The Employments of Women: A Cyclopædia of Woman's Work
The cover image was created by the transcriber and is placed in the public domain.
BY VIRGINIA PENNY.
BOSTON: PUBLISHED BY WALKER, WISE, & COMPANY, 245 WASHINGTON STREET. 1863.
Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1862, by VIRGINIA PENNY, In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the Southern District of New York.
TO WORTHY AND INDUSTRIOUS WOMEN IN THE UNITED STATES, STRIVING TO EARN A LIVELIHOOD, This Book IS RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED BY THE AUTHOR.
It is very easy to obtain book after book on The Sphere of Woman, The Mission of Woman, and The Influence of Woman. But to a practical mind it must be evident that good advice is not sufficient. That is very well, provided the reader is supplied with the comforts of life. But plans need to be devised, pursuits require to be opened, by which women can earn a respectable livelihood. It is the great want of the day. It is in order to meet that want that this work has been prepared. The few employments that have been open to women are more than full. To withdraw a number from the few markets of female labor already crowded to excess, by directing them to avenues where they are wanted, would thereby benefit both parties.
At no time in our country's history have so many women been thrown upon their own exertions. A million of men are on the battle field, and thousands of women, formerly dependent on them, have lost or may lose their only support. Some of the mothers, wives, sisters, and daughters of soldiers, may take the vacancies created in business by their absence—others must seek new channels of labor.
An exact estimate of woman as she has been, and now is, furnishes a problem difficult to solve. Biographies and histories merely furnish a clue to what she has been. Prejudice has exaggerated these portraitures. Woman as she now is, save in fiction and society, is scarcely known. The future position of woman is a matter of conjecture only. No mathematical nicety can be brought to bear upon the subject, for it is one not capable of data. More particularly is it difficult to define what her future condition in a business capacity will be. Man will have much to do with it, but woman more. I know of no work giving a true history of woman's condition in a business capa city. Socially, morally, mentally, and religiously, she is written about; but not as a working, every-day reality, in any other capacity than that pertaining to home life. It has been to me a matter of surprise that some one has not presented the subject in a practical way, that would serve as an index to the opening of new occupations, and present the feasibility of women engaging in many from which they are now debarred. It is strange there is no book on the subject, in any language, for it is a world-wide subject. Its roots are in the very basis of society—its ramifications as numerous as the nations of the earth—yes, as the individual members of the human family. The welfare of every man, woman, and child is involved in the subject. For who is entirely free from female influence—who is devoid of interest in the sex—who exists free from relationship, or any connection with woman? There is no man that is not involved in what affects woman, and the reverse is also true. It should therefore be a subject of paramount interest to all. Particularly does the subject appeal to the heart of woman. If she does not need to make a practical use of information on the subject, she will find its possession no disadvantage. It may assist her, from motives of friendship, or benevolent feelings, to advise and direct others. Is there any woman, not entirely devoid of all sensibility, but desires an amelioration in the condition of the working class of her sex—those who earn a mere pittance, scarce enough to keep body and soul together?
Virginia Penny
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1. Amanuenses.
