Andrian Paquette and Ruth Sunn of Slater Mill shared history AND the future with us at our last meeting. For me, this talk resonated throughout the month for many reasons:
1) Slater Mill is such a great resource for craft lovers! Catch a class or exhibit, plan a party or tour the Museum. We’re lucky that this National Historic Site not only preserves history, but helps promote the next wave of fiber industry in New England.
2) For many members, there was a new appreciation for the changes and yet surprising continuity shown in the photos. Some buildings seems remarkably untouched, considering the 100 years that passed. It was also an opportunity to appreciate municipal waste disposal and indoor plumbing.
3) The children in Hines’ photos were somber…. miniature worried adults. I stumbled across a book of Hines’ photography last week. He captured just how hard the children worked, as well as their unshirking acceptance of responsibility. Are child workers today just as accepting?
Would love to hear your impressions as well.