Industrial Revolution
Breaker Boy
An extinct profession from Industrial Revolution that became obsolete due to technological advancement and societal change.
Media Gallery
Related Exhibits
Rag-and-Bone Man
The Rag-and-Bone Man was a familiar figure in the streets of Victorian and Edwardian England, embodying the spirit of recycling long before it became a modern environmental concern. These itinerant traders collected unwanted items from households, ranging from old clothes and rags to bones and scrap metal. The rag-and-bone men played a crucial role in the economy of the time, as they provided a means for families to dispose of their waste while also offering a small income for themselves. They would often call out their trade with a distinctive cry, 'Rags, bones, and bottles!' as they pushed their carts through the neighborhoods, creating a sense of community and nostalgia for many.
Typist Pool Worker
The Typist Pool Worker was a vital cog in the machinery of mid-20th century office life, particularly in the bustling corporate environments of the Post-War Era, from the late 1940s to the early 1980s. These skilled individuals were responsible for producing typed documents, correspondence, and reports, often under tight deadlines. They worked in a shared office space known as a 'typist pool,' where multiple typists would be stationed at rows of typewriters, each contributing to the efficiency of the office. The typist pool was a reflection of the era's burgeoning corporate culture, where the demand for clerical work surged as businesses expanded in the post-war economic boom. The role required not only speed and accuracy in typing but also a keen understanding of office protocols and etiquette. Typist Pool Workers were often the first point of contact for incoming correspondence, and their ability to produce clear, professional documents was crucial for maintaining the image of the organization. They utilized carbon paper for duplicating documents and were adept at using various typewriter models, each with its own quirks and features. The job was often seen as a stepping stone for women entering the workforce, providing them with financial independence and a foothold in the corporate world.
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