Boots and Shoes
Between 1840 and 1875 more local people were employed in making boots and shoes than in any other industry. During that time new technology transformed the industry from small-scale hand production in houses and shops to large-scale machine-powered production in factories. This dramatically increased production at the same time that it made working conditions worse. Local bootworkers organized strong chapters of the Knights and Daughters of St. Crispins to fight for a better work environment and a fair share of profits.

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