Maureen, Joe, Elsie, Cathy, Chuck, Sue, Maggie, Joan
A delightful and special Sunday brunch was enjoyed by eight members of the South Mystery Group at the Union Straw restaurant in Foxboro, MA.
What some of the members may not have been aware of was the historical background of this location. The Union Straw Works was the largest straw hat manufacturer started in 1884 and employed 6,000 people. Many women were drawn to Foxborough for employment. In addition to those who worked in the factory, there was a large “cottage industry” where women braided and sewed straw at home. The women in the factory were socially active, raising money to purchase the gates at Rock Hill Cemetery. They also put notes of support and encouragement in hats being made for the troops during the Civil War.
Joan S.
