Mary Van Kleeck Knihy

In the early stages of our investigation into the millinery trade, we recognized the need for extensive fieldwork and authoritative data from payrolls. Interviews with workers and employers continued through 1911 and 1912, alongside studies of other trades. By 1914, we gained access to payroll data through the Factory Investigating Commission. We understood that due to the trade's seasonal nature, a legislative inquiry required not just weekly wage rates but a comprehensive look at earnings throughout the year, including fluctuations in workforce size and total payroll across seasons. Thus, we decided to conduct an in-depth study of a few representative shops rather than a superficial examination of many. This focused approach aimed to capture the complexities of the trade's income patterns. The publisher, Forgotten Books, specializes in reproducing significant historical works, employing advanced technology to maintain the original format while addressing imperfections in aged copies. Although some flaws may persist in rare instances, most are repaired to preserve the integrity of these historical documents.