The North and South Times
Sunday, January 5, 1845
Personal Interest Column
Sarah G. Bagley: A New Voice
Written by: Gene Lee
In 1842, due to an economic depression, wages were cut, and not raised until 1844. However, the Lowell textile corporations only raised the salary of the males. Later that year, in December, Miss Bagley met with five other women in the "Anti-Slavery Hall." They formed the Lowell Female Labor Reform Association (LFLRA), with Miss Bagley as the president.
The LFLRA was formed for two reasons - to improve the poor working conditions of the Lowell mills, and to obtain a 10 hour work day. As of now, most women are working about 11 - 13 hours a day, in rooms full of cotton dust. The LFLRA has high hopes to improve these conditions. As to how successful they will be, one cannot say at this time.
Currently, is a rumor floating around that Miss Bagley is going to petition the state government for a 10 hour work day, but this has not been confirmed yet. As for other measures this group is taking, all they have done so far is to publish a newspaper. It is called the Voice of Industry and showcases several articles by Miss Bagley herself.
There is no telling where this radical group will go - whether they will plunge up or plummet down. If in fact Miss Bagley does petition the Massachusetts government, what do you think will happen? Send in a letter to the editor, and you may be featured in the next issue of North and South Times!
LFLRA Protestors
Sarah George Bagley
Lowell Girls Working at Power Looms