Green County Public Library

06/25/2026

Tomorrow is another Summer Feeding day from 11 AM - 1 PM at the food pantry!

06/25/2026

Beat the heat with water games at GCPL on July 8th!

Please call to register!

06/25/2026

Join us this Saturday to celebrate America's 250th!

06/24/2026

Cookbook club meets today!

06/23/2026

Stop and see Angie today at Donansburg Dollar Store starting at 1:30 PM!

06/23/2026

Today is the final day to turn in resumes!
Please email your resume to [email protected]

Check back here to review our job opportunities at the Green County Public Library. Contact us for more information today!

06/23/2026

Take a look at July's calendar newsletter! Register for upcoming programs today by calling us at 270-932-7081

https://gcplnewsletters.my.canva.site/july2026

06/22/2026

Parents of teens and tweens, we have 2 upcoming programs in July! Register for them today by calling 270-932-7081.

06/22/2026

*History Blast*
Edmonton Manufacturing in Greensburg
Laura Johnson, Green County Public Library

When Edmonton Manufacturing Company announced plans in 1962 to open a garment plant in Greensburg, it marked the beginning of a new industrial chapter for the community. In September it was reported by Jack Elin, president of the firm, that approximately fifty women would be hired for the operation with plans for future growth.
Local interest was immediate and by mid October, around 400 women had applied for work in a garment factory. Applications were taken in the basement of the Deposit Bank.
Operations began that fall in the E. J. Milby Building on Columbia Road, where the first eight women were hired and placed into training. The company, which already owned plants in Rochester, Indiana, and Edmonton, Kentucky, manufactured uniforms of all kinds and had a strong record of success. Local leaders saw the new plant as a major economic boost and plans soon formed for a permanent facility at the newly developing industrial park near the hospital.
By 1964, Edmonton Manufacturing moved into its new building on the industrial site, joining Clark Casual Furniture as one of the park’s earliest anchors. Federal support helped expand utilities to the area, including a water tank built specifically to serve the growing industries. Employment at the Greensburg plant rose to between 80 and 100 workers, producing shirts and pants under the “Topps” brand.
Sears soon became one of the company’s largest customers, purchasing uniforms and workwear produced in both Greensburg and Edmonton. Their craftsmanship earned national recognition in 1969, when Sears awarded Edmonton Manufacturing its Symbol of Excellence for superior product quality. At the time, the Greensburg plant employed 85 workers, while the Edmonton facility employed 225.
Innovation continued into the next decade, including the launch of “Elin Racing Apparel” in 1970. Racing shirts and jumpsuits made in Greensburg were worn by drivers, pit crews, and crash crews at the Indianapolis 500.
In 1997, one of Europe's leading manufacturers of work uniforms and protective apparel named British Faithful Group purchased the parent company. After 35 years in Greensburg, they adopted a new name, Topps Safety Apparel Inc., to reflect a focus on flame resistant safety clothing. The Greensburg plant produced protective garments for fire departments, rescue squads, ambulance services, and electrical workers.
During the company’s transition in December 1997, devoted employees were honored, including Lovan Graham, recognized for 35 years of service. Other employees honored were Jewell Hudgins, Debbie Simpson, Madean Judd, and Cindy Davis for 20 years of service. Honored for 10 years of service were Rebecca Handy, Patricia Young, Renita Price, Helen Jewell, and Lola Suratt.
The final chapter came in 2005, when Topps announced it would close the Greensburg plant by October, noting the decision was driven by global economic pressures. Though the doors eventually closed, Edmonton Manufacturing, and later Topps Safety Apparel, made its products with skill and pride. The plant helped to support local families, strengthened the industrial park, and connected Greensburg to customers and industries far beyond Kentucky.

Photo:
Edmonton Manufacturing in Greensburg was located on Hospital Hill.

06/22/2026

There's only one week left of Summer Reading!

If you completed paper logs, please have them turned in by June 30th!
If you have not yet registered for our finale, please give us a call at 270-932-7081.