by wefalck » Fri Oct 31, 2014 3:25 am
Thanks, gentlemen, for the kind comments !
Mac, being a 21st century wimp, this question struck me as well and I looked at dozens of winter images from the region. However, you rarely see anyone, if ever, with mittens or let alone gloves. These were luxury items among 19th century working class people. And indeed, they would have been rather impractical when working with nets (men) and fish (women). Rubber gloves did not exist then and mittens would not have given enough hold; leather would have also become hard very quickly when exposed to seawater, unless oiled constantly; canvas would freeze stiff. Women would even go around with bare lower arms for most of the time and would only wear knitted sleeves when going to church or the likes. So these guys were hardy folks.
Thanks, gentlemen, for the kind comments !
Mac, being a 21st century wimp, this question struck me as well and I looked at dozens of winter images from the region. However, you rarely see anyone, if ever, with mittens or let alone gloves. These were luxury items among 19th century working class people. And indeed, they would have been rather impractical when working with nets (men) and fish (women). Rubber gloves did not exist then and mittens would not have given enough hold; leather would have also become hard very quickly when exposed to seawater, unless oiled constantly; canvas would freeze stiff. Women would even go around with bare lower arms for most of the time and would only wear knitted sleeves when going to church or the likes. So these guys were hardy folks.