In the world of unusual and forgotten jobs, the role of a lustrum cleaner stands out as unique and peculiar. These cleaners were once responsible for tidying up specific items and spaces, focusing on a thorough cleaning at regular five-year intervals. Today, the occupation of a lustrum cleaner is no longer practiced, but it’s an … Read more
In the bustling world of trade and commerce centuries ago, there was a unique occupation known as the wharfinger. This important figure was the keeper or owner of a wharf, responsible for managing the docks and the goods delivered there. The wharfinger had the crucial job of ensuring the safety and proper handling of goods, … Read more
In a world full of mass production, it’s fascinating to explore the forgotten art of button making, a craft that once held significant importance in fashion and daily life. A button maker was responsible for producing buttons from materials like wood, bone, glass, and metal, each tiny piece crafted with skill and precision. These buttons … Read more
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, perambulator makers were skilled craftsmen who produced what we now call baby carriages. These artisans crafted perambulators by assembling parts such as wheels, hoods, and frames to create sturdy, functional baby transport. While perambulator making is an obsolete occupation today, it played a vital role during its … Read more
Throughout history, society relied on a variety of occupations that are now seen as outdated, one of the most notable being the plowman. A plowman is an old occupation where the individual was responsible for tilling the soil and preparing fields for planting crops. This role was crucial in agricultural communities, as it ensured that … Read more
The image of a lumberjack, with his plaid shirt and axe in hand, is a well-known part of history. Today, traditional lumberjacks are largely considered an obsolete occupation due to advancements in technology. Machines like chainsaws and feller bunchers have taken over many tasks, making the job safer and faster. Despite this shift, the legacy … Read more
In the heart of the Victorian era, photography was a burgeoning field, and being a photographer’s assistant was an exciting yet demanding role. These assistants were crucial in the process, helping set up equipment, prepare chemicals, and manage the delicate glass plates needed for capturing images. Assistants often learned on the job, gaining skills from … Read more
In the 19th century, the role of a needlewoman was both common and crucial. These women were skilled in sewing and needlecraft, creating garments and linens for families and businesses. While the needlewoman is an obsolete occupation today, understanding their work offers insight into the domestic and economic roles of women in the past. Needlewomen … Read more
Long before baby formula became popular, wet nurses played a crucial role in caring for infants. These women breastfed babies when the mothers were unable or chose not to do it themselves. The reasons varied from societal norms to personal health issues. The occupation of a wet nurse was both lifesaving and, at times, controversial. … Read more
The world of pottery involves many unique jobs, and the role of a saggar maker’s bottom knocker stands out due to its unusual name and purpose. The bottom knocker worked alongside the saggar maker in pottery factories, helping shape the base of a saggar, which is a fireclay container used to protect pottery during firing … Read more