History Cherokee Releases a Children's Book Featuring Salty Dog

Bring home Salty Dog for the holidays in History Cherokee’s newest book on local history, “Salty Dog Goes to Denim Day.” Written by Canton screenwriter Jennifer Dunn and beautifully illustrated by noted watercolor artist Elly Hobgood, this book pays tribute to Canton’s favorite droopy-eared mascot, historic downtown Canton, and the Canton Cotton Mills.

Who is Salty Dog?

Salty Dog was created in 1963 to serve as the mascot for the Canton Cotton Mills’ brand of SCRUBDENIM. The fabric was known for its softening process which was perfected in Canton as a way to make denim soft while preserving its durability.

The use of salty came from the brand's slogan, ”Soft as a puppy, yet rugged as an old hound dog.” While the cotton mills of Canton have long been closed, the advancements made there are still used today to make denim comfortable to wear.

Weaving in historic facts and visits to local Canton landmarks, “Salty Dog Goes to Denim Day” takes readers on a delightful journey through the heart of 1960s downtown Canton and into the daily bustle of the Canton Cotton Mills. Salty Dog’s mama works at the Canton Cotton Mills. One day she heads out for work, accidentally leaving her lunchbox at home. Salty Dog spots the forgotten lunchbox and heads out on a mission to bring mama her lunch.

What are the Canton Cotton Mills?

The Canton Cotton Mills were one of Canton's first major businesses. The original Mill #1 was built in 1901 and Mill #2 opened in 1923. Between the 1930s and 50s, Canton's denim swept the nation and put Canton on the map.

Business at the Cotton Mill steadily declined during the '60s & '70s as imported cotton became cheaper and more accessible. Eventually, both buildings shut down in 1981. Today, Mill #1 has been repurposed to become the Mill on Etowah, a multi-leveled space featuring restaurants, shopping, and a coworking space.

What was Denim Day?

In 1958, the Canton Cotton Mill celebrated the national success of SCRUBDENIM by hosting the Denim Days Carnival that August. This festival was hosted by the Retail Merchants Association of Canton (RMAC) and brought many people together as they shared food, played carnival games and hosted several contests and beauty pageants.

The RMAC declared August 18, 1958 as Denim Carnival Day, "a day of fellowship and enjoyment for all!"

“Salty Dog Goes to Denim Day” will be available for purchase only at the Cherokee County History Center and the Cotton Mill Exchange at The Mill on Etowah beginning November 26. Books are available for preorder at historycherokee.org/salty-dog/.

Visit historycherokee.org or call 770-345-3288 for more information on “Salty Dog Goes to Denim Day” or to plan your visit to the Cherokee County History Center.

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