Author of the article: Susanna McLeod
Publishing date: Mar 11, 2021 • March 11, 2021 • 5 minute read Labour pioneer Donalda Charron (1885-1967), circa 1912. Photo by Archives of M. Jean-Paul Charron
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Jobs in the late 1800s were a challenge for the working class. Long hours, poor sanitation and dangerous conditions plagued the workplace for all workers. For women, the situation was often worse, with appallingly low pay, co-worker aggravations and unsafe conditions. At an industrial firm in Hull, Que., union leader Donalda Charron challenged the status quo. The women won, but Charron lost.
An innovative entrepreneur from Vermont, Ezra Butler Eddy was adept at creating opportunities. Moving to Hull in 1851, Eddy “rented the second floor of a blacksmith’s workshop,” the National Capital Commission’s Virtual Museum said. He and his first wife, Zaida Diana Arnold, used wood scraps discarded from nearby sawmills to make matches. Dipping the wood p
Wooden match makers ignited flame of equality recorder.ca - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from recorder.ca Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.