Local Author Holds Discussion for New Book

Yesterday afternoon, Shelton resident Mary Ruth Shields discussed and signed copies of her new book at on Leavenworth Road. Shields recently released the book, "Naugatuck Valley Textile Industry," which chronicles the history of the textile industry in the Valley from the early 1800s to the 1950s.

The book begins with a brief but informative introduction that outlines the Naugatuck Valley’s change from a primarily agricultural area to a more industrialized location. The remainder is divided into ten chapters, each prefaced with a short introduction about the chapter’s subject matter. 

Among the topics Shields covers in her book are waterpower and its effect on Valley industry, the wool and rubber industries and the female garments industry. She also dedicates a chapter to Sidney Blumenthal, a pioneer in the textile industry who provided benefits to his workers before such a practice was commonplace. 

Each of the book’s chapters are highlighted with a collection of photographs obtained from private and public collections, including the and the .  Shields also includes some photographs of her subjects’ modern existence, which provides an excellent contrast against their past uses. 

At first glance, a history book composed almost entirely of pictures may not seem very informative but Shields does a good job of combining them with historical information. Each photograph is accompanied by a brief caption explaining what the image is of as well as background information on that topic.

Shields, whose father was a history teacher and historian, said she has always been interested in history. She said she wrote "Naugatuck Valley Textile Industry" for a few reasons in addition to her interest in history. 

Shields said she wanted to encourage people who have artifacts or photographs of the region’s past to donate them to history centers in the area. “Even allowing them to make copies or take photos of your items if you do not want to donate them is like gold to them,” Shields said.

For those looking to expand their knowledge of the area they live in, Shield’s book is an excellent place to start. The photographs included within the book show just how much Shelton and neighboring towns have changed in such a short span of time.    

Shields also said these items are especially valuable to children. “It’s important for them to know about the places they live in, and what happened to their relatives who may have worked in the factories.”

Shields’ book is a great read for a person of any age but because of how laid out, it would be an excellent addition to the Shelton schools’ curriculum. Students and teachers alike might find the pictures more engaging in the classroom than constant lines of text and because the subject matter is local, the lessons could be highlighted with field trips to locations mentioned in the book. 

Shields said that students should be taught about the region’s industry. “They have to learn about the industrial revolution around the country, so why not teach them about it locally too?” Shields also stated that she believes it is up to historical centers to push schools to teach local history. 

When asked what the most important thing she took from writing the book was, Shields said “when people need to provide for their families, they’ll do anything they need to. It really speaks to the industrial base of the country and what really makes this country great is the urge to move yourself forward to make a better life for you and your children.”

In writing the book Shields said her primary focus was the textile aspect of the industry and in the future would like to work with senior centers to collect oral history from those who might remember what the Valley was like while the factories were still in existence. “If you had ancestors living in the area there is a good chance at least some of them worked in the factories.” 

Shields, a Virginia native, moved to Connecticut in 1998 and resided in a few towns before eventually moving to Shelton.  She is the chair of the Fashion Merchandising and Marketing departments at Lincoln College of New England in Southington. She also designs apparel and accessories for her own label at a studio at the Valley Center for the Arts in Derby. 

"Naugatuck Valley Textile Industry" retails for $21.99 and is available at local bookstores and online retailers.  The book can also be purchased directly from Arcadia Publishing at www.arcadiapublishing.com or by calling (888)-313-2665. A portion of all profits from the sale of the book will be donated to history centers located in the Valley. 

Shields will be signing copies of the book at the John Bale Book Company in Waterbury on Saturday, February 26 beginning at 1:00 PM.  For more information you can call the store at (203)-757-2279.