Second Wall of Giants Dedicated to Farah Manufacturing

On May 22, 2010 El Paso Museum of History honored and celebrated the Farah Manufacturing Company and its former employees with the dedication of the El Paso's Second Wall of Giants. The Grand Opening also became a reunion of the former employees. More than 700 people enjoyed the event. Mansour Farah emigrated from Lebanon in the early 1900’s. He owned a dry goods store in Las Cruces, New Mexico, and later attended a clothing design and production school in New York. In 1920 he returned to open the Farah Shirt Manufacturing Company in El Paso, Texas. Production shifted to pants a few years later when the Texas prison system started making work shirts at a lower cost. When Mansour died in 1937, his wife, Hana, and their two sons, Jimmy and Willie, continued to run the business, which moved and expanded many times. During World War II they manufactured military uniforms, receiving an “E” award for efficiency. After the War, Farah turned to making “casual” clothing using innovative styles and fabrics. Farah was El Paso’s largest civilian employer for many years. Unionization occurred in the 1970s after a nationwide boycott was called on Farah products. The Company was sold to Tropical Sportswear in 1999, and the brand name is now owned and marketed by Perry Ellis International.

Area: Eastside / Cielo Vista

Source: El Paso Museum of HistoryExhibit design by Victor Mireles, Mireles Creative Inc.

Uploaded by: El Paso Museum of History

Looking at the Farah Manufacturing Timeline

Looking at the Farah Manufacturing Timeline: Inside of the Gallery dedicated to the Second Wall of Giants.

Area: Central / Downtown

Source: El Paso Museum of History

Uploaded by: El Paso Museum of History

Jim Farah autographing the book about his father

Jim Farah autographing the book, " Willie Farah the Industrialist" at the Grand Opening of the Second Wall of Giants

Area: Central / Downtown

Source: El Paso Museum of History

Uploaded by: El Paso Museum of History

Teresa Aguirre, former Farah employee

Teresa Aguirre, 81, bends down to kiss the Singer 241-12 industrial sewing machine that she worked on for 22 years of her life during the reception for an exhibition featuring Farah Manufacturing Co. at the El Paso Museum of History. Through her employment at Farah, Aguirre said, she was able to take care of her children’s needs while her husband handled the household expenses. March is Women's History Month.

Area: Central / Downtown

Source: El Paso Times

Uploaded by: El Paso Museum of History

Farah Manufacturing Today: Perry Ellis

Farah Manufacturing Today: Perry Ellis

Area: Central / Downtown

Source: El Paso Museum of History

Uploaded by: El Paso Museum of History

At the Grand Opening for the Second Wall of Giants

Former Farah employees enjoyed the reunion during the Grand Opening for the Second Wall of Giants dedicated to the Farah Manufacturing Company.

Area: Central / Downtown

Source: EPMH

Uploaded by: El Paso Museum of History

During the Grand Opening for the Farah Wall of Giants

There is so much to see and to discuss during the Grand Opening for the Farah Wall of Giants.

Area: Central / Downtown

Source: El Paso Museum of History

Uploaded by: El Paso Museum of History

Farah Manufacturing Reuion 2010

More than 500 former Farah Manufacturing employees and their families came to the Grand Opening for the El Paso's Second Wall of Giants on May 22, 2010.

Area: Central / Downtown

Source: El Paso Museum of History

Uploaded by: El Paso Museum of History

Former Farah Manufacturing Company Employees

Former Farah Manufacturing Company Employees at the Grand Opening for the Second Wall of Giants dedicated to the Farah Manufacturing Company.

Area: Central / Downtown

Source: El Paso Museum of History

Uploaded by: El Paso Museum of History