Why Work at a Hosiery Mill?

Holeproof 1921 Ad (NYPL).jpg

An ad for Holeproof Hosiery that was published in 1921 and was created by artist Coles Phillips. The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs: Picture Collection, The New York Public Library. "Holeproof hosiery" New York Public Library Digital Collections. Accessed August 8, 2022. https://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/510d47e1-2643-a3d9-e040-e00a18064a99

The reason that these women worked within the hosiery mills was varied. However, for the women who were interviewed as part of this research there were two general motivations behind why they began work at either factory. All expressed a need for money, whether to support themselves or the family. Some went to the factory because the job was chosen for them, by a family member or friend. And others struggled to find other employment and went to the factory out of desperation.

Former employee Clarice Sargent describes how family connections was the reason she started working at London Hosiery Mills.

Former employee Helen Stoddart explains how she needed money and so her brother got her a job where he worked: London Hosiery Mills.

Somann describes how she got her job at London Hosiery Mills because her sister already worked at the mill and so she came with high reccomendations.

Ward explains how she needed a job and that Holeproof Hosiery was suggested to her by the unemployment office.

Peter Vandusen, son of Edith Vandusen - a former employee of London Hosiery Mills - describes why his mother went to work at the mill.

Why Work at a Hosiery Mill?