Massachusetts Mountain Side
Lowell Girls Over-worked?
May 4th, 1814
Me: Why did you want to work at this mill?
Lillian: Since it was my choice to come here, I thought I would earn more money than doing domestic work.
Me: Does the system seem fair or unfair?
Lillian: To me it is unfair because I signed up to earn money and to do my best. I didn't sign up for cutting my hands on the machine and working fourteen hours a day. I am not aloud to resign until four more months. The only good part about this job is I get room and board.
Me: Thank you.
This was my interview with Francis Cabot Lowell.
Me: Why did you develop this system?
Lowell: I developed it because it is a different approach and no idea is a bad idea. I feel that with this system more women can be employed other than doing domestic or farm work.
Me: Have you heard about Sarah G. Bagley? What is your opinion about her?
Lowell: I have indeed heard about her. I have to give her some credit for changing working hours and for getting to be the Vice President Of the New England Working Men's Association. She is still, from what I've heard, trying to get our company to ten hour workdays. I disagree with this due to the fact I own the best business in New England.
Me: Thank you for letting me interview you.
Sarah G. Bagley
In attempt and success to get ten hour work days, she became the Vice President of the Working Men's Association.
Francis Cabot Lowell
This man came up with the Lowell System which employed unmarried women to work in mills.
Lowell Girls Over-worked?
This is Lillian, the young lady I interviewed, working at straightening threads. (a job that could cut your hands)