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Concord Steam Laundry -- Billhead Illustrated with Women at Work

The development of steam machinery revolutionized work in the 19th century, and lead to the development of large steam laundries operated by businessmen employing women workers. Because of the high percentage of women employed in these roles, steam laundries became flash points for worker's rights strikes, the most famous contemporary example being the 1881 Atlanta Washerwomen Strike which demanded better pay and autonomy for African American washerwomen.

Concord, New Hampshire: Concord Steam Laundry, 1893. An illustrated 1890s billhead for Concord Steam Laundry, featuring a detailed image of about a dozen women at work and being overseen by a man in the doorway. Shows the different tasks and modern machinery operated by the women, including large barrels used to wash the clothing, and large presses for pressing and squeezing water out of the laundry. It is important to note two things in particular: firstly, that not all the jobs have been mechanized (five of the women are shown folding the laundry by hand), and secondly, that this illustration shows a remarkably clean, bright and happy work environment-- which may (but most likely not) have been the truth. Offered together here with the original envelope, illustrated with a photo of the (male) proprietor of the business. Illustrated billhead (9" by 6") finished in contemporary ink, offered with original illus. envelope addressed in contemporary ink to C.C. Kenrick of Franklin Falls, New Hampshire. Envelope measures approx. 3.5" by 6.5" Very good to near-fine.

Price: $200.00

Item #240000661