Buttonholes, eyelets, and featherstitching were never so finely wrought as in late 19th century Norfolk. One of the most popular schools in town at that time was Mrs. Kendall’s Sewing School. Although Marie Kendall is best remembered as a photographer, among her other interests was teaching Norfolk children to sew, girls and boys alike. Classes were first held in her barn, pictured here, and were so heavily subscribed that they were soon moved to the Eldridge Gymnasium (now Town Hall). Each child had his or her own wooden tobacco box with thimble, scissors, and thread. The primary grade worked on sewing straight lines and even stitches. Mrs. Kendall was quite the drill sergeant. A page in her instruction manual reads: “An exercise in holding up the right hand, the left hand, the right thumb, the left thumb, the right first finger, the thimble finger, etc. etc. Occasionally the order should be changed, so as to necessitate strict attention. The needle is then held up in the right hand, the point and the eye being separately designated at the word of command. If a prompt response to all commands is insisted upon, the drill will be more interesting as well as more instructive.”

Ann Havemeyer