The word that tips it off is "Lowell," which is referring to Lowell, MA, the center for textile manufacturing in the Northeast. I've run across this type of document many times so I'll bet you this was a textile manufacturer. The document indicates that the workers lived in "mill houses" where every part of their lives were controlled... even their religious practices. This is very typical of textile manufacturers. Not many other industries used "the family wage system," so the conditions make perfect sense. So there you go.
Can't really tie watches in with the story until the 1920s when timekeeping took on a whole new meaning and the work began being measured for efficiency. Workers call it the "stretch-out." I'm sure some of the foremen were wearing Hamilton watches, so actually, Hamilton contributed to the exploitation of the American worker. Hats off to all of you Hamilton collectors; you must be proud!


Can't really tie watches in with the story until the 1920s when timekeeping took on a whole new meaning and the work began being measured for efficiency. Workers call it the "stretch-out." I'm sure some of the foremen were wearing Hamilton watches, so actually, Hamilton contributed to the exploitation of the American worker. Hats off to all of you Hamilton collectors; you must be proud!