Lecture Notes: Mr. Matthew Crabtree, Blanket Maker

Introduction

• Name: Matthew Crabtree
• Age: 22
• Occupation: Blanket Maker

Early Employment

• First Employment: Started working in a factory at the age of 8.
• Duration: Worked in the factory for 4 years.

Working Hours in Factory

• Ordinary Times:
  • Work Hours: 6 AM to 8 PM (14 hours)
  • Break: 1-hour break at noon for refreshment and rest.
• High Demand Periods:
  • Work Hours: 5 AM to 9 PM (16 hours)
  • Break: 1-hour dinner break.

Daily Routine and Challenges

• Distance from Mill: Lived about 2 miles away from the mill.
• Breakfast: No time for breakfast at the mill; usually eaten at home.
• Awakening for Work:
  • Rarely woke up on his own; usually woken up by parents.
  • If late, faced severe beatings.
• Punishment:
  • Punishment was frequent and severe for being late.
  • Beatings used to maintain attention during long hours.
  • Crying and punishment were common in the mills.

Work Environment

• Attention to Work:
  • Required to keep up with machines producing a regular quantity of yarn.
  • Beatings were used to ensure children kept up with machines.
• Work Effort: Despite efforts, fear of beating was a significant motivator.

Impact of Work on Personal Life

• After Work Routine:
  • Exhausted after work, went home to eat supper, and went straight to bed.
  • No time for parental interaction or education.
• Emotional Strain:
  • Felt it was hard to wake up early.
  • Constant fear of punishment led to distress and crying.

Conclusion

• General Sentiment: Shared feelings of fatigue and fear with other child workers.
• Overall Impact: Intense labor conditions and fear of punishment profoundly affected childhood experiences and well-being.