The Legacy of Febb's Boutique: How One Letter Changed History

Celebrating the Woman Who Secured the 19th Amendment and the Family Legacy That Lives On

As we approach the anniversary of the 19th Amendment's ratification on August 26th, World's Softest is proud to share the remarkable story behind our Febb's Boutique collection—a tale that weaves together women's suffrage, family legacy, and the birth of an American sock company that continues to thrive today.

When One Woman's Words Changed the Course of History

The Summer That Decided Women's Fate

In the sweltering summer of 1920, the fate of women's suffrage hung in the balance. Thirty-five states had already ratified the 19th Amendment, but one more was needed to secure voting rights for women across America. All eyes turned to Tennessee, where the state legislature was bitterly divided on the issue.

A Mother's Persuasive Letter

At the center of this historic moment was a young Tennessee State Representative named Harry T. Burn, who had publicly opposed the amendment and was expected to vote against it. What happened next would demonstrate the extraordinary power of a mother's influence and forever change the trajectory of American democracy.

Febb Burn, Harry's mother, penned a heartfelt letter to her son, urging him to reconsider his position and vote in favor of women's suffrage. Her words were so compelling, so persuasive, that they completely transformed his perspective on this crucial issue.

The Yellow Rose That Made History

On the day of the vote, legislators wore colored roses to signal their stance:

• Yellow roses - supporters of the amendment

• Red roses - opponents of the amendment

When Harry T. Burn entered the legislative chamber, he surprised everyone by wearing a bright yellow rose, a clear indication that his mother's letter had changed his mind.

His decisive vote made Tennessee the thirty-sixth and final state needed for ratification. With that vote on August 18th, the amendment cleared its final hurdle in Congress and formally became part of the Constitution on August 26, 1920, granting millions of American women the right to vote. Without Febb Burn's persuasive words, this historic milestone might never have been achieved.

From Suffrage to Sock Manufacturing: The Burn Family Legacy

The Birth of an American Company

While Febb Burn’s legacy is etched in American history, her family’s entrepreneurial spirit was already shaping another legacy in Niota, Tennessee. In 1902, eighteen years before that pivotal vote, James L. Burn—part of the same influential Burn family—gathered with fellow businessmen at the Niota, Tennessee, train depot.

Their mission was simple yet ambitious: create jobs and opportunities in their small Appalachian community. Inspired by the Cincinnati-to-New Orleans train route that passed through their town known as "The Crescent," they established what would become Crescent Sock Company.

More Than a Century of Excellence

This humble beginning in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains would grow into something extraordinary: the oldest continuously operating hosiery mill in the United States. Today, more than 120 years later, the company continues to thrive under the same family leadership.

A Legacy Carried Forward by Women

Crescent Sock Company now operates under the leadership of Febb Burn's great-granddaughters, making it:

• A family business spanning four generations

• A women-owned enterprise certified by WBENC

• Home to employees representing multiple generations of families

The same determination and vision that drove both James L. Burn's entrepreneurial spirit and Febb Burn's advocacy for women's rights continue to guide the company today.

From Crescent Sock to World’s Softest

While Crescent Sock Company has built a century-long reputation for quality hosiery, it’s also the birthplace of the World’s Softest Socks. At World’s Softest, we carry forward our family’s legacy of craftsmanship, comfort, and community. Every pair of socks is thoughtfully made to combine our family’s time-honored skill with the comfort and style people love today.

Honoring Febb Through Febb's Boutique

A Centennial Celebration

In 2020, exactly one hundred years after the 19th Amendment's ratification, World's Softest launched Febb's Boutique: a collection featuring inspirational designs created by women, for women, to honor the memory of Febb Burn and all the women who have followed in her trailblazing footsteps.

More Than Just Socks

Febb's Boutique represents more than just another product line; It's a tribute to the women who dared to speak up, who used their voices to create change, and who paved the way for future generations. Every pair of socks in this collection carries the spirit of empowerment and a reminder that individual actions can reshape history.

The Impact

Socks for a Cause: Supporting Women and Children

Continuing Febb's Spirit of Advocacy

True to Febb Burn's legacy of advocacy, Febb's Boutique continues her spirit of making a difference through a meaningful partnership with Advocates for Women's and Kids' Equality. A portion of all proceeds from Febb's Boutique goes to AWAKE, helping to fund their vital work providing a voice for women and children throughout Tennessee. This partnership transforms each pair of socks into an opportunity to support the ongoing fight for equality and justice, values that Febb Burn championed over a century ago.

The Continuing Story of Impact

Personal Courage, Historic Change

The story of Febb Burn reminds us that behind every historic moment are real people making difficult choices. Her courage to write that letter and her son's courage to change his vote demonstrate how family bonds and personal conviction can alter the course of a nation.

A Living Legacy

As we commemorate the anniversary of the 19th Amendment this August, Febb's Boutique by World's Softest stands as a testament to the enduring power of women's voices and the lasting impact of family legacy. From a small Tennessee town to the halls of the state legislature, from a letter between mother and son to a constitutional amendment that changed millions of lives—this is the extraordinary heritage that continues to inspire everything we do.

The next time you slip on a pair of socks from Febb's Boutique, remember that you're not just experiencing exceptional comfort, you're participating in a legacy of empowerment that began with one woman's belief in her son and her unwavering faith in what was right. With every step, you're supporting ongoing efforts to advocate for women and children who need a voice, continuing Febb's mission of creating positive change.

Discover the comfort and legacy of Febb's Boutique by World's Softest, where every step honors the women who changed history and supports those working for equality today.