[FALL RIVER, MASSACHUSETTS] EARL, Henry H.

Fall River and Its Manufactories. 1803-1888 [-1890; -1894; -1896; -1898; 1910]. With Valuable Statistical Tables, Compiled From Official Sources

Fall River: Earl & Bamford / George E. Bamford, 1888-1904. Six original biennial issues in original wrappers, comprising the 11th, 12th, 14th, 15th, 16th, and 20th editions. Issue for 1888 in glazed, printed wrappers, 13cm x 8.5cm; remaining issues in uncoated wrappers, 14.5cm x 8cm; contents range from 56pp to 72pp. A few with slight discoloration and/or wear to wrappers, but all complete, sound, and unmarked; Very Good overall.

A collection of six successive issues of this biennial prospectus and directory for the mill city of Fall River, Massachusetts, intended to advertise the prospects for residency and industry in what was at the time the fastest-growing industrial city in New England, known particularly for its output of printed cotton cloth. Each issue includes an updated list of operating textile mills, together with a wealth of statistical data including annual yardage produced, number of workers employed, city population, etc. Though clearly written from the manufacturers' perspective, these small publications taken together provide valuable background for understanding the social milieu of a late-19th century mill town, painting a clear picture of the city's rapid growth (from 1.8 million spindles in 1888 to nearly 4 million in 1910) and the enormous wealth produced for mill owners during this period (from $18M in capital stock to $34M in the same period) – wealth that most certainly did not filter down to a workforce comprised mainly of immigrant millworkers, many of whom were children under the age of twelve.

Price: $250.00

Go Back