Whitinsville ARF Parade Float 1919-Rug Weaving

Description

Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) parade float, “How To Knit Rugs in Armenia” on Whitinsville Cotton Mill (WCM) Farm truck Whitinsville, Massachusetts, 1919; photographer unknown.
Patriotism towards both the United States and the newly founded Republic of Armenia are shown by the flag-bearing soldiers. Two Armenian men at left wear American suits and hats, and the women demonstrate traditional Armenian spinning and weaving. Weaver, Sirarpe Johnson, is the daughter-in-law of spinner, Sarah Hamamjian wearing head scarf, who was born in Basmashen, Kharpert, Historic Armenia, Ottoman Empire. Sirarpe's husband Peter is seated at back of float.
Courtesy of Michael Peter Johnson, son of Sirarpe and Peter