Newark's History & Areas

Old Newark

African-American woman working at a loom, Newark, 1917. African-American women worked in the garment trade, which employed mainly Jewish and Italian immigrants in the early 20th century. But because of discrimination most did "piece-work" at home (paid for each piece of clothing they completed) instead of in local factories or shops. In this case, it is unclear whether this woman is working on a home loom or if she is demonstrating the machine in a workshop

Photo and description from the William Cone Collection

African-American woman working at a loom, Newark, 1917. African-American women worked in the garment trade, which employed mainly Jewish and Italian immigrants in the early 20th century. But because of discrimination most did "piece-work" at home (paid for each piece of clothing they completed) instead of in local factories or shops. In this case, it is unclear whether this woman is working on a home loom or if she is demonstrating the machine in a workshop

Photo and description from the William Cone Collection

afroamerican03.jpg afroamerican02.jpg afroamerican01.jpg germantown01.jpg germanparade10201883harpersweekly.jpg