Handkerchief, made by a member of the Files family, Waterville, Maine, ca. 1910. Maine State Museum. Gift of Carrie D. Files, 78.21.52.8.
Handkerchief, made by a member of the Files family, Waterville, Maine, ca. 1910. Maine State Museum. Gift of Carrie D. Files, 78.21.52.8.
Cotton fibers filled the air in textile mills. Workers breathing the fibers experienced shortness of breath, a tightness in the chest, and coughing fits. Many developed brown lung disease (byssinosis). The handkerchief represents women's efforts to protect their lungs before the government passed health and safety laws to protect workers.