March 2021

Pit Brow Lasses                        

  

In the mid 1800s, when working deep in the coal pit was forbidden to girls (shouldn't trust girls working with naked sweating men!), they were allowed to work on the surface (brow) of the mine. They would sort, haul and load coal onto railroad cars. The fact that they wore practical clothing, such as their dad's or brother's old worn out trousers underneath their skirts, in order to protect themselves,  was considered scandalous by many and they needed to continue to fight for their right to work. The entire story of these girls, doing extremely hard labor, just  to help support their families, and maybe assert a little independence, is a fascinating one. I encourage finding out more about these feisty-hardworking-trouser-wearing girls!