Malden Resident completes thesis on local dyeing industry

Malden resident and freelance commercial writer Linda Thorsen, who in May received a Master of Liberal Arts in extension studies with a concentration in history from Harvard Extension School, completed her thesis on a long-forgotten Malden family and their thriving business.

Her thesis, “The Merchants’ Manufacturer: The Barrett Family’s Dyeing Businesses in Massachusetts and New York, 1790-1850,” is an in-depth study and analysis of a prominent Malden family and their dyeing business. In 1804, William and Mary Barrett moved to Malden and founded a dyeing business on Spot Pond Brook, Malden River, located roughly where the YMCA, its parking lot, Ramsdell Road and New England Hair Academy are currently located.

Many also may not know that dyeing became a prosperous business sector long before the automation of cloth manufacturing. At a time when most high-end cloth was imported from India, China and Europe, the region’s import merchants and elite families paid good money to have their expensive cloth, clothing or household furnishings cleaned, bleached and dyed, as they repurposed or refurbished items that were soiled, faded or just the wrong color. For merchants in particular, dyeing could add value to imported cloth that had become damaged in shipping, shopworn or out of fashion. The Barretts’ business expanded throughout New England and later spawned a second factory on Staten Island, whose 1820 opening was attended by numerous dignitaries including Secretary of War John C. Calhoun.

This topic enabled Thorsen to combine several interests. “I wanted to find a way to explore early 19th century economic history and at the same time add to our knowledge of Malden’s past,” she explained. “I would find one-line descriptions of William Barrett’s dyeing business, but no detail, so I started digging.”

The resulting project took roughly five years — and numerous research trips — to complete. In addition to earning her degree, Thorsen also wanted Malden residents to benefit from the results of her work. On Oct. 6, at a meeting of the Malden Historical Society, she presented copies of her thesis to the Malden Public Library, the Malden Historical Society and Malden Mayor Gary Christenson. Expressing thanks to all who helped along the way, she said, “I’m delighted to be able to give Malden back a part of its history.”