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Alice A. Casneau
Alice A Casneau dressmaker.jpg
Born December 1866
Virginia
Died March 24, 1953
Nationality United States of America
Occupation Dressmaker, Activist, Author
Known for Clubwoman and leader
Spouse(s) Elmer E. Casneau
Children Pearl E. Casneau

Alice A. Casneau (who died in 1953) was an American dressmaker and a leader in women's groups. She lived and worked in the Boston, Massachusetts area. She was also known professionally as Mrs. A. A. Casneau.

Alice Casneau's Amazing Career

Alice Casneau was a talented dressmaker in the Boston area. She even owned land in Everett, Massachusetts. She was also very active in the National Association of Colored Women's Clubs. This important group held its first national meeting in Boston in 1895.

Sharing Her Knowledge

In 1895, Alice gave a speech called "Morals and Manners" at a meeting of the Woman's Era Club. She was a successful businesswoman. Because of this, she gave a talk on "Dressmaking" at the first meeting of the National Negro Business League in Boston in 1900. She told the audience, "If there is no market for your wares in the community in which you live, find a place that needs you, that needs just the talent that God has given you, and when you have found it, fill it." This meant she encouraged people to find where their skills were needed and use them!

In 1907, she was also a member of the Massachusetts group of the Niagara Movement. This was an early civil rights organization.

Her Dressmaking Guide

Alice Casneau wrote a special book called "Guide for Artistic Dress Cutting and Making" in 1895. This 73-page booklet was considered "remarkable." It was one of only ten books by Black women authors available at the National Conference of Colored Women in 1895. Her work was also shown at the New England Hospital for Women and Children.

Casneaus dress from her guide
One of Casneau's dresses from her guide

Helping During World War I

During World War I, Alice Casneau helped lead the Soldiers' Comfort Unit in Boston. This was a women's group that supported Black soldiers. They helped soldiers who were stationed in or near Boston.

Leading Community Service

In 1925, Alice Casneau was chosen as the president of the League of Women for Community Service. This shows her strong commitment to helping her community.

Alice Casneau's Family Life

Alice Tolliver married Elmer E. Casneau, who was a barber, in 1887. They had a daughter named Pearl E. Casneau, who was born in 1892. Alice A. Casneau passed away in Massachusetts in 1953.

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