History of Orvis in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: October 13, 2025

Orvis is a family-owned American retail and mail-order business established in 1856. Founded by Charles F. Orvis in Manchester, Vermont, it initially focused on fishing tackle and has evolved into a purveyor of fly fishing, hunting, and sporting goods. Orvis holds the distinction of being the oldest mail-order retailer in the United States, showcasing a long-standing presence in the retail sector.

1915: Charles's death

Following Charles's death in 1915, sons Albert and Robert managed the company until the 1930s.

November 1927: Leigh H. Perkins was born

Leigh H. Perkins was born in November 1927

1939: Orvis purchased by investors

In 1939, investors, led by Dudley Corkran, purchased Orvis for US$4,500 and revitalized the business. Corkran hired master bamboo rodbuilder Wes Jordan, who developed a Bakelite impregnation process for Orvis bamboo rods.

1965: Leigh H. Perkins bought Orvis

In 1965, Leigh H. Perkins bought Orvis for $400,000, using savings and a loan. At the time, the company had 20 employees and $500,000 in annual sales.

1965: Perkins family buys Orvis

In 1965, the Perkins family acquired Orvis. Since then, the company has changed hands twice and has had five CEOs.

1966: Orvis fly-fishing school established

In 1966, Perkins established the Orvis fly-fishing school in Manchester, Vermont, the first of its kind in the United States, to democratize fly casting and expand the customer base.

1977: Orvis Dog Nest bed introduced

In 1977, Orvis introduced the Orvis Dog Nest bed, launching a new category for the company and becoming the first of its kind sold in the United States.

1982: Orvis started purchasing firms

Between 1982 and 2000, Orvis purchased six other firms, most of whose own identities did not mesh well with Orvis and thus put the clarity of the brand at risk.

1989: Orvis fly rod named one of the five best products

In 1989, the Orvis fly rod was named one of the five best products made in the United States in the 1980s by Tom Peters, author of In Search of Excellence.

1992: Perkins retires and turns Orvis over to his sons

In 1992, Perkins retired and turned Orvis over to his sons, Leigh Perkins, Jr., and Dave Perkins. By this time, the company had grown to have annual sales of $90 million and more than 700 employees.

1994: Perkins receives Chevron Conservation Award

In 1994, Perkins was recognized for his efforts and received the Chevron Corporation's Chevron Conservation Award for lifetime achievements in conservation.

2000: Orvis rebranding effort began

Beginning in 2000, Orvis started a rebranding effort to focus the company as a name synonymous with a distinctive, outdoor style of living.

2020: Orvis announces layoffs and furloughs

In 2020, Orvis announced a series of layoffs and furloughs affecting its workforce, citing the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic as the primary reason.

2020: Simon Perkins takes over as president

In 2020, Simon Perkins, the son of Leigh “Perk” Perkins, and grandson of Leigh H. Perkins, took over the company as president.

May 2021: Leigh H. Perkins death

Leigh H. Perkins died on May 7, 2021

October 2024: Orvis discontinues catalog

In October 2024, Orvis announced the discontinuation of its catalog, a staple of the company for 170 years, as part of a strategic shift towards digital engagement and sustainability efforts. Affected employees were offered severance packages.