Workers at Clifton Mill Two, around 1910 A large percentage of workers were children. Children left school as young as the age of 9 to work in the mills and help support their families.

A story is told of a boy who was disciplined by the supervisor for not working hard enough.
The boy was held by the ankles out of the window and was accidentally dropped into the river. He drowned.

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Clifton Company Store made coupon books “Payable Only In Merchandise”.
The coupon books had money marks in them. They were for 25 cents, 10 cents, 5 cents, 2 cents, and 1 cent.

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Contract dated January 5, 1882 between Robert Atkins (note his “mark” in place of a signature). Mr. Atkins, in return for Clifton Manufacturing Company’s paying to move his family to Clifton, agrees to work for the entire year of 1882. He also commits his four daughters, ages 16, 15, 14, and 13 to work as well until the entire amount is paid.

Sources: Artifacts donated by David Moore, local historian, to Clifdale Elementary School.

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