This page is currently in progress.

We are still conducting research for this community’s textile history and are looking forward to updating it soon!

If you have any stories, research, or photographs relating to the textile industry in Resaca, please email us at wgtht@westga.edu or visit our Contact Us page!

We currently have limited information on this community from Davison Blue Book textile directories and Southern Tufts: The Regional Origins and National Craze for Chenille Fashion by Ashley Callahan.

Businesses listed in Davison Blue Books:

  • T.F. Chitwood, Chitwood Rug Company, and Chitwood Broadloom, Inc. — 1947-1964
  • Chitwood Mills, Inc. — 1988-2003
  • Nicklaus Lee Carpets, Inc. — 1988-present
  • Shaheen Carpet Mills, Inc. — 1978-present
  • Thurman Carpet, Inc. — 1988-2000

Information from Callahan’s book:

  • Thurmon Chitwood
    • Owned Chitwood Rug Company and Chitwood Broadloom, Inc.
    • Along with his wife Martha, they opened a spreadline at their home on US Highway 41 in 1935.
    • They purchased two single-needle machines in 1938 to make chenille robes, and began making bath sets in 1939.
    • Their business was temporarily closed while Thurmon served in World War II.
    • An advertisement from 1946 shows the production of bath sets, rugs, spreads, and robes, but he soon came to focus on the production of rugs.
  • Malvia Putnam Chenilles
    • Owned by Malvia Lucinda Chitwood Putnam.
    • Created peacock robes in 1970.
  • Benjamin Putnam
    • Husband of Malvia Putnam.
    • Listed in the 1940 US Census as a chenille operator at home; he also lived on US Highway 41.
    • He supplied chenille goods to several nearby businesses.
  • Lillie Maude Young Putnam
    • Mother of Benjamin Putnam.
    • She tufted and sold candlewick spreads.
    • Listed in the 1930 US Census as having a “spread yard” at home.