1916 Cloak Makers Colorful Labor Day Parade

The photograph titled Cloak makers parade, 1916 captures a unique event in American labor history, focusing on the cloak-making industry. Taken by the Bain News Service, this image showcases a procession of skilled cloak makers, likely advocating for their rights and working conditions during a time when labor movements were gaining momentum. The year 1916 was a pivotal period in the United States, marked by rising awareness of labor issues and steps towards better wages and working conditions for various trades, including garments.

The parade illustrates not just the garments and styles of the time but also the collective strength of workers. Cloak makers were part of a larger community that contributed significantly to the fashion industry in New York. As they marched, they not only displayed their craft but also signaled a growing solidarity among workers, which would become a crucial element in the labor rights movements throughout the 20th century. This image, a glass negative captured over a century ago, stands as a testament to the spirit of those who shaped the clothing industry and fought for their rights.