Workers taking mucilaged sheets of postage stamps from the drying box in the gumming... c1895. Creator: Frances Benjamin Johnston

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Workers taking mucilaged sheets of postage stamps from the drying box in the gumming... c1895. Creator: Frances Benjamin Johnston

Workers taking mucilaged sheets of postage stamps from the drying box in the gumming and drying room of the Stamp Division at the Bureau of Engraving & Printing, c1895

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Media ID 36275905

© Heritage Art/Heritage Images

Bureau Of Engraving Printing Communication Cyanotypes 1890 1900 Gmgpc Desk Drying Employee Employment Office Postage Stamp Postage Stamps Supervisor Fb Johnston Frances B Johnston Frances Benjamin Johnston Frances Johnston Johnston Frances Benjamin Postal Service

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> North America > United States of America > Washington, District of Columbia

> North America > United States of America > Washington > Related Images

EDITORS COMMENTS
This photograph, captured by Frances Benjamin Johnston in 1895, presents a captivating scene from the Stamp Division at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Washington D.C., United States. The image showcases a group of women workers intently focused on their tasks, taking mucilaged sheets of freshly gummed postage stamps from the drying box in the drying room. The women, dressed in simple blouses and aprons, sit at a long desk, surrounded by furniture and equipment typical of the era. A supervisor stands behind them, observing their progress. The Bureau of Engraving and Printing, established in 1862, was responsible for producing and distributing currency and postage stamps for the United States. The intricate process of stamp production included gumming, drying, and cutting, which were labor-intensive tasks that required a great deal of precision and attention to detail. This photograph offers a rare glimpse into the daily life of women workers during the late 19th century in the United States. It highlights the importance of communication and the postal service in connecting people across the country and the world, and the role of dedicated employees in ensuring the efficient production of essential items like postage stamps. The image is a valuable historical artifact that showcases the rich heritage of the United States and the remarkable progress made in the field of printing technology during this period.

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