By Sharon Lacasse
Fabrics produced in the household, from animals and plants, clothed the great majority of Americans. The ladies of the household were responsible for producing the material and then constructing the cloths. Women became an economic asset by bartering clothing and cheese to supplement the needs of the family. There was only a limited supply of ready currency therefore bartering was a daily practice among the townsfolk. The exchange of these goods and services allowed rural New Englanders a political and social outlet.
The float demonstrates the production of clothing as done by Eunice Locke in quickly creating pantaloons for her brother as he prepared to enter the Revolutionary War in 1777. The Story of Eunice Locke demonstrates the work of women – shearing, spinning, weaving, and sewing clothing for their families.
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