Directly behind the Old Post Office was the Sand Ridge Blouse Factory.  At one point ownership changed and it was called the De Ville Blouse Factory.  The building - vacant for many years - was finally removed at great cost - it was full of asbestos and a danger to the environment.

Some interesting information about the blouse factories of Kunkletown.

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1. Overwhelmingly, the workers were females, but there were several men and a boys.

2. Women would get breakfast prepared for their families, and then head out to work at the blouse factory.

3. At the end of the work day, they would come home and prepare dinner.  Many would then return to the factory to put in additional hours.

4. Pay was very low.  But in farmland, in those days, there was very little "hard" cash.  Many times, people exchanged goods or services with one another instead of using money. But some things required cash, so the hard work of these women helped their families survive.

5. I have been told stories of young girls being enticed to quit school to work in the factories.

6. More than one woman told me that when a needle pierced your finger & fingernail - the floor manager - usually a male - would just suggest you go to the doctor or hospital - but did not provide transportation.

7. As trying and difficult as this may all sound, each and every woman will tell you that their time at the factory was the best time of their life - there was a strong bond between the women.  They even celebrated birthdays and holidays together. It was a special time in their life, they felt that they were providing for their families and felt good to do it outside of their homes.

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