Young women working in the factory at the Ayer, Houston Company of Portland, manufacturer of hats.

On the back of this photograph is written, "Hatshop Portland Maine. Ayer-Houston Co., Commercial St. at S. Portland bridge. Pleasantdale & Browns Hill. Women walked to work over old R.R. Bridge to Turners Is. or took train at Evans St. R.R. Crossing. Aunt Nan [Deering?] with hat on needle. Nanna in circle."