Wear the story that built Endicott.
Local legend says that in the early 20th century, many immigrants arrived at Ellis Island knowing only a few words of English and one important question:
“Which way, E.J.?”
They were searching for Endicott-Johnson, whose reputation for steady work and opportunity had traveled across the Atlantic. Thousands eventually made their way to New York’s Southern Tier, where they worked in E-J’s factories, raised families and helped build the community we know today.
Founded as Endicott-Johnson in 1899, E-J grew into one of the world’s largest shoe manufacturers and employed approximately 20,000 people at its height. Its immigrant workforce left an enduring mark on Endicott’s neighborhoods, churches, businesses and traditions.
This original design combines the legendary question with imagery inspired by Ellis Island passenger records. “Immigrant Made” honors the generations whose labor, courage and culture helped make Endicott what it became.
A PERSONAL TRIBUTE
I created this shirt to honor both Endicott’s history and my own family’s place within it. My grandparents worked at E-J, along with numerous aunts and uncles. I’m also proud to live in an original E-J house, one of the many worker homes that still cover the Village of Endicott today. My family worked for E-J, and more than a century later, I’m living within a piece of the history they helped create.
This isn’t just local history. It’s family history.
SHIRT DETAILS
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Super soft, lightweight 100% ringspun cotton
- Created in my Endicott studio
Which way, E.J.? The answer led here.
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