Carss Mackinaw

[Dinerman]

Carss Mackinaw made blanket coats in Orillia, Ontario from at least 1897. Their signature model was single breasted with caped shoulders and a squared-off shawl collar. They are most commonly seen in red, green, and khaki, all with a blanket stripe at the base. The fabric used in these coats was a whopping 44oz,, and was sourced from a variety of trade blanket manufacturers, including Hudson's Bay and the Bird Woolen Mills. They were advertised as "The Only Genuine Mackinaw Made In Canada". They were retailed by the Hudson's Bay Company, as well as other stores. As with companies like Brown's Beach Jacket, Carss continued to produce nearly the same model coat they started their company with through into the 1960s.

Although most saw action as outdoors sportswear (hunting, camping, logging, etc.) they seem to have also been popular among curling teams. Coats like this were praised for allowing free range of motion, and for being warm for their weight. This made them ideal for sporting applications. I would imagine the bright colors would appeal to a team for uniform use.

1949. The curling rink at far left have matching Carss coats.


Far left foreground. Detroit, MI, 1949. Photographer George Skadding

A team with matching Carss coats. Detroit, MI, 1949. Photographer George Skadding


Second from left, Grand Forks Curling Club

 

[Fastuni]

Very interesting - thanks.

The green is awesome. Very vibrant, indeed.

 

[Dinerman]

Two from the collection:
Cuts are similar, but with differences. Both have the squared off shawl collar like what you see on the one of the newer LVC Menlo jackets. Both have dual breast pockets, and caped shoulders. The plaid model has a game pouch, handwarmer pockets, and side adjusters mounted high on the back. The Point Blanket one has a belted back and patch pockets on the hips. The plaid coat has an extra button at the very bottom when comared to the red coat.

 

[splintercellsz]

 

[dhermann1]

Oh, those are such HANDSOME coats. I saw a girl in Manhattan today wearing a classic Hudson Bay coat, and had such an urge to start telling her of the vast history involved with such coats, but stopped before I opened my mouth.

 

[Dinerman]

Another Carss mackinaw in red