Dress Makers in the 1910 Sandusky City Directory

At the end of the nineteenth century and the beginning of the twentieth century, dress makers were often called upon to help area residents with their sewing and mending needs. Pioneer women usually made their own clothing, by necessity, and later ready-made clothing became available in local stores. Dress makers, most often female, could work at home, and contribute to the household income with having to find employment outside of their house. In 1910, there were over sixty dress makers listed in the Sandusky City Directory. Many of the surnames were of Irish or German origin.

Vital records indicate that Clara L. Bier, one of the dress makers listed in the 1910 Directory, died in 1923. Another member of the family (or possibly Clara, shortly before her death), listed only as “Mrs. Bier,” can be seen in the second row (first person at the left) in this picture from the Sewing Society of the First Reformed Church in the 1920s or 1930s. These ladies all used their sewing skills in service to their church.