Existing comment:
"Commenced altering an old dress this morning, but company prevented me making much progress. This evening cousin Lou and I prepared a dinner to take to Camp Quarles to morrow."
-- Serepta Jordan, July 1, 1861
Homemaker:
Clarksville's ladies contributed to the Southern war effort through soldiers' and societies and making clothing and other items for the troops. They visited several training camps, bring cheer and homemade baked goods to the soldiers. Women also cared for the wounded at several hospitals in the city.
As raw materials like cloth were bought by the Confederate military, shortages made home life difficult. Ladies learned to recycle, invent new uses for common goods, or often did without. |