Colonial Professions

[D]

With so much done today in the digital world, it got me thinking about the daily lives and jobs of people in the colonial era. There were a wide array of professions then, for example:

Printer – Ben Franklin was a well-known printer, working on everything from books, to newspapers, to colonial currency

Cabinetmaker – Furniture in the days before pressboard and plastic was often made of wood, and cabinetmakers would create fine pieces that are still treasured today

Apothecary – The Apothecary would often serve as a generalist, selling common goods, distributing medicines, and help people treat basic health issues/conditions

Silversmith – would work on making utensils, candlesticks, tableware, coins, fine weapons, and any of many objects made from silver including etched engraving plates for the printing industry. Paul Revere was a famous silversmith

Wheelwright – worked to make wheels for carts. In a time period where much travel was done by horse drawn carriage/cart wheels were very important. The spoked wheels would be made of wood, then a metal ring heated (so it expands) and quickly moved from the fire and put around the wheel. As it cooled, it would tighten around the wheel and hold all of the spokes firmly in place. The metal also served as a strong surface that would be in contact with the ground.

Chandler – made candles, which were a primary source of light after the sun went down

If you lived back in the 18th century, would you join one of these trades, or is there another you would enjoy?

Attachments:

• 300px-Franklin_the_printer-2.jpg

[Author]

Posts