Sewing box, 1874

Made by Louis K. Cooper, Chicago, IL
Wood, bone

By the time of the Civil War, textile production had left the home. Most women no longer had to spin and weave to keep their families clothed. Most cloth was now produced in factories. Women still sewed, however. Ready-made clothing for women was not satisfactory until the 1890s. While factory textiles were now cheaper, they were expensive enough to promote repeated darnings and mendings. Louis Cooper, a stonemason, made this box for his wife, Helena.

Gift of Elaine and Paul Becker, Springfield, IL (1988.7)

Other | Wood

© Illinois State Museum 31-Dec-96