Businesses and Occupations

Shopping during the 1900s was a different experience than it is today. Now two decades (wow!) into the 21st century, online shopping is beginning to equal, if not outspend, the shopping at brick and mortar stores. Things were very different not that long ago. In the 20th century people had to go out and shop - in great numbers. A part of everyone's Christmas tradition was going to the stores and enjoying the sights and sounds: The beautiful window displays, the Christmas lights, the newest toys and clothes, visiting Santa, sometimes hearing carolers . . . and the crowds. Always the crowds. Checkout this collection of photos highlighting the experience of Christmas shopping during the 1900s. Do these photos bring back memories?

Donald John Trump was the 45th President of the United States. Like most in the United States, he comes from an interesting family lineage which began with immigrants who did not speak English and possessed limited skills, but were able to make a name for themselves and achieve "the American dream". Regardless of your political stance, you're sure to find the Trump ancestry a fascinating read.

William Randolph Hearst was born on April 29th 1863 in San Francisco California during the the middle of the Civil War. His father George Hearst was a millionaire mining engineer who provided William an exemplary education at St. Paul's School in Concord New Hampshire and Harvard. Hearst would eventually become a hugely successful businessman with a 2020 equivalent net worth of $30billion made through his newspaper and media company Hearst Communications. He was a pioneer in the art of mixing business and politics and emphasized sensationalism to attract attention. He leveraged news headlines in a new way that could be argued is similar to today's politically minded "fake news".

In the 19th century, general stores were the place to shop for everything. Eventually these small businesses morphed into department stores of the 20th century. In the 21st century of course internet shopping became the new way to get what you wanted. These photos highlight the mid 20th century department store where there was an elevator operator announcing the floors (second floor, shoes, hats, jewelry, lingerie; third floor mezzanine and cafe...). Where you could buy everything from tobacco products to notions to high fashion. Discover what shopping used to be like when it was a destination, but also a pastime.

Long days, backbreaking work, low pay: In the late 19th century and early 20th century, the average American worked 7 days a week, 12 hours a day just to survive. Even children as young as 5 or 6 would work in order to help their families. Imagine working every waking hour just to fill your belly and the bellies of those you loved! Labor unions were created to enforce better wages from businesses, working hours, and even paid vacations for workers. In 1894, Labor Day became a federal holiday as a tribute to the contribution of all of those who labored on behalf of the U.S. These photos highlight some of the tough jobs and working conditions of our ancestors, as well as some of the turn of the century parades in honor of them.

Do you remember walking to the local corner store, buying some penny candy (or if you were flush, a nickel candy bar), having a coke, maybe getting a yo-yo or coloring book? The corner store was a popular spot in any city for kids and adults alike - where you could get everything you would need from food to sending a letter. These general store business photos will remind you of all these memories and more.

Becoming America's President takes money. While this is truer today than ever in U.S. History, it might not surprise you to know that most of our Presidents came from wealthy stock. In 2010, 24/7 Wall St assembled a list of all U.S. Presidents' net worth, adjusted for inflation to modern currency values. We thought we'd take a look at histories of the 10 richest men to become leaders of the free world at that time.