When people think about heritage at Frankenmuth Woolen Mill, they often look back to 1894 — the year our mill first opened its doors in Frankenmuth, Michigan. For more than 130 years, we’ve been crafting wool bedding products rooted in quality, craftsmanship, and tradition.
But some of the families connected to our wool story go back even further.
One of our trusted wool suppliers, the Jensen family of California, has been working and caring for their land since 1856 — an incredible 38 years before Frankenmuth Woolen Mill was founded. Generations before our first wool comforter was ever made, the Jensen family was already building a legacy centered around sheep, land stewardship, and agriculture.
Today, Bill and Jim Jensen continue that legacy as 5th and 6th generation ranchers. Their family ranch, Tomales Sheep Company, reflects something we value deeply: the understanding that quality begins at the source. Raising sheep responsibly, caring for the land, and preserving agricultural traditions are all part of producing exceptional wool.
The Jensen family has also become recognized for their commitment to regenerative land management and conservation efforts in California. Their work demonstrates how agriculture and environmental stewardship can work together — preserving open spaces and healthy ecosystems for future generations while continuing the traditions of sheep ranching.
At Frankenmuth Woolen Mill, we believe products carry the stories of the people behind them. Every wool comforter, mattress topper, and pillow we make is connected to families, farms, and craftsmanship that span generations.
There’s something special about knowing the wool in our products comes from people who have spent over 160 years caring for both their sheep and their land. In many ways, their history mirrors our own: family-driven, rooted in tradition, and focused on building something that lasts.
We are grateful to partner with suppliers like the Jensen family — people who remind us that true quality is never rushed and heritage is something earned over time.
Learn more about Jim Jensen and the family’s story here:
https://malt.org/land-protection/producer-spotlight-jim-jensen/