Jobs and Occupations
Testing Cab Drivers
Back in the 1920s, one Chicago cab company had some interesting tests it required its drivers to take. One was a "strength trial for the arms" in which the driver had to hold down a spring with his outstretched arm for as long as he could. There was also a psychological test:Perhaps Uber should consider similar tests for its drivers.
Sedalia Democrat - June 15, 1926
Posted By: Alex - Sat Oct 27, 2018 -
Comments (7)
Category: Jobs and Occupations, 1920s, Cars
Gasmask Testers
This was obviously before the creation of OSHA, or its British equivalent.
Los Angeles Times - Oct 21, 1927
Harrisburg Evening News - Nov 1, 1927
Posted By: Alex - Wed Oct 10, 2018 -
Comments (2)
Category: Jobs and Occupations, 1920s
Happiness Executive
Over in Abu Dhabi, an eight-month-old baby was appointed to a position in a government office as a "happiness executive." Apparently it was believed the presence of the kid might boost morale. Or maybe it was just someone's scheme to save on daycare. Following complaints, officials are now investigating.More info: thenational.ae
Posted By: Alex - Wed May 02, 2018 -
Comments (2)
Category: Babies, Jobs and Occupations
Women are teachable
A guide published by the Radio Corporation of America circa 1943.
Source: imgur via reddit.
Posted By: Alex - Sun Jan 28, 2018 -
Comments (6)
Category: Jobs and Occupations, Gender, Women, 1940s
Official fog watchers
I don't know why, but this seems like a very British type of job.
The High Point Enterprise - Feb 6, 1974
image source: onthewight.com
Posted By: Alex - Wed Dec 06, 2017 -
Comments (2)
Category: Jobs and Occupations, 1970s
8-year-old Undertaker
It sounds like Duana Grant was a very practical-minded young girl. At the age of 8, instead of being squeamish about death, she was learning how to be a mortician, in preparation for taking over the family business at the appropriate time.And it seems that her childhood ambitions became reality. When she was older she married Wilbur Elder and helped run the Grant Elder Funeral Home in Arkansas City.
In 1973, her son took over the business, and he ran it until it closed in August 1982.
Duana died in 2002, at the age of 79.
Green Bay Press-Gazette - Mar 12, 1931
ARKANSAS CITY, Kan. — Death, abhorrent to most children, but to Duana Grant, 8, it awakens only sympathy and a desire to help. Born over an undertaker's parlor and associated with the business all her life, she is learning to conduct a funeral as well as any grownup. Outside business hours, Duana is just an ordinary child, with her school work, dolls, and roller skates.
Posted By: Alex - Sun Sep 04, 2016 -
Comments (0)
Category: Death, Jobs and Occupations, Children
LifeSkills Pod
Barclays Bank in the UK has created a "LifeSkills Pod" which it explains is a "futuristic work experience simulator" that mirrors "real-world work scenarios."Pods will be installed in various schools so that young people can sit in the pod and "build the skills needed in the workplace."
Posted By: Alex - Sat Apr 30, 2016 -
Comments (12)
Category: Jobs and Occupations, Technology
Malone the Rat Fighter
Tough way to earn a living.This 1908 news story may have inspired Roald Dahl's short story "The Ratcatcher" (first published in 1953 in Someone Like You). Even if Dahl hadn't seen this exact news piece, he must have heard stories (urban legends) about rat catchers doing this.
The Royal Gazette - Oct 6, 1908
Posted By: Alex - Sun Apr 03, 2016 -
Comments (9)
Category: Animals, Jobs and Occupations, Pests, Plagues and Infestations, 1900s
Bus Driver’s Revenge
Today of course he would face federal charges for kidnapping, and many, many lawsuits.Original article here.
See clean transcription below.
“They’re going to fire bus driver William F. Jackson today but he doesn’t care—he already quit in spectacular fashion.
"Passengers—phooey,” was his battle cry yesterday when he revolted against traffic jams, abusive drivers, supervisors and noisy children and took what someday may be known as “Jacksons’s ride.”
The Chicago Transit Authority driver was inching his bus through Loop traffic, swollen to three times its usual density by the Christmas rush, when he suddenly decided he was sick of it.
He slammed the doors shut and from then on nobody could get off.
“Passengers—phooey,” he muttered darkly.
He rolled out of the busy Loop on his regular route. But when waiting citizens pounded to get into his bus Jackson was aloof. When his angry passengers demanded to be let off he would not relent.
When a company supervisor tried to board the bus at an intersection Jackson ignored him too.
Finally he wheeled the big vehicle into one of the CTA barns, turned off the ignition, and hopped off the bus.
He headed straight for his boss, stared him straight in the eye and announced:
“I quit.”
Wounded CTA officials said, “He can’t quit just like that, but tomorrow we’ll fire him.”
Posted By: Paul - Tue Jan 12, 2016 -
Comments (8)
Category: Annoying Things, Jobs and Occupations, 1950s, Bus, Nausea, Revulsion and Disgust
Death of the Human Ostrich
1906: Robert Naysmith, the "human ostrich," died from eating too many hatpins and brass nails.Back in the day, I think there were a number of people who earned a livelihood by exhibiting themselves as human ostriches. Tough way to make a living.
(left) Topeka Daily Capital - July 17, 1906; (right) The Sketch - July 4, 1906
Saint Paul Globe - Sep 24, 1898
Posted By: Alex - Fri Nov 27, 2015 -
Comments (5)
Category: Jobs and Occupations, 1900s
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