The forgotten world of obsolete occupations holds many intriguing stories. Among these is the chop-church, a term that might seem unfamiliar today. A chop-church was a parson known for frequently exchanging benefices or church offices. This unique role is detailed in ancient statutes as a legitimate trade or occupation. Delving into history, the chop-church reflects … Read more
In the world of textile manufacturing, many jobs have faded into history, taking with them the skills and techniques unique to their era. One such job is that of the beamer. This was a key occupation in the cotton industry, where a beamer was responsible for winding threads onto a beam, preparing them for the … Read more
In the days of horse-drawn carriages, the coachman was an essential figure, guiding travelers and delivering goods across towns and cities. A coachman is an employee who drives a coach or carriage, a horse-drawn vehicle designed for the conveyance of passengers. It was a role filled with responsibility, as the coachman had to manage the … Read more
In the 18th and 19th centuries, a bear-leader was an intriguing occupation, now considered obsolete. A bear-leader was a man who acted as a guide for young men of rank or wealth during their travels, combining roles of tutor, guardian, and companion. The term captures both the responsibility and the unique relationship between the leader … Read more
In the late 18th century, coffee sniffers roamed the streets of Prussia, tasked with a unique and unusual job. Employed by decree of Frederick the Great, these individuals were responsible for detecting illegal coffee roasting or consumption. Their role was essential due to the high luxury tax imposed on coffee, which aimed to curb its … Read more
In the ancient world, measuring distances was not as simple as it is today. The bematists were specialists who played a crucial role in ancient Greece and Egypt by measuring distances through pacing. Bematists, who walked alongside armies such as Alexander the Great’s, helped map out territories by counting their steps, providing essential data for … Read more
In a world where jobs come and go, the role of a colporteur stands out as a unique piece of history. Colportage refers to the work of traveling salespeople who distributed religious books and pamphlets, often on foot, across different regions. These individuals played a pivotal role in spreading literature, especially religious texts, at a … Read more
In the intricate world of old households, the between maid stood as an essential yet lesser-known figure. This role was crucial in large homes with many staff members because the maid bridged duties between different areas, assisting both the cook and the housemaid. As times changed, the need for a between maid decreased, and the … Read more
Back in the days when modern machinery was just a dream, certain jobs required strength, skill, and endurance. A cornjerker was a laborer who picked crops by hand, long before the machines took over the fields. The process involved pulling or “jerking” corn from the stalk and piling it into a wagon pulled by mules. … Read more
In the bustling textile factories of the 18th and early 19th centuries, young boys often filled the role of bobbin boys. These children were responsible for bringing bobbins to the women at the looms and collecting the ones filled with spun cotton or wool thread. This job was one of many that have since disappeared … Read more