Many might wonder what life was like before modern plumbing and sanitation. One of the most peculiar jobs of the past was the gong farmer. Gong farmers were responsible for cleaning out human waste from cesspits during the Tudor period. In the days of Queen Elizabeth I, being a gong farmer was both necessary and … Read more
In the days long before modern pest control, rat catchers played a crucial role in keeping cities cleaner and safer. As the name suggests, these individuals were tasked with capturing or exterminating rats, which were notorious spreaders of disease. The rat catcher was an essential job, particularly during times of plague, when the need to … Read more
Back in the 19th century, the job of a leech collector was both peculiar and necessary. These individuals had the unusual task of gathering leeches from marshy areas and ponds to supply doctors who used them for bloodletting, a common medical treatment of the time. Leech collectors would often wade into water bodies, allowing leeches … Read more
In a time before refrigerators were common in every home, the milkman played a crucial role in everyday life. These workers delivered fresh milk right to the doorsteps, ensuring families had the dairy products they needed daily. As technology advanced and fridges became more widespread, the milkman slowly disappeared from neighborhoods. The milkman didn’t just … Read more
In the days before modern machines and gadgets filled every workspace, certain jobs played unique roles that have since disappeared. One such job was that of a lector, a person who read aloud to workers in places like cigar factories. Lectors provided both information and entertainment, bridging the gap between the mundane workday and the … Read more
Bowling alleys were not always the lively, automated places we know today. Before machines took over, a job called a pinsetter was essential. Pinsetters, often young boys, worked hard to reset pins by hand after every bowl. This demanding job required precision and speed to keep games moving smoothly. With the invention of the mechanical … Read more
In the chill of winter, when lakes and rivers froze over, a group of skilled workers took on the dangerous task of harvesting ice. These individuals, known as ice cutters, played a crucial role during the era before electric refrigeration. Ice cutting was essential for food preservation and keeping drinks cold before modern technology took … Read more
In the shadows of history, there were jobs that blurred the line between legality and necessity. One such occupation was the resurrectionist, a role with perhaps the eeriest name of all. Resurrectionists, also known as body snatchers, were individuals who exhumed recently buried bodies to supply medical schools with cadavers for anatomical study. During the … Read more
Before the internet and newspapers, town criers played a key role in spreading news and announcements. These individuals, often dressed in elaborate outfits, would walk through the streets ringing bells and shouting important updates. Town criers were essential for communicating with communities, especially when most people could not read. The occupation of town crier is … Read more