Emma Foster and the Sweetsir Bonnet Bleachery
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Emma Foster and the Sweetsir Bonnet Bleachery
312 Congress Street
Emma Foster, sister of Sarah Jane Foster (site M07), came to Portland in May, 1864, from Gray to work in the Alvin Sweetsir straw bonnet bleachery. Her job was to sew straw and tend to the shop. She reported in her diary that she worked from 7:30 a.m. until evening, six days a week. Paid by piecework, she speeded up to a salary of $4.50 a week, out of which she paid $2.50 for room and board. She found her boss difficult and left to work with her aunt, Hannah Humphrey, a milliner at 342 Congress, who trained her in the trade.