Sullivan Glove Company’s “Send Us Your Hides” Program: A Legacy of Craftsmanship, Community, and Sustainability

The Sullivan Glove Company has been synonymous with American craftsmanship, rugged durability, and a unique bond with the outdoors for over eight decades. At the heart of this Oregon-based institution lies a tradition that sets it apart from nearly every other glove maker in the country: the “Send Us Your Hides” program. This initiative, rooted in the company’s earliest days, is more than just a business practice-it’s a living testament to local heritage, resourcefulness, and a sustainable approach to manufacturing.

A Glove-Making Tradition Born from Necessity

The origins of Sullivan Glove Company trace back to 1941 when Edward Sullivan began making gloves for shipbuilders during World War II. After the war, Sullivan relocated the company to Bend, Oregon, drawn by the region’s abundant deer population and the availability of high-quality hides. The company quickly became a fixture in the community, serving as a hide house for local hunters. In those early years, it was common for Bend residents to drop off deer hides and, in return, receive a free pair of custom-made gloves- a practice that would eventually evolve into the “Send Us Your Hides” program.

This reciprocal arrangement provided hunters with a practical reward for their efforts and ensured that the company had a steady supply of premium, locally sourced leather. The hides were expertly tanned and hand-cut using time-tested patterns, resulting in comfortable and exceptionally durable gloves.

How the “Send Us Your Hides” Program Works

While the exact details of the program have evolved over time, the core concept remains the same: customers can send in their own hides- typically from deer, elk, or other game animals-and have them transformed into custom gloves. This deeply personal and sustainable process allows individuals to create a lasting, functional memento from their hunting or outdoor adventures.

The steps generally involve:

• Contact Sullivan Glove Company to discuss the type and condition of the hide. Please note that hides must be tanned.

• Shipping or delivering the hide to the company’s workshop in Bend, Oregon.

• The skilled craftspeople at Sullivan then cut and sew the hide into a pair (or multiple pairs) of gloves or slippers using the company’s decades-old, form-fitting patterns.

• The finished gloves are then returned to the customer, ready for years of use in the field, on the road, or around town.

This program is particularly popular among hunters and outdoors enthusiasts who value both the practical utility and sentimental value of having gloves made from their own harvest. It’s a unique way to commemorate a successful hunt or a memorable outdoor experience, turning what might otherwise be a discarded byproduct into a cherished, handcrafted accessory.

A Commitment to Quality Products and Local Manufacturing

Sullivan Glove Company’s “Send Us Your Hides” program solely allows you to utilize hides to build a beautiful and functional end product. Sullivan Gloves does not use customer hides for our production gloves. All hides are sourced from within the United States, and the company works with a variety of leathers, including deer, elk, bison, goat, cow, pig, and even kangaroo.

Every pair of gloves is hand-sewn in Bend, Oregon, ensuring that the entire production process supports the local economy and upholds the highest quality standards. Unlike many competitors who outsource manufacturing overseas, Sullivan Glove Company takes pride in being one of the last actual American glove makers- a distinction that resonates with customers seeking authenticity and ethical production.

Enduring Craftsmanship and Customization

One of the hallmarks of Sullivan Glove Company is its dedication to craftsmanship and customization. The company is renowned for its willingness to accommodate special requests, whether it’s adding extra layers for protection, modifying linings, or creating gloves tailored to individuals with unique hand shapes or specific medical needs. This level of personalization is rare in today’s mass-produced world, and the “Send Us Your Hides” program is just one example.

Customers with amputations, unusually long fingers, or other special requirements can work directly with the company to design perfectly fit gloves- truly living up to the phrase “fits like a glove”. This attention to detail, combined with the use of top-grade materials and expert handcrafting, results in gloves that are not only functional but also deeply meaningful to their owners.

A Living Legacy in Bend, Oregon

For the people of Bend and the wider Central Oregon region, Sullivan Glove Company is more than just a business- it’s a cherished local institution. The company has remained family-owned and operated for generations, with each new owner committed to preserving its quality, community engagement, and American manufacturing legacy.

Current owners Taylor and Kristi Scott, both Bend natives, have embraced this heritage while looking to the future. They are dedicated to protecting the brand's integrity, supporting the local community, and ensuring that Sullivan Glove Company remains a beacon of craftsmanship and sustainability for years to come. Their vision includes expanding the company’s reach through eCommerce and wholesale partnerships, but never at the expense of the personal touches and high standards that set Sullivan apart.

Why the “Send Us Your Hides” Program Matters Today

In an era dominated by fast fashion and disposable goods, the “Send Us Your Hides” program powerfully reminds us of the value of craftsmanship, sustainability, and personal connection. It offers customers the opportunity to participate in the creation of their own gear, fostering a sense of ownership and pride that is increasingly rare in today’s marketplace.

The program also reinforces the importance of supporting local businesses and ethical production methods. By keeping every step of the process — from sourcing to sewing—within the United States, Sullivan Glove Company ensures that its products are not only of the highest quality but also contribute to the well-being of local workers and communities.

Customer Experiences and Community Impact

Long-time residents of Bend fondly recall the days when dropping off a hide for a free pair of gloves was a rite of passage-a tangible link between the region’s hunting heritage and its tradition of skilled handcrafting. Today, while a pair of gloves is no longer free, the program continues to build connections between the company and its customers, many of whom return year after year for new gloves made from their latest harvests.

The company’s willingness to repair old or damaged gloves and commitment to standing by its products further cements its reputation for customer care and quality control. This level of service is virtually unheard of in the modern retail landscape and is a testament to the values that have sustained Sullivan Glove Company for over 80 years.

Looking Ahead: Preserving a Unique American Tradition

As Sullivan Glove Company moves forward under the stewardship of the Scott family, the “Send Us Your Hides” program remains a cornerstone of its identity. It embodies the company’s dedication to sustainability and personalized service while honoring the rich history of glove-making in Central Oregon.

The Scotts envision a future where the company continues to grow- reaching new customers across the country and worldwide- without compromising quality or community values. They hope to one day pass the business on to their children, ensuring that the legacy of Sullivan Glove Company and its unique hide-to-glove tradition endures for generations to come.

More than a Service…

The “Send Us Your Hides” program is more than just a service- it celebrates American craftsmanship, a commitment to sustainability, and a living link between the past and the present. For those who value quality, authenticity, and a personal connection to the products they use, there is simply nothing else like it.

Whether you’re a hunter looking to memorialize a special outing, an outdoor enthusiast seeking the perfect pair of gloves, or simply someone who appreciates the artistry of hand-made goods, Sullivan Glove Company’s “Send Us Your Hides” program offers a unique and meaningful way to own a genuine piece of American heritage. As the company continues to innovate while honoring its roots, this beloved tradition will remain a defining feature of Bend, Oregon, and American glove-making for many years.