2. Astronomers.
3. Authors.
5. Bible Readers.
4. Bankers and Bankers' Clerks.
6. Brokers.
7. Colonizationists.
8. Colportors.
9. Copyists.
10. Deaconesses.
11. Dentists.
12. Editresses.
13. Government Officers.
14. Lawyers.
15. Lecturers.
16. Librarians.
17. Magazine Contributors.
18. Missionaries.
19. Medical Missionaries.
20. Physicians.
21. Preachers.
22. Proof Readers.
23. Publishers.
24. Readers to the Working Classes.
25. Reporters.
26. Reviewers.
27. Teachers.
38. Translators.
39. Actresses.
40. Aquaria Makers.
41. Architects.
42. Cameo Cutters.
43. Copperplate Engravers.
44. Daguerreans.
45. Schools of Design.
46. Miscellaneous Designers.
49. Draughtswomen.
50. Employés in the United States Mint.
51. Engravers and Chasers of Gold and Silver.
52. Equestrians and Gymnasts.
53. Etchers and Stamp Cutters.
54. Herbarium Makers.
55. Lapidaries.
56. Landscape Gardeners.
57. Lithographers.
58. Map Makers.
59. Medallists.
60. Modellers.
61. Modellers of Wax Figures.
62. Mineral Labellers and Arrangers.
63. Musicians.
64. Music Engravers and Folders.
65. Opera Performers.
66. Painters.
79. Painters of Dial Plates.
80. Picture Restorers.
81. Piano Tuners.
82. Plaster Statuary.
83. Painters of Plates for Books.
84. Photographists and Colorists.
85. Preparers of Scientific Plates.
86. Seal Engravers.
87. Sculptors.
88. Steel and other Engravers.
94. Telegraph Operators.
95. Vocalists.
96. Wax Work.
97. Wood Engravers.
98. Merchants.
99. Bookkeepers.
100. Book Merchants.
101. China Merchants.
102. Clothiers.
103. Curiosity Dealers.
104. Druggists and Druggists' Clerks.
105. Keepers of Fancy Stores.
106. Gentlemen's Furnishing Stores.
107. Furniture Sellers.
108. Grocers.
109. Junk Dealers.
110. Music Sellers.
111. Sellers of Artists' Materials.
112. Sellers of Seeds, Roots, and Herbs.
113. Sellers of Small Wares.
114. Sellers of Snuff, Tobacco, and Cigars.
115. Saleswomen.
116. Street Sellers.
117. Toy Merchants.
118. Wall Paper Dealers.
119. Worn Clothes and Second-hand Furniture.
120. Variety Shops.
121. Agriculturists.
122. Bee Dealers.
123. Bird Importers and Raisers.
124. Bird and Animal Preservers.
125. Florists.
126. Flower Girls.
127. Fruit Growers.
128. Fruit Venders.
129. Gardeners.
130. Makers of Cordial and Syrups.
131. Root, Bark, and Seed Gatherers.
132. Seed Envelopers and Herb Packers.
133. Sellers of Pets.
134. Wine Manufacturers and Grape Growers.
135. Bread Bakers.
136. Brewers.
137. Candy Manufacturers.
138. Cheesemakers.
139. Coffee and Chocolate Packers.
140. Cracker Bakers.
141. Fancy Confectionery.
142. Fish Women.
143. Macaroni.
144. Maple Sugar.
145. Market Women.
146. Meat Sellers.
147. Milk Dealers.
148. Mince Meat and Apple Butter.
149. Mustard Packers.
150. Oyster Sellers.
151. Pie Bakers.
152. Picklers of Oysters.
153. Poulterers.
154. Restaurant Keepers.
155. Sealed Provisions, Pickles, and Sauces.
156. Sugar Makers.
157. Tea Packers.
158. Vermicelli.
159. Vinegar.
160. Yeast.
161. Cotton Manufacturers.
177. Linen Manufacture.
179. Woollen Manufacture.
193. Silk Manufacture.
196. Lace Makers.
198. Hair Cloth Manufacture.
199. Iron.
Brass Manufacture.
