The rich history of the Jaymar-Ruby clothing industry is shown in a new display at the LaPorte County Historical Society Museum.

   A major LaPorte County industry has now passed into the history books as part of our cumulative story. With the closing of the Jaymar-Ruby clothing plant in Michigan City goes a long history of local garment manufacturing that extends back to the early part of the last century.

   Founded in 1916 by Jack M. Ruby, the factory’s first location was at 209 W. Michigan St. in Michigan City and was called Hoosier Factories Inc. Later on, the plant was located in a large facility at the corner of Ohio Street and 400 North in Michigan City. In more recent years, the business was incorporated into the Hartmarx Company.

   A large collection of items documenting the history of the company has been donated to the museum through the generosity of the Ruby family. An interesting display showing the products made, including the famous “Sansabelt” men’s pants line, is now on exhibit at the LaPorte County Historical Society Museum and will remain on display through March.

   Among the items is a pair of golf “knickers” from the 1930s, wall-sized photographs of workers inside the old plant on Michigan Street, and colorful advertising portfolios created annually to sell the new clothing line to retailers.

   The items on display, along with more advertising material and photographs, will be permanently archived at the museum for future reference.

   The LaPorte County Historical Society Museum is located at 2405 Indiana Ave. in LaPorte, and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Call ahead for admission prices at 219-324-6767, or visit www.laportecountyhistory.org. The facility is accessible to those with disabilities.