There are several cap and gown companies throughout the country. What separates Oak Hall in Salem from others, according to Donna Hodges, is overall experience.
“We are the oldest cap and gown manufacturer in the country, and the only one that dedicates 100 percent of our time to regalia and related accessories,” Hodges, Executive Vice President of Oak Hall, said.
“Because of our experience and our reputation for quality, we produce more University Presidential gowns and Judicial Robes than all other companies combined.” The manufacturing company, located at 840 Union Street, provides caps and gowns for over 1,800 colleges and universities in addition to 6,000 high schools across the country. Each order starts on an empty table that extends for several feet before running through a fluting machine with specialty embroidery. Everything is pinned by hand.
“We’ve been manufacturing Judicial Robes since 1912, under the name Bentley & Simon. Our robes are designed with the help of judges, to ensure maximum comfort and durability,” Hodges noted.
“We’ve always been known as the premier manufacturer, so it’s only natural that the judges in our highest court wear Bentley & Simon robes by Oak Hall.” Approximately 460 people are employed at the four Oak Hall sewing facilities in Southwest Virginia.
Said Donna, “We have the most amazing employees that work hard to make certain that every graduate has a quality cap and gown to wear on their special day. All of our employees have full-time positions, and in my 34 years in this business, we have never had a lay-off.” Several notable individuals have done business with Oak Hall over the years. They include President Barack Obama, Willie Nelson, Josh Cramer, Dolly Parton, Oprah Winfrey and Quincy Jones. Parton, a legendary country singer, was so elated with her gown that she sent Oak Hall an autographed picture of her wearing it. Every Ivy League School, with the exception of Cornell University, also does business with Oak Hall.
“We are a family owned textile manufacturer that has been in operation since 1889. 100 percent of our manufacturing is done in Virginia, from materials sourced domestically,” Hodges said. “We have always felt that it was our duty to help keep the textile industry alive and our employees in work.” For more information about Oak Hall, visit oakhalli.com.
