Officers were expected to purchase their own, made by military tailors. They were made of wool and sewn on treadle sewing machines, although some of the finish work was done by hand. The uniform coats and pants issued to enlisted men were made by companies with government contracts. Caroline Sibley, wife of sleighmaker William Sibley, whose home now houses the historical society’s collections, played a key role in organizing their work. Throughout the war, the Soldiers’ Sewing Society made hundreds of mittens, socks, towels, handkerchiefs, and bandages for the troops. Less than one week after Westborough passed a town meeting resolution on April 25, 1861, appropriating funds to outfit its soldiers, more than 200 women, armed with needles and thimbles, appeared at Town Hall to sew blue flannel shirts and flannel drawers for their men. Westborough women contributed to the war effort in a major way, particularly those active in the town’s Soldiers’ Sewing Society.
Following is the second story in a series about Westborough’s role in the Civil War. Picture the Past – The Westborough Historical Society has planned a year-long series of programs to commemorate the 15 th anniversary of the start of the Civil War.
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