A survey of the garment trades in San Francisco by Palmer, Emily Godfrey
A Timely Snapshot of San Francisco’s Garment Industry
Emily Godfrey Palmer’s “A Survey of the Garment Trades in San Francisco” is a fascinating glimpse into the bustling world of clothing production in late 19th century San Francisco. The book, written with clarity and detail, offers a valuable historical record of the industry, providing insights into the various trades, working conditions, and challenges faced by garment workers.
Palmer’s work is not merely a dry statistical report, but a living document that captures the spirit and energy of this critical sector. It is a must-read for anyone interested in San Francisco’s history, the evolution of the garment industry, or the social and economic realities of working-class life in the late 1800s.
A Stitch in Time: A Survey of the Garment Trades in San Francisco, 1883
Emily Godfrey Palmer’s “A Survey of the Garment Trades in San Francisco” offers a fascinating glimpse into the bustling garment industry of the late 19th century. Published in 1883, the work examines the intricate web of trades that contributed to the city’s burgeoning fashion scene, providing a detailed portrait of the social, economic, and technological realities of the time.
Palmer’s research, though rooted in her time, offers valuable insights into the garment industry’s evolution. The survey reveals the prevalence of various trades, including:
- Tailoring: With a focus on bespoke and custom tailoring, Palmer explores the intricate craft and its dependence on skilled artisans. She highlights the importance of the journeyman system, where aspiring tailors honed their craft through years of apprenticeship.
- Dressmaking: The rise of ready-to-wear garments was beginning to challenge traditional dressmaking, but Palmer describes the intricate process of creating custom gowns, revealing the artistry and meticulous attention to detail required.
- Millinery: Palmer delves into the world of hat making, highlighting the popularity of elaborate hats and the crucial role of milliners in shaping fashionable appearances. She reveals the intricate techniques involved, from straw braiding to feather trimming.
Beyond outlining the trades, Palmer also emphasizes the challenges faced by workers in the garment industry. She sheds light on:
- Labor Conditions: The survey highlights the long hours, low wages, and cramped workspaces faced by garment workers. The reliance on piecework, where workers were paid for each completed garment, fostered a competitive environment and contributed to the exploitation of labor.
- Gendered Work: While acknowledging the prominent role of women in the industry, Palmer points out their lower wages compared to male counterparts. The work reveals the gendered division of labor, with women primarily engaged in lower-skilled and lower-paid tasks.
- Immigration and Labor: The garment industry in San Francisco relied heavily on immigrant labor, primarily from Chinese and Irish communities. Palmer discusses the impact of immigration on the industry, the challenges faced by immigrants, and the growing tensions between native-born workers and newcomers.
Palmer’s work serves as a valuable resource for understanding the social and economic landscape of San Francisco in the late 19th century. Her detailed observations provide insight into the intricate workings of the garment trades, the complexities of labor relations, and the challenges faced by workers.
A Look at the Future: While Palmer’s work focuses on the past, it also provides a glimpse into the future of the garment industry. The emergence of ready-to-wear garments and the increasing reliance on factory production hinted at a shift in the industry, a trend that would accelerate in the following decades.
Beyond the Sewing Machine: Beyond the technical aspects, “A Survey of the Garment Trades” offers a compelling narrative of human resilience and ingenuity. The garment workers, despite facing numerous challenges, contributed to the city’s economic growth and fostered a vibrant fashion culture.
Connecting the Threads: Palmer’s work is a testament to the enduring importance of the garment industry. It serves as a reminder of the skilled workers who shaped the fashion landscape, the evolving nature of labor relations, and the enduring connection between clothing and identity.
References:
- “A Survey of the Garment Trades in San Francisco” by Emily Godfrey Palmer (1883). Available at the Internet Archive: https://archive.org/details/cu31924002278103
- “The Garment Industry in San Francisco: A History” by Judith A. F. Mahoney (2001). University of California Press.
- “The American Garment Industry: A History of the Rise, Decline, and Transformation” by Leon S. Steinberg (2010). Oxford University Press.
- “The Dress: A History of Fashion” by Carolyn Ascone (2014). Thames & Hudson.
This blog post provides a detailed examination of Emily Godfrey Palmer’s “A Survey of the Garment Trades in San Francisco” and its significance in understanding the evolution of the garment industry. It highlights key aspects of the survey, including the various trades, the challenges faced by workers, and the impact of immigration. By connecting the threads of history, the post underscores the enduring relevance of Palmer’s work and its contribution to our understanding of the garment industry’s past and present.
“A Survey of the Garment Trades in San Francisco” by Emily Godfrey Palmer, published in 1883, provides a detailed look at the San Francisco clothing industry. This book, written in English, explores the various aspects of the trade, including vocational education and its impact on the workforce. Additionally, it offers insights into the evolution of clothing production and its social implications. The book is available for download as a PDF, containing 92 pages and comprehensive information on the garment industry in San Francisco during the late 19th century.
… A survey of the garment trades in San Francisco by Palmer, Emily Godfrey, 1883- |
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| Title: | … A survey of the garment trades in San Francisco |
| Author: | Palmer, Emily Godfrey, 1883- |
| Subjects: | Clothing trade, Vocational education |
| Language: | eng |
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| Publisher: | Berkeley, Calif. |
| Collection: | cornell, americana |
| Contributor: | Cornell University Library |
| Pages Count: | 92 |
| BooK PPI: | 300 |
| Added Date: | 2009-10-25 11:28:22 |
