The story of two families is given - the Vitovs and the Shchapovs, who lived in the 18th - 20th centuries in the village of Ivanovo, Shuisky district, Vladimir province (currently the city of Ivanovo), originally serfs of Count Sheremetev. Thanks to their business skills, efficiency, and commitment to Christian values, family members were able to create first small home workshops and then chintz factories. Against the backdrop of ongoing historical changes, the fates of family members are examined. Everyday details of life in the city of Ivanovo-Voznesensk from 1860 to 1927 are described.