A Common Thread: Labor, Politics, and Capital Mobility in the Textile Industry

Acknowledgments

[-9], acknowledgments I think the hardest part of researching and writing a book like this is adequately expressing thanks to all of the people without whom it would not have been possible. Cindy Hahamovitch helped me take a vague idea and turn it into a cogent piece of work. She pushed me to think more critically, to clarify and refine my ideas, and she offered a perfect mix of praise and criticism from which the project benefited immeasurably. She is a mentor and friend that I am lucky to have. Thanks is also due to Scott Nelson for what I could always count on to be witty, but wickedly insightful, input. It was Scott, in fact, who came up with the book’s title during a discussion over dinner several years ago. Likewise to Leisa Meyer and Bryant Simon, I extend my appreciation for their thoughts and suggestions as the manuscript took shape. I could not have completed this book without financial assistance provided by several graduate research grants from the College of William and Mary, the Glucksman Fellowship from William and Mary’s Lyon G. Tyler Department of History, and a summer stipend from the National Endowment for the Humanities . I am also obliged to staff members at a number of libraries and archives: the Alabama Department of Archives and History, Massachusetts State Archives, Baker Library Historical Collections at Harvard University, Gadsden Public Library , Boston Public Library, State Historical Society of Wisconsin, American Textile History Museum, Southern Labor Archives at Georgia State University, Southern Historical Collection at the University of North Carolina, and the National Archives in both metro-Washington, D.C., and Atlanta. Kevin Graves at the Gadsden Public Library and Stephen Jendrysik at the Edward Bellamy Memorial Association in Chicopee each generously assisted me in finding the illustrations for this book, and Jeffrey Sagalyn at the Cabotville Industrial Park allowed me to spend a most enjoyable Saturday exploring the old Dwight Manufacturing Company Chicopee mill complex. In the final phases of the project, Jon Davies and Gay Gragson at the University of Georgia Press have poured over the manuscript and their editorial advice has made it a much better book. Terry Murphy prepared its excellent index. To many other people I also owe a debt of appreciation, albeit more personal than professional. Sean McConnell kindly opened his Atlanta home to a wayward researcher, putting a roof over my head on numerous swings through the South. Anne-Marie Gardner and Natasha Gopaul provided not only their comments while I fine-tuned the manuscript, but their camaraderie as well. My parents, Dave and Barb, my sister Lori, and my brother Greg have given me their ix x • Acknowledgments 1 [-10] unwavering support and constant enthusiasm. To my mom and dad I express my deep gratitude for having given up countless things for themselves so that I could pay for college, and to my dad especially for instilling in me through his example a work ethic that kept me moving forward through the demanding and often difficult process of researching and writing. Finally, Steve Barnes came into my life shortly before I began working on this book. His intellect, his humor, and his continuing affection have all left an imprint on its pages. To him, I give my deepest thanks and love. A Common Thread This page intentionally left blank ...