LABOR

Photo by Jerry Wisler

In Perkasie and surrounding communities during the late 1800's and early 1900's most of the area was farm land. Children of farmers were responsible for assisting in the farm work. by pumping water, planting and harvesting, feeding animals, preserving, processing, and canning food, and many other farm tasks. These jobs were completed manually or with the assistance of horse power. With the industrial revolution in the late 1800's farmers began to use mechanical equipment which helped to reduce farming labor. With these machines farming was still a dawn to dusk job.

Children of manufacturers, tradesmen, and shop keepers were also expected to assist in family businesses. As public transportation and highways grew, area residents began to work outside of their residential communities. During the 1900's it became increasingly likely that children and teenagers might work outside of the home or family business (especially during the summer months).

HOUSEHOLD CHORES

In the past, chores were separated by gender. The girls would do more of the women's chores and the boys would do more of the men's chores.  Taking out the garbage, feeding the dog, taking out the ashes from the burnt coals, chopping wood, feeding animals, and yard work (mowing the lawn) were typical chores for boys through the early 1960's.

Girls tasks were basically centered around household chores: They would wash dishes, clear the table, make beds, and clean up around the house, prepare foods, and sew. School progams prepared girls for these tasks.