"The Goodies" at Harvard Hall (group of women who cleaned the dormitories) 1862

Curator: This photograph, "The Goodies" at Harvard Hall, captures a group of women, likely those who cleaned the dormitories. Editor: My first impression is that this image feels quietly powerful. The women are posed with such dignity, almost like a receiving line. Curator: Indeed. The term "goodies" itself is interesting. It points to a specific cultural memory, possibly even affectionate, recognizing these women's essential role in the Harvard community. Editor: Yes, but it also masks their labor. We're looking at a staged tableau. What materials were used, how long did they have to stand, what were they paid? These details are crucial to understanding the power dynamic at play. Curator: Perhaps, but I see the covered windows behind them as symbols too, they may represent hidden worlds or unseen aspects of their lives within the institution. Editor: Those "hidden worlds" were undoubtedly shaped by the economic realities of their work. Understanding the context of 19th-century domestic labor is crucial. Curator: I agree, but it also invites us to reflect on the symbolic value of service and the unseen contributions that shape our institutions. Editor: A more nuanced view than I initially expected, even if the materiality grounds its impact.