Many people know Dalton often is called the Carpet Capital of the World, but the Whitfield-Murray Historical Society wants to make sure people know the industry got its start with a woman.
“Catherine Evans Whitener cq is credited for taking the first step in what became a major industry,” said Jean Manly, a volunteer with the historical society. “It started as tufted bedspreads, then evolved from handmade spreads to machine made to carpet.”
Ms. Whitener is among 20 women included in the society’s Georgia Women of Achievement exhibit, a display that highlights the accomplishments of women who lived in Georgia and excelled in business, literature and education.
The exhibit has been traveling among different schools in Georgia and will continue throughout March, which is Women’s History Month, said Erik Gallman, president of the Whitfield-Murray County Historical Society.
“It recognizes women who have overcome obstacles and made significant contributions to the community where they live and to the whole state,” he said.