This was typically a teenager’s job and didn’t pay very well.
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2.) Knocker-upper
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Knocker-uppers were basically human alarm clocks. They would make sure their clients would wake up.
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They would rap on doors and windows with truncheons, or even use pea shooters.
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3.) Ice cutter
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When lakes froze, ice cutters would saw through the layers and give the pieces to ice delivery men.
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4.) Pre-radar enemy aircraft detection
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These devices helped soldiers listen for approaching enemy aircraft and warn their own troops
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5.) Rat catcher
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In Europe, rat catchers were hired to control the rodent population and prevent the spread of disease.
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It wasn’t an easy job, as many of them would suffer from bites.
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6.) Lamp lighter
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Until electric street lamps were introduced, lamp lighters would need to go around lighting or extinguishing street lamps.
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7.) Milkman
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Because of less advanced refrigeration and preservation techniques, cold milk would need to be delivered often.
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8.) Log driver – Before log transportation via truck was possible, these men would guide logs down the river.
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9.) Switchboard operator
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Before modern technology, switchboard operators were an integral part of telephone networks by connecting calls.
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10.) Resurrectionist – - They were basically 19th century body snatchers. Resurrectionists would remove corpses from graves for universities to use as cadavers.
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11.) Factory worker lector
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Lectors hired at factories would read to those who worked all day, providing entertainment.