2001 Vacuum & Sewing Hall of Fame Inductee

Huber (Ray) Gresham
Founder of Ray’s Sewing Machine Center
1919 - 2008

The Sewing Hall of Fame was started by Vacuum Dealers Trade Association/Sewing Dealers Trade Association in 1994 and first displayed at their annual Las Vegas Convention that year. At that time, the first year 50 people were inducted. These were indi-viduals from the early 1800's to the early 1900's. Since 1995, they began accepting nominations from manufacturers, distributors and dealers in the industry for persons to be included in the Hall of Fame. These nominations are given to a committee to select be-tween four and six people to be inducted each year. The new inductees are well know for their dedication and hard work in their industry and communities.

2003 Vacuum & Sewing Hall of Fame Inductee

Kenneth R. Gresham
Ray's Sewing Machine Center
1955 - Present

In 2001, Ray's was inducted into the National Sewing Hall Of Fame and continues to be the top single store distributor of Janome sewing machines in the United States. Ray has passed away, his son Ken, and granddaughter Lindsay now work and manage the everyday operation. Ken and Lindsay continue to expand and share their knowledge of the sewing industry. They can be seen at many home & garden shows, local county fairs, quilt, sewing and craft expos. In July 2009, Ken, Lindsay and staff organized and promoted an embroidery seminar held at the Hilton Hotel in Reno.