1915-1920 Maine Garment Preparation Scene

This photograph captures a moment in the garment preparation process in Maine between 1915 and 1920, showcasing an era when home industries flourished in small communities. The image was taken by a photographer from the Bain News Service, a prominent New York City-based agency known for chronicling American life during that time. The setting likely reflects the growing interest in ready-to-wear clothing, which was becoming more accessible to the public as manufacturing techniques evolved.

During the early 20th century, the textile industry was a vital part of Maines economy, with numerous mills and factories dedicated to producing fabrics and clothing. This period saw significant societal changes, including shifts in fashion influenced by the women’s suffrage movement and the increasing participation of women in the workforce. Photographs like this one serve as valuable records, illustrating the daily lives of people engaged in this critical sector, connecting us to a time when clothing was often made by hand and highlighted the craftsmanship of the era.