Document text
September 18, 1939
Mosel. Williams (Glove Maker)
Maiden, N.C.
Ethel Deal, Writer
Dudley W. Crawford, Revisor
Original Names: Chaneed Names:
Mossie Williams Marie Wilkins
Newton Bakerton
Mr. Younts MY'. "York
Leonard Lonnie
I was raised on a farm near here, one of a
family of nine; I am the oldest. I finished high school
last year at the age of nineteen. Father is a good
farmer but it is hard for him to get any cash, so it
was impossible for me to go to college. This was a
great disappointment for me, since so many of my friends
are going.
"When I learned I couldn't go to college I decided
to got me a job. My parents objected at first, but
finally consented for me to work in the glove factory
here at Bakerton.
"I have been working here several months and like
it fine. There are about two hundred and fifty girls
in the mill, and they all seem to be nice girls. The
owner, W. 'founts is a fine man and takes a great interest
in the girls. The work is so pleasant I am not so sure
I want to go to college now.
"We make cloth work gloves. When they come to our
machine they are out ready to sew and each girl runs a
machine. We get pay by the box. There are ten dozens
in a box and the pay is one dollar and twenty five cents
a box.
"I've not b een working long enough to make good
speed, but I can make two boxes a day. I pay fifty
cents a week for transportation charges and board at
hams free.
"father lets me keep what I make and I can use my
money any way I like. Sine going to work I've dressed
myself and bought mother sone pretty clothes. Then
there are extra things I've bought for the house. Our
living room rug was a sight. I bought a new one and
had the chairs recovered, and bought some pretty curtains.
Its remarkable what a change you can make in a room
with a little money.
"I'm saving five dollars a week and hope to con-
tinue doing so for a couple of years. Since I didn't
have the opportunity to go to college I almi going to
get married and raise a family. I guess I would have
gotten married anyway, but not so soon.
"I've started my hope chest. I took Homo Sonemiog
at school; I can sew well and mean to have my hope chest
full before I am married. It will be easier to do it now
than to pinch and save after I'm married.
"My first year of married life I want to be able
to go plat'ss and have pretty clothes and do things. After
that I will be willing to settle down to work and keep house
for my husband and children. So -24 of my friends tell me
they don't want children. To me it would mean dis-
appointment. No woman should deny herself the pleasure
of motherhood.
"The man I am going to marry is poor, but he is
good, and lives a good clean, honest life. He is a
farmer, but works at public works when he has a chance.
He is saving his money to build us a home. We will
probably get married before he saves enough, but we'll
have a start.
"Lonnie belongs to the same church I do, and we
attend Sunday School regular. We see each other Saturday
nights, Sunday evenings and Sunday nights. He has a car
and we like to go places. Sometimes we go to a show or
ball game. Usually we just visit friends and ride. I'm
crazy about baseball, and played on the team four years.
Swimming is another sport I enjoy, and I go in often.
"I'm not selfish and if the money I am trying to
save should be needed at home for sickness or hospital
bills, I'll give it to my family. Lonnie and I are
young and can wait or make a new start.
"There oases my father. He has probably heard all
I've told you about my hopes for the future. I don't
mind though, Dad is a good sport. We are the best of
pals.
"I'm sorry my school days are over. I had such
a good tine in high school. I am so glad you are going
to write this story, its an outlet to my feelings to
tell it.
"Do you think Lonnie and I will always be in love
with each other? All these divorces in court and sep-
aration frightens me. I feel sure about our love but
I suppose all other couples feel sure too when they are
married. Still I think when two people really love each
other it lasts, and if there is a difference of opinions
they can settle it outside of the divorce courts.
"Well, I am going to risk it and do all in my power
to make marriage successful. I think marriage should be
studied like any other subject. If I didn't try to please
my boss at the glove mill, I'd be out of a job. I shall
treat marriage in the same business way. I intend to
make a good house keeper and stay pretty just as long as
I can. I'll always be thankful that my mother taught us
to look our best and keep clean on the outside as well
as on the inside. When I look at some women, the way
they let themselves go to rack, I don't wonder their men
get to looking at other women."