So, as I have stated on a previous blog, I was not really feeling incredibly inspired by my previously sort-of narrow topic, so I went today and talked to Micalee (which I would highly, highly suggest if you are the least bit lost). Previously, I was focusing on the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory and the immigrant workers (most likely women). Although this still does have to do with my topic, it is changing a bit.
Now, and remember this is just a starting off point, I am working with women workers in the progressive era. My plan is to not only look at them as a community of workers, but also what they did in their leisure time. To explain, it would be more of a focus on the communal affects of leisure. This way, I will probably be looking at a variety of industries but focusing solely on one group of people (which is yet to be determined, i.e. Italian women, Jewish, etc.) I suppose I will be looking for a strong ethnic community.
Micalee was able to provide me with a lot of book ideas which I will be getting from the library tomorrow. The ones I am definitely looking at are Coney Island Park, Cheap Amusments, and Ladies of Labor, Girls of Adventure.
I am looking forward to digging deeper into my research and am very glad I am more comfortable with my topic!
I read a book about Coney Island Park for a history class once and that is a great representation of the Brooklyn area! When it first opened it was huge. I don't know if you're doing much work on immigrants, but I remember reading that the Coney Island elephant was the first thing to greet immigrants when reaching New York.
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