Agnes Martha Eagan Keefe
Agnes Eagan was born on February 22, 1900, the fifth of nine children to Michael Eagan and Margaret Smith Eagan, in Waltham, Massachusetts.
Contents
Waltham Watch Factory 1918 to 1922
After graduating from Saint Joseph’s High School in 1918, Agnes embarked on a career at the forefront of innovation as a young woman. Her journey led her to the Waltham Watch Factory, a groundbreaking establishment recognized as the pioneer in assembly line watch production, putting Waltham, Massachusetts, on the global map.
Situated along the Charles River, the Waltham factory boasted expansive surroundings and company-maintained parks. The facility prioritized employee well-being, offering well-ventilated rooms and excellent sanitary conditions. The workforce, predominantly composed of young individuals, possessed optimal health, cleanliness, and brightness—essential qualities for delicate tasks involving precious metals and jewels. Female operatives were preferred for certain roles due to their delicacy and rapid manipulation skills, receiving equal wages as their male counterparts.
Up until the mid-19th century, watchmaking operated as a decentralized cottage industry, with various components manufactured at different locations and then painstakingly assembled by hand. This method, characterized by imprecision and time-consuming efforts, resulted in watches that were financially out of reach for the majority. In 1854, the Waltham Watch Company revolutionized the landscape by introducing an innovative system of interchangeable parts at its site. Pioneering precision machinery capable of producing watch components with such accuracy that they seamlessly fit together, the company became the first to mass-produce complete watches under one roof. This breakthrough dramatically increased productivity, making watches more affordable and accessible to a broader population. Consequently, the Waltham Watch Company was pivotal in expanding global time consciousness.
Recognizing its historical significance, the complex was listed on the State and National Register of Historic Places in 1989. The Watch Factory's monumental character is so revered that it graces the seal of the City of Waltham.
Family
In 1921, Agnes married Joseph D. Keefe of Watertown in Waltham, Massachusetts. Agnes worked at the Waltham Watch Factory until she had her first child.
Volunteer Work & Charitable Service
American Legion Auxiliary from 1930 to 1955, serving as the organization’s President of the Waltham Chapter from 1940 to 1952.
Member and volunteer of St. Mary’s Church
Member of the Female Auxiliary of the Ancient Order of the Hibernians; the Daughters of Erin.
Death
Tragically, Agnes succumbed to pneumonia in 1974 at the age of 74 following a fall and hip fracture. Her legacy lives on through the indelible mark she left on her family and community.
