Two-color burlap web press at Bemis Bag Co factory, Seattle, circa 1925 (MOHAI 8485)

The Bemis Bag Company was founded in St. Louis, Missouri in 1858. By the early 20th century, the company operated eight bag factories in various parts of the United States, including Seattle, making burlap and cotton bags for grain, flour, feed and many other products. The Seattle plant began with production of textile bags and expanded into manufacture of paper bags in 1941, with textile production phased out completely in 1978.
Subjects (LCTGM): Bags; Bemis Company