Loom and spindle

Loom and Spindle is a vivid and engaging memoir by Harriet H. Robinson, first published in 1898, that offers a rare, firsthand account of life and labor in the early textile mills of Lowell, Massachusetts. Drawing from her own experiences as a mill girl beginning in the 1830s, Robinson provides a detailed portrait of the daily routines, working conditions, and social environment that shaped the lives of thousands of young women who flocked to the burgeoning industrial city in search of economic independence and personal growth. The narrative traces Robinson’s journey from her rural childhood to her entry into the mills at the age of ten, describing the rigorous work schedules, the hum of machinery, and the camaraderie among the operatives. She explores the unique culture that developed among the mill girls, including their literary pursuits, self-improvement societies, and the famous Lowell Offering—a magazine written and edited by the workers themselves. Robinson also delves into the broader social and economic forces at play, examining the impact of industrialization on women’s roles, the rise of labor activism, and the early stirrings of the women’s rights movement. Rich with personal anecdotes, historical context, and reflections on the changing status of women, Loom and Spindle is both a valuable historical document and a compelling story of resilience, ambition, and community. Through Robinson’s eyes, readers gain insight into the hopes, struggles, and achievements of the mill girls who helped shape America’s industrial era and laid the groundwork for future generations of working women.