Title: LORAY: People, Mill, History, Future

This handmade artist's carousel book, LORAY, delves into the rich and tumultuous history of Loray Mill in Gastonia, North Carolina. Constructed in 1902, Loray Mill was once the largest textile mill under one roof in the world, symbolizing the industrial boom of the South. By the mid-1920s, it employed approximately 3,500 workers, many of whom resided in the adjacent mill village, creating a tightly knit community centered around the mill's operations. 

The book's carousel structure opens to reveal interconnected scenes that chronicle the mill's evolution—from its inception and role in the textile industry to the pivotal 1929 strike. This labor strike became a landmark event in American labor history. The strike highlighted the workers' struggle for better conditions and fair wages, drawing national attention to labor rights issues in the South. 

Each panel of the book combines intricate paper engineering with historical imagery, bringing to life the experiences of the mill workers and the community's resilience. The central axis of the carousel serves as a metaphor for the mill itself—a hub around which the lives of many revolved. Through this interactive format, viewers are invited to engage with the layered history of Loray Mill, reflecting on themes of industry, community, and the enduring quest for social justice.

LORAY: People, Mill, History, Future stands as a tactile homage to the legacy of Loray Mill and its significance in the broader narrative of labor movements.