at eye-level on the wall of the building at this address, near the front entrance. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 111 South Toppenish Avenue, Toppenish WA 98948, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Treaty of 1855 (within shouting distance of this marker); "Clearing the Land" (within shouting distance of this marker); When Hops Were Picked by Hand (within shouting distance of this marker); Captain A. J. Hembree Monument

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(within shouting distance of this marker); The Old Blacksmith Shop (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Lou Shattuck (about 300 feet away); Indian Horse Races (about 300 feet away); Crossroads to Market (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Toppenish.

More about this marker. The giant "Blanket Traders" mural referenced by this marker covers most of the second-story facade of this building, directly above the marker.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Historical Murals of Toppenish, Washington

Also see . . .
1. The History of Kraff's Clothing and Pendleton® Blankets. As the sales of wool blankets to Native Americans continued to grow, Kraff’s became the place to buy blankets. Dan Johnson decided that the blankets should be designed with their customer in mind. They should reflect the ideas and important figures in the Native American community. In 1976, he heard that Pendleton® Woolen Mills was going to dedicate a blanket for the US Bicentennial. He understood the depiction to be an eagle with

The Blanket Traders Mural (<i>on wall above marker, covering most of the second-story facade</i>) image. Click for full size.

2. The Blanket Traders Mural (on wall above marker, covering most of the second-story facade)

an arrow design all in the colors of red, white, and blue. Dan requested a meeting with the Yakama Tribal Council to discuss the possibility of dedicating and naming the blanket after the late Chief Eagle Selatsee... (Submitted on February 10, 2019, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

2. Toppenish Mural Guide. In 1989, the Toppenish Mural Society embarked on an ambitious plan to cover the town with murals depicting historical scenes. Each mural had to depict a Toppenish-area event from 1850 to 1920 and each had to be done by accomplished, professional Western artists. (Submitted on February 10, 2019, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

Credits. This page was last revised on February 3, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 9, 2019, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 133 times since then and 9 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 10, 2019, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.