A mother with young children, who could not leave home to work, if any work was to be had, could string bags at home in spare time and earn enough to provide herself and children with sufficient clothes. Even provide money for school books and hot lunches for children in school. One mother is stringing bags to provide money for her daughter’s business course. Another is buying a sewing machine with money she earns stringing bags. Two mothers that I know of have bought scout uniforms and provided vacations for their children which they could not have had any other way.
–Mrs. H. S. Jones from Leaksville, NC,
1939
Why was tobacco bag stringing important for the workers described in this passage?
It was a task that was simple enough for children to complete to earn extra income.
It provided opportunities for wives and mothers to take care of their families.
It helped families earn a great deal of income to pay for all of their needs.
It offered work outside of the home for many husbands and fathers.