New Women, Old Work
As some women claimed new economic power through paid work, as well as new political rights, labor in the home persisted. Domestic and care work had to be done by someone—usually another woman, who received low wages in exchange for her efforts.
Apron, around 1880
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. L. G. Arp
This apron, at once silly and serious, pokes fun at the "trouble" that came with marriage, which included domestic and emotional work.
Apron, around 1880
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. L. G. Arp
This apron, at once silly and serious, pokes fun at the "trouble" that came with marriage, which included domestic and emotional work.
“Needles and Pins, Needles and Pins, When we get married, our trouble begins.”
Homemade pants, 1851—1852
Gift of David C. Moore
Three-year-old Frank Humphrey's pants were homemade out of a sugar sack. They were probably sewn by his mother, perhaps as she kept one eye on him.
Frank Alfred Humphrey, 1851
Gift of David C. Moore
Little Frank Alfred Humphrey is seen here sporting his sugar sack pants.
