State Historical Society of Iowa

Sewing Class for Refugee Students in Mt. Ayr, Iowa, 1918

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Courtesy of Library of Congress, "Class in sewing for refugee children, Mt. Ayr, Iowa public school," 1918

Description

This photograph was taken in Mount Ayr, located in southeast Iowa, in 1918. The image shows refugees from Europe taking part in a sewing class.

Source Dependent Questions

  • Look closely at the setting of this photo. In what type of building are these people located?
  • Why would refugees from Europe be taught the skill of sewing?
  • Why would Iowans help these refugees and teach them usable skills?

Citation Information

"Class in sewing for refugee children, Mt. Ayr, Iowa public school," 1918. Courtesy of Library of Congress Courtesy of Library of Congress