Dalton, Carpet Center

Catherine Evans Whitener

Dalton's First Lady of Carpet is shown holding one of the bedspreads that led to the development of the Carpet Industry in Dalton.
Shortly after the start of the 20th century a cottage industry starts in Dalton. Catherine Evans Whitener, using an American tufting technique known as "candlewick embroidery" begins making bedspreads. The number of bedspreads ordered quickly surpasses the quantity she can make and she teaches others the skill of hand-tufting.

In 1917 she, along with other family members, forms the Evans Manufacturing Company. From the Tennessee state line to Adairsville the homes along U.S Highway 41 were decorated with the creations of her company. The road becomes known as "Chenille" or "Bedspread" Alley. Some people even call it Peacock Alley for the most popular bedspread design. Once again the railroad lines would play a key role, allowing the industry to develop because of available transportation.

The technology used by the company is transferred to the manufacture of carpet. Introduction of wall-to-wall carpet gives fuels additional expansion. Today Dalton is unrivaled in its production of carpet. Almost 90% of the functional carpet produced world-wide is made within a 25-mile radius of this north