Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1917-10-22
HISTORY OF SILK HANDKERCHIEFS
Silk From China First Made Into Handkerchiefs
at Falls of Schuylkill About 1832-Two Moving
Picture Shows for Wool Fund

eral chemical processes to fasten the color
The silk was then cut into several hand
kerchef lengths, neatly folded in the orig
inal cases and shipped TO the market, leav-
ing the hemming to be done by the pur-
chaser. One OF these hand-printed hand
kerchiefs is in the possession of former
resident of the Falls and the colors are
as bright as when they were first printed.
The silk handkerchief industry was aban-
doned during the Civil War, and when the
property, including the Simpson summer
home near Chamounix, the farm and large
dams was purchased by the Commissioners Of
Fairmount Park during the early seventies
the mills were used exclusively for the
printing of mourning goods. Plans had
been made by Mr.. William Simpson Jr..
and his three sons, Thomas. William and
James. for the erection of an immense
plant west OF the railroad when the prop
erty was condemned for park purposes
Consequently the entire business had to be
removed and was taken to Eddystone, near
Chester In Delaware County. When the ten
hours day law went into effect, SimpSon
Is said to have been the first establishment
to comply with Its provisions. In fact, Mr.
Simpson not only accepted the order but
improved upon it by telling his employees
they should work but eight hours on Satur-
have time to prepare for the Sabbath.
The Falls Is still a great industrial
center and like all communities of work.
ers, the residents are doing an enormous
amount of work for the country and its
soldiers. Auxiliary 100 OF the Red Cross
Society has turned out quantities Of hos
pital garments of all kinds and all up to
the standard Of the society, This auxiliary
meets every Thursday afternoon and eve
ming in the Grace Reformed Episcopal
Church, Calumet street and Ridge avenue
There are about forty-five members. Mrs
Walter e. Oaktord the wife OF the pastor
Of the church, is chairman; Miss Elizabeth
Tracey, vice chairman; Mrs. George Ander-
son, secretary and Mrs Herbert Newton,
treasurer. In order to purchase wool for
sweaters, socks, helmets, etc, 80 that a
knitting section may be formed for the win
ter, the auxiliary will give two moving
picture entertainments in the Mdvale Thea
tire Monday and Thursday OF next week.
This association is a community center and
all women Of the neighborhood are invited
to become Red CroBsers
The young people OF the church are not
only helping the auxiliary, but are working
for the citizens patriotic committee and the
British relief fund. SO his satanic majesty
cannot md any mischief for the idle hands
to do" at the Falls, for there are no idle
hands
There were so many persons at the White
House last Tuesday night that n member OF
the citizens patriotic committee had to
wait his turn to- get inside. The members
OF the Women's Auxiliary headed by Mrs
Elisabeth Dobson Altemus have done so
much for the Falls soldier lads that one
wonders what will come next They made
comfy kits" for each; jams. jelles and
candles are on the road, and now sweaters
are being knit by expert knittsrs. 30 that
inside and outside the home boys will be
well protected To add TO the reserve fund
which provides the materials for the work.
ers at military dance win be given on
Friday night In America Hall The dance
will be preceded by a vaudeville entertain
ment. The committee I'm charge includes
Mrs. Altemus. chairman; Mrs Alfred
Byrne, Mrs. William Gordon, Mrs James
Lawson, Mrs. w. Gray, Mrs s. Swartz and
Miss Mary Burk.