A detailed look at the lives of girls and women in Quebec's cotton textile industry, 1881-1951.
Through The Mill explores the vital role of girls and women in the industrialization of Canada, particularly in Quebec's cotton mills. They comprised over half the workforce until World War I, yet their labor activism and contributions to working-class families are often overlooked. This book uncovers their remarkable stories.
Based on 84 oral interviews and extensive primary sources, this feminist labor history examines textile companies' motivations, recruiting methods, demographics, and working conditions. Discover how these women transformed Quebec into a modern industrial society during the Quiet Revolution. Perfect for scholars and anyone interested in Canadian history, women's studies, and labor movements.