217. Steel Manufacture.
232. Copper and Zinc Manufacture.
233. Tin Manufacture.
235. Britannia Ware.
236. Silver.
239. Silver Plating.
240. Bronze.
241. Gold and Jewelry Manufactures.
252. Indian Goods.
253. Inkstands.
254. Lithoconia
255. Marble Workers.
256. Mineral Door Knobs.
257. Paper Cutters.
258. Papier-Maché Finishers.
259. Pipes.
260. Porcelain.
261. Pottery and Earthenware.
262. Stucco Work.
263. Terra Cotta.
264. Transferrers on Wood.
265. Glass Manufacture.
266. Blowers.
267. Beads.
268. Cutters or Grinders.
269. Embossers.
270. Enamellers.
271. Engravers.
272. Painters.
273. Stainers.
274. Watch Crystals.
275. China Decorators.
276. Leather.
277. Currying.
278. Harness.
279. Jewel and Instrument Cases.
280. Morocco Sewers.
281. Pocket Books.
282. Saddle Seats.
283. Tanning.
284. Trunks.
285. Whips.
286. Whalebone Workers.
287. Brush Manufacturers.
288. Ivory Workers.
289. Combs.
290. Piano Keys.
291. Rules.
292. Pearl Workers.
293. Tortoise-Shell Workers.
294. Gum Elastic Manufacture.
295. Men's Clothing.
296. Shoes.
297. Toys.
298. Gutta Percha Manufacture.
299. Artists.
300. Dressers.
301. Dyers.
302. Growers.
303. Manufacturers.
304. Merchants.
305. Willow Ware.
306. Carvers.
307. Kindling Wood.
308. Pattern Makers.
309. Rattan Splitters.
310. Segar Boxes.
311. Turners.
312. Express and other Conveyances.
313. General Agents.
314. Literary, Book, and Newspaper Agents.
315. Mercantile Agents.
316. Pens.
317. Sewing Machines.
318. School Agents.
319. Telegraph Instruments.
320. Washing Machines.
321. Artificial Flowers.
322. Belts.
323. Bonnet Ruches.
324. Dress Trimmings.
325. Embroideries.
326. Feathers.
327. Hoop Skirts.
328. Muslin Sets.
329. Parasols and Umbrellas.
330. Sempstresses.
331. Sewing Machine Operatives.
332. Dyers.
333. Sewers.
334. Bonnets.
335. Bonnet Frames.
336. Bonnet Wire.
337. Children's Clothes.
338. Cloaks and Mantillas.
339. Costumes.
340. Dresses.
341. Dress Caps and Head Dresses.
342. Fans.
343. Ladies' Under-Wear.
344. Over Gaiters.
345. Patterns.
346. Shoes.
347. Stays and Corsets.
348. Bleachers and Pressers.
349. Braiders.
350. Sewers.
351. Gentlemen's Wear.
352. Ladies' Wear.
353. Army and Navy Uniform.
354. Buttons.
355. Canes.
356. Caps.
357. Coats.
358. Cravats.
359. Hats.
360. Oil Clothing.
361. Pantaloons.
362. Regalias.
363. Shirts.
364. Suspenders.
365. Tailoresses.
366. Vests.
367. Upholsterers.
368. Beds.
369. Carpets.
370. Curled Hair Pullers.
371. Curtain Trimmings.
372. Furniture Goods.
373. Mattresses.
374. Venetian Blinds.
375. Window Shades.
376. Bookfolders.
377. Book Sewers.
378. Card Makers.
379. Card Stencillers and Painters.
380. Cover and Edge Gilders.
381. Electrotypers.
382. Envelope Makers.
383. Folders and Directors of Newspapers.
384. Ink.
385. Label Cutters.
386. Lead Pencils.
387. Operatives in Paper Factories.
388. Paper-Bag Makers.
389. Paper-Box Makers.
390. Paper Marblers.
391. Paper Rulers.
392. Press Feeders.
393. Printers.
394. Sealing-Wax Makers.
395. Stereotypers.
396. Type Rubbers and Setters.
397. Wall Paper Gilders.
398. Chemicals.
399. Baking Powders.
400. Bar and Soft Soap.
401. Blacking.
402. Candles.
403. Chalk.
404. Emery Paper.
405. Fancy Soaps.
406. Fire Works.
407. Flavoring Extracts.
408. Glue.
409. Gunpowder.
410. Oils.
411. Paints.
412. Patent Medicines.
413. Pearlash.
414. Perfumery.
415. Quinine.
416. Salt.
417. Soda.
418. Starch.
419. White Lead.
420. Whiting.
421. Assistants in Public and Benevolent Institutions.
422. Commissioners of Deeds.
423. Housekeepers.
424. Keepers of Intelligence Offices.
425. Lighthouse Keepers.
426. Pawnbrokers.
427. Postmistresses.
428. Sewing-Machine Instructors.
429. Shepherdesses.
430. Toll Collectors.
431. Bathhouse Attendants.
432. Brace and Truss Makers.
433. Chiropodists.
434. Cuppers and Leechers.
435. Fishing-Tackle Preparers.
436. Fortune Tellers.
437. Guides and Door Attendants.
438. Lodging and Boarding House Keepers.
439. Makers of Artificial Eyes.
440. Artificial Limbs.
441. Artificial Teeth.
442. Nurses for the Sick.
443. Steamboat and Railroad News Venders.
444. Street Musicians.
445. Tavern Keepers.
446. Travelling Companions.
447. Mistresses.
448. Domestics.
449. Chambermaids.
450. Cooks.
451. Dining-Room Waiters.
452. Ladies' Maids.
453. Nurses for Children.
454. Saloon Attendants.
455. Washers, Ironers, and Manglers.
456. Backgammon-Board Finishers.
457. Balloon Makers.
458. Billiard-Table Finishers.
459. Bill Posters.
460. Block Cutters.
461. Boatwomen.
462. Bone Collectors.
463. Bottlers and Labellers.
464. Broom Makers.
465. Bronzes.
466. Canvas and Cotton Bag Makers.
467. Carriage and Car Painters.
468. Carriage Trimmers.
469. Chair Seaters.
470. China Menders.
471. Cigar Makers.
472. Cigar-End Finders.
473. Cinder Gatherers.
474. Clear Starchers.
475. Clock Makers.
476. Clothes-Pin Makers.
477. Clothes Repairers.
478. Cork Assorters and Sole Stitchers.
479. Daguerreotype Apparatus.
480. Feather Dressers.
481. Flag Makers.
482. Furniture Painters.
483. Gilders of Mirror Frames.
484. Globe Makers.
485. Hobby Horse Finishers.
486. Horse Coverings.
487. House Painters.
488. Japanners.
489. Knitters.
490. Lace Bleachers.
491. Lacquerers.
492. Life Preservers.
493. Lucifer Matches.
494. Mat Makers.
495. Manufacturers of Musical Instruments.
496. Musical String Makers.
497. Netters.
498. Oakum Pickers.
499. Paper Hangers.
500. Polishers.
501. Pure Finders.
502. Rag Cutters.
503. Rag Gatherers.
504. Rope and Twine Makers.
505. Sail and Awning Makers.
506. Shoe-Peg Makers.
507. Shroud Makers.
508. Sign Painters.
509. Snuff Packers.
510. Stencil Makers.
511. Street Sweepers.
512. Tip Gilders.
513. Tobacco Strippers.
514. Toy Makers.
515. Varnishers and Varnish Makers.
516. Water Carriers.
517. Blind Women.
518. Deaf Mutes.
519. The Lame.
520. United States.
521. England.
522. France.
523. Other Countries.
524. United States.
525. England.
526. France.
527. Occupations in which no Women are employed.
528. None in the United States.
529. Very few employed.
530. The South.
531. Prices of Board for Workwomen, and Remarks of Employers.
532. Number of Work Hours.
533. Extracts from the Census Report for 1860.
REMARKS ON PRECEDING TABLES.
