Cloak Makers Parade Celebrating Labor Unity, 1916

This historical photograph captures a parade of cloak makers in Madison Square, New York City, in 1916. The image reveals a moment in time when labor movements were gaining momentum in the United States. The cloak makers, part of the growing garment industry, organized this parade to demonstrate their solidarity and demand better working conditions. By the early 1900s, New York had become a hub for garment production, drawing thousands of immigrants who sought opportunity in the bustling city.

Madison Square, a famous public space, served as the backdrop for this significant event. During this period, workers often used parades and demonstrations to raise awareness about labor rights. The photograph, produced by Bain News Service, provides a glimpse into both the craftsmanship involved in cloak making and the evolving landscape of labor activism in America. It serves as a reminder of the struggles and efforts of those who shaped the garment industry, as well as the broader fight for worker rights in the early 20th century.