Lindsey Becker

In the age of rapidly advancing technology, forgotten occupations can tell us much about past daily life and challenges. One such profession is that of a mole catcher. Mole catchers were essential in agricultural communities where moles disrupted crops and landscapes. These specialists used various traps and techniques to control mole populations. This occupation was … Read more

In the Middle Ages, certain jobs existed that are now long forgotten. One such occupation was that of the Pardoner, an individual often associated with the church. A Pardoner sold indulgences or pardons for sins, which many saw as morally questionable. This role often attracted criticism and controversy. In Geoffrey Chaucer’s famous work, The Canterbury … Read more

The world of handloom weaving was once a thriving and vital craft, with skilled artisans weaving beautiful fabrics by hand. As industrialization spread, new machinery and methods began to overshadow this traditional occupation. Today, handloom weaving is considered an obsolete occupation due to the mass adoption of power looms and other automated technologies. Handloom weavers, … Read more

The term “fishwife” might bring to mind someone who sells fish, but this is a title filled with history and culture. A fishwife is typically the wife of a fisherman who sells her husband’s catch, but the role was essential to local economies and communities for many years. These women were known for their loud … Read more

In times long past, the role of a dog whipper was crucial in maintaining order during church services. This unique occupation saw individuals tasked with removing unruly dogs that wandered into places of worship, ensuring the sanctity of the environment remained undisturbed. The job of a dog whipper was most common in Europe from the … Read more

The magic of history is that it gives us a peek into lives we never knew existed. Take the job of a catchpole, for instance. This was a quirky title used for debt collectors in medieval England. The job may sound amusing, but it was crucial to the society of the time, ensuring that debts … Read more

The tallow chandler was once a common trade, shaping the way homes and streets were lit for centuries. These professionals were skilled in making candles from tallow, which is derived from animal fats. Today, the job of a tallow chandler is obsolete due to the rise of modern lighting such as gas, and later, electricity. … Read more

For centuries, scriveners played a vital role in society, serving as the masters of the written word. In a time when literacy was not widespread, these professionals crafted letters, court, and legal documents for those who needed their skills in reading and writing. Scriveners were indispensable because they bridged the gap between the literate and … Read more

Before the rise of cars and railroads, stagecoach drivers were essential in connecting people and places. These drivers skillfully managed their teams of horses to carry passengers and goods across the rough terrain of the American frontier. Mastering both the hazards of the road and the unpredictability of the weather, stagecoach drivers became legends of … Read more

In a world where fashion trends constantly change, the role of a corset maker stands as a testament to the intricate artistry of the past. This skilled craftsman, also known as a corsetier or corsetière, was a specialist tailor who fashioned corsets, the iconic garments that shaped the silhouettes of historical fashion. Understanding the art … Read more