After Work - Socialization

LFP 1949-12-23 London Hosiery '21 year club' group Graham 1B.jpg

A photo of the London Hosiery Mills' '21 year club' group. LFP 1949-12-23. Graham. London Free Press Collection of Photographic Negatives, Archives and Special Collections, Western Libraries, Western University. 

Hosiery factories were a unique place in that they both promoted socialization and inherently prevented it. Women socialized with each other on lunch breaks, coffee breaks, and even while waiting for the bus home. They talked to each other about their work – what they liked, what they didn’t like – their families, and their problems. There was generally a sense of comradery amongst these women as they were in similar life situations and could empathize with each other. At the same time, socializing while working was near impossible. The fast paced work environment, noisy machines, and separation by machines discouraged women from slacking off during working hours. Nonetheless, life long friendships were made in these factories.

The Club Girls.jpg

A photograph of "The Club" - a group of ladies who worked together at London Hosiery Mills and socialized after work. The woman on the far left is Ethel Maud Mitchell.

Billy Mitchell, who's mother - Ethel Maud Mitchell - worked for London Hosiery Mills, describes the group of women from the factory that his mother befriended.

Mitchell describes the life-long friendships that his mother made while working at London Hosiery Mills.

Stoddart recalls that her favourite thing about working at London Hosiery Mills was the friends that she made.

After Work - Socialization