Sewing Machine - Flag - Freedom Fabric 1909 Return Address Label

Colorized photo from 1909 Original Title: Making flags, Brooklyn Navy Yard Photographer: Bain News Location: 41 Flushing Ave, Brooklyn, NY This is the flag making department in the Brooklyn Navy Yard. Though they are mostly known for making ships and weapons, they also made American flags in all sizes. As you can see there is no mass production, just ladies behind a sewing machine. It's hard to tell if they are making the flag entirely themselves, or if each person has their own job. I would imagine getting the stars on just right was tricky back then. You can tell this is a modern shop, there are no gas jets. They have electric lights, and converted treadles. The foot treadle seems to control the motor, though I don't know if it was variable speed or not. Interestingly only a few lights have bulbs in it, so I guess they only sew when its day light outside. Maybe the bulbs got in the way because they were so low? Also notice how each person has their own teacup. I can only assume that they had a few breaks and that is how they drank? And like a modern shop, the manager stands around and does nothing. They certainly created a variety of sizes though, from small to huge.