The following embroidered linens
are both from the
Betsy Ross Needlework Company
from New York, NY.
I would love to say I just know this from
decades of study and research,
but actually the stitcher preferred a straight edged
runner instead of the printed
curved end on the edge.
This left me with the pattern instructions
and the company name on both pieces!
The blue print was so faint on this dresser scarf
that the blue print would not show in the photograph.
Betsy Ross Needlework, Inc. was also known as the
Crescent Art Linen Company.
In 1967, the family owned company was involved
in a dispute regarding labor policies.
Like many companies during the fifties and sixties,
the needlework company was facing unionization.
The court records give us a unique glimpse into a needlework/linen factory.
Eugene and Bernard Yokell were co-partners of the company.
They acquired the decorative linen plant after their father's passing.
Since the records state that the company had not had
union representation for at least twenty-five years,
we can date its beginnings at least to the 40's.
The records state that Eugene Yokell
asked to meet with all of the employees on the eighth floor.
Eighth floor? I wonder how many floors the company leased!
The record doesn't state if the needlework company was leasing all of the building.
Not all of the employees could attend Mr. Yokell's meeting.
Thirty-six were present.
The court notes also contain an interesting
discussion of the needlework company's busy season.
If you'd like to read the court documents,
Of course, this is only one piece of a company's long history.
It was a piece of history that many companies shared.
I give the story here because of the glimpse it shares
of factory-life inside a needlework factory.
Family-Owned.
About 40 employees in the 60's
Located at a Multiple-Storied Leased Plant.
Linens Machine Manufactured.
Employees' Jobs Seasonally Influenced.
I hope you enjoyed this vintage find!
Amy
