Bill Edwards papers, 1975-1986

Born in the Midwest in 1947, William H. "Bill" Edwards would go on to design a number of innovative products, most notably as employee number three at the iconic outdoor brand, Early Winters. Initially trained as an architect, Edwards made Seattle his home and quickly fell in love with the outdoors. In 1974, he decided to take a break from his office job and make tents with his climbing partner, Bill Nicolai, who had founded Early Winters in 1972. Among his notable creations were the Winterlight, Omnipotent SL (Superlight), Pocket Hotel, Starship, and Light Dimension tents, the latter of which was the first commercial product ever produced using Gore-Tex fabric membrane. Following the intruduction of the Light Dimension in 1976, Edwards designed the world's first Gore-Tex parka and anorak, which the company released in 1977. He stayed with Early Winters for a couple of years after it was sold to Orvis in 1984, eventually leaving the company in 1986.

After Early Winters, Edwards remained well-connected in the industry, having fostered relationships with Peter and Carol Hickner of Feathered Friends, Dave Huntley and Erick Reynolds of Marmot, Dan Shurman of Synergy Works, and Larry Horton of Rivendell Mountain Works, among others. He continued his work in product development and marketing, serving in senior management roles with several outdoor retailers. Edwards now lives with his partner, Diane, in Newcastle, Washington, where he enjoys hiking and gardening.