Robert L. Williams Collection of Beattie Manufacturing Records

Robert L. Beattie founded the Robert Beattie Co. in 1840 in New York City. It moved to Little Falls, NJ in 1843. The company's name changed several times; it was called the Little Falls Carpet Mills, 1843-1871; Robert Beattie and Sons, 1871-1882; and the Beattie Manufacturing Co. from 1882. Nineteenth century textile directories list the company as making Brussels, tapestry, ingrain and velvet carpets and Smyrna rugs as well as druggets, plushes, robes and velours. By 1915 it appears to be specializing in velvets, tapestry and Axminsters. In 1938 it produced the Sterling Axminster line which was a blend of wool and rayon. Wiltons are listed as an addition in the 1950's; by the 1960's Axminsters and tufted carpets dominated. In wartime the company adapted its production to meet the requirements of the military. During the Civil and Spanish-American Wars it manufactured gun wadding, blankets and duck fabrics. During World War I it made duck fabrics and during World War II also produced flame-throwers and various items used in chemical warfare. The company operated until 1979.