Louis Simon Gallet and Valerie Auböck Gallet's journey began in Vienna, Austria, in 1935, where they forged a union between two prominent families. Louis, hailing from the esteemed Altmann family, known for their exceptional craftsmanship in knitted wool goods, brought with him a legacy of business acumen. Valerie, on the other hand, descended from the Auböck lineage, her father Karl Heinrich Auböck being the visionary founder of the Werkstätte Carl Auböck, renowned for nurturing generations of artists, designers, and architects.

 

Their marriage propelled them into a life of entrepreneurship and adventure. In pursuit of their dreams, they traversed continents, starting in France, where they managed the Altmann family knitting mills. However, the looming shadow of antisemitism cast them further westward, and in 1939, they embarked on a voyage across the Atlantic aboard the SS De Grasse, seeking refuge in the United States.

 

Upon arriving in the land of opportunity, they found themselves in Fall River, Massachusetts, where they assumed managerial roles in one of Bernhard Altmann's knitting mills. Their industrious spirit and resilience saw them transition to Penn Craft, Pennsylvania, in 1941, where they took the helm of the Co-op Redstone Knitting Mill. Two years later, they assumed full ownership, marking the beginning of their legacy in the industry.

The post-war era brought with it newfound prosperity and expansion. In 1946, the Gallets embarked on a bold venture, establishing the Louis Gallet Knitting Mill in Mentor, Ohio, further solidifying their presence in the textile landscape. Yet, it was in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, where they etched their names in the annals of history.

 

Teaming up with the Greater Uniontown Industrial Fund, a consortium of influential figures including luminaries like I.N. Hagen and media mogul S.W. Caulkin, the Gallets laid the foundation for their magnum opus – the Gallet Mills factory. Designed by architect Emil Johnson and funded by the Uniontown Industrial Fund, the factory was a testament to their vision and determination.

 

The grand opening ceremony in April of 1954 marked a milestone in their journey. Louis Gallet's poignant words resonated with the attendees, underscoring the importance of community support in their endeavor. The factory soon became a beacon of employment, with between 150 and 200 individuals, predominantly women, finding livelihood within its walls during the 1950s.

 

Louis's untimely death in December of 1955 cast a shadow of uncertainty over the burgeoning enterprise. Yet, Valerie's unwavering resolve and astute business sense steered the ship through turbulent waters. In 1956, she made the difficult decision to sell Gallet Mills to Forstmann's but fate intervened, and in a remarkable turn of events in 1959, she reclaimed ownership, breathing new life into the factory.

 

Prior to his passing, Louis had acknowledged Valerie's indispensable role in their shared success, stating, “Without Mrs. Gallet's assistance, I would never have made it”. Her dedication knew no bounds as she assumed the mantle of leadership, overseeing day-to-day operations for over four decades. Gallet Mills became synonymous with quality and excellence, producing garments for iconic brands like Catalina, Jantzen, Ralph Lauren, Jos.A.Bank, Izod, Brooks Brothers and others that adorned the shelves of stores nationwide.

 

Valerie's son, Roger Gallet, inherited her passion and commitment to the family legacy. Despite carving a successful career as an architect, he chose to immerse himself in the world of textiles, becoming an integral part of the Gallet Mills legacy. Together, they upheld the values instilled by Louis, ensuring the continuity of their cherished enterprise.

 

The passing of Valerie Auböck Gallet in 1997 marked the end of an era, leaving behind a legacy that transcended mere business success. Her tireless dedication, pioneering spirit, and unwavering resilience left an indelible mark on Uniontown and her family. As Carl Auböck IV fondly reminisces, "First one in the knitting shop in the morning last to leave - always proactive concerning her family and business, very modern and always grateful for all the chances her new home country offered to her and her family. I always remember Valy's smile -the westernmost Auböck smile, she was our U.S. outpost.”.

 

Though the curtains may have closed on Gallet Mills, its legacy lives on in the hearts and minds of those touched by its story. Through triumphs and tribulations, Louis and Valerie Gallet forged a path of resilience and determination, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire generations to come.