The Gean-Edwards Company name has long been synonymous with quality golf
socks. In its 44 year history, the sport hosiery division of the Handcraft
Company has served a prestigious customer list that includes golf pro
shops across the country, and around the world.
The tradition dates back to 1939, when Martha Hiestand began crocheting specialty caps at her home in Princeton, Wisconsin. Her husband Ernest, a traveling salesman for a ready-to-wear clothing company, began selling the caps in the Midwest. As the demand grew, the product line expanded to include slippers and mittens, and the Handcraft Company was born.
In the 1940's Handcraft moved into the Buckhorn Building and began making socks in addition to slippers. By the early 1950's Handcraft employed nearly 400, and moved to the American House Building. Ernest and Martha's son, Preston (Pres), was named Secretary and Treasurer.
Handcraft acquired the Gean-Edwards Company, and in 1962 built a 40,000-square-foot plant at its current location. By the late 1970's Handcraft had sold its slipper business to focus exclusively on sock knitting.
As President of Gean-Edwards, Pres Hiestand founded the Gean-Edwards Pro-Am golf tournament in 1975. The popular tournament raised money for the Golf Foundation of Wisconsin, Special Olympics and other charities. His involvement with the tournament, and golf in general, earned him Honorary Membership in the Wisconsin Section in 1994.
Pres Hiestand died on December 17, 2000, but the Gean-Edwards tradition lives on. The new owners and talented staff, many of whom have been with the company for years, will continue to make the highest quality golf socks. They will also introduce new socks, constructed of the highest quality materials and engineered fibers, for specific sports such as skiing, hunting and hiking.
All of our socks are made in the USA by adults who care about your satisfaction. We will build on that reputation, and introduce new products that maintain the quality and craftsmanship that has always been a Gean-Edwards trademark.