I'm not sure specifically who the 'girl in the blue dress' in the Kea Mill story is without more context. It could be a character that is unique to that particular story.
Some cotton mill girls managed to gain education during their off - hours. They were determined to improve their lives. For example, they might have learned to read and write, which opened up new opportunities. This knowledge could have led to them getting involved in labor unions or even starting small businesses related to the textile industry.
The Lowell Mill Girls are quite famous. In the 19th century, young women from rural New England flocked to the Lowell mills. These girls were initially attracted by the relatively high wages compared to what they could earn on the farm. However, they soon faced harsh working conditions. But they didn't just accept it. They started writing and publishing their own newspaper, the Lowell Offering, which was a platform to voice their concerns about work and life in the mills.
Some mill girl stories focus on their role in the early labor movement. Mill girls were among the first female workers to organize and demand better working conditions. They went on strike, which was a very bold move at that time. They protested against low wages, long hours, and poor living conditions in the mill towns. Their actions inspired other female workers across the country to fight for their rights. It was a significant step in the history of women's empowerment in the workplace.
She might have faced long working hours. In cotton mills, it was common for workers to be at their stations for 10 - 12 hours a day. This led to extreme exhaustion. Also, the working conditions were often poor. The noise from the machines was deafening, and the air was filled with cotton dust, which was harmful to her health.
Well, it could be a fictional 'old mill story'. It might involve a mystery that took place in or around the old mill. For example, there could be a hidden treasure in the mill that the characters are trying to find. Or perhaps it's a love story where two people meet at the old mill and their relationship unfolds against the backdrop of the mill's rustic charm.