Local author Christian L. Vischi’s first full-length book, “Stitched Together: A History of the Norwich Knitting Co. and Walt Disney,” will debut the morning of Nov. 1 during the fourth annual “National Author’s Day” celebration. Discounted pre-order sales can be made now through Oct. 1. (Submitted photo)

NORWICH – On Nov. 1, the fourth annual “National Author’s Day” celebration will feature the book launch of “Stitched Together: A History of the Norwich Knitting Co. and Walt Disney” by local author Christian L. Vischi.

The Norwich Knitting Company was a textile juggernaut. U.S. government contracts during World War I allowed the knitting mill to expand rapidly, becoming an industry leader in the newly organized city of Norwich. International trade kept the company afloat during an industry-wide downturn in the market. The adoption of a new rayon material—one of the first in the industry to introduce the semi-synthetic fiber—caught on like a sensation. The elite athletes of the day were wearing its trademarked Champknit shirts. And a profit-sharing plan was beloved by employees.

What could upend the company? The Great Depression.

The Norwich Knitting Company employed or supported more than one-third of Norwich’s population in 1930. The company founder and president desperately needed to find a new source of revenue for his 500 employees and their supported families. A true entrepreneur, Fred O’Hara contacted a California fixture in animated shorts, inquiring about a license deal for his company. This book tells how Fred and company spun yarn into gold.

“This new publication brings history into the contemporary era through full-color images thanks to modern printing,” Vischi said. “The full details of these stories from the Norwich Knitting Company have never been told before.”

After earning a degree in English and communications, Vischi worked for The Evening Sun and the New Berlin Gazette. An antiques dealer for more than 10 years, he specialized in paper ephemera and Disneyana; today, he leads entrepreneurship at Colgate University.

Discounted pre-order sales for “Stitched Together: A History of the Norwich Knitting Co. and Walt Disney” can be made at chenangohistorical.org/shop now through Oct. 1. Pre-ordered copies will be available for pick-up during the book launch on Nov. 1. The Chenango County Historical Society (CCHS) will begin selling books at the full cover price that day as well.

The official book launch of “Stitched Together: A History of the Norwich Knitting Co. and Walt Disney” will be part of the annual “National Author’s Day” celebration, to be held the morning of Nov. 1 at the SUNY Morrisville Norwich Campus, 20 Conkey Ave. Light breakfast refreshments will be provided, and Vischi will be available to sign copies of his book.

“National Author’s Day” is a free community celebration sponsored by the SUNY Morrisville Human Services Institute in collaboration with CCHS. In addition to the book launch, festivities feature guest author presentations and a capstone reception to honor writers of the annual CCHS Journal.

First established in 1939, CCHS is the area’s premier heritage museum dedicated to celebrating local culture—its unique traditions and noteworthy stories. Programs are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. Additional support for “‘National Author’s Day” has been provided by Raymond. CCHS is also a proud partner of Bloomberg Connects, an app that allows visitors to enhance their exhibit experience through audio clips, videos, and more. Download this free digital museum guide via the Apple Store or Google Play, and visit ChenangoHistorical.org for more details about this and other museum programs.

The mission of the Chenango County Historical Society (CCHS) is to explore the culture of Chenango County through preservation and presentation of our local heritage.

- Information from the CCHS