The following circular letter was sent out in November, 1895, to the members of the Civic Club of Philadelphia:
The Committee on Household Economics to the Members of the Civic Club:
The following standards of work and wages are submitted by the Committee on Household Economics to the members of the Civic Club for their consideration, with a view to taking some action on the subject during the next season.
If any amendments or additions suggest themselves to the members of the Club, will they please note them in the blank space left for that purpose, and send the paper to the Chairman of the Household Economics at the address given below?
In case an applicant for service fails to come up to these standards, the employer agrees to furnish instruction in the points of failure, the employee agreeing to share half the expense of such instruction by accepting a corresponding reduction of weekly wages until skill is attained. It is understood, of course, that the employer furnishes the proper materials and utensils for the performance of the labor.
STANDARDS OF WORK AND WAGES IN HOUSEHOLD LABOR
Cooks at $3.50 or $4.00 per Week
- Must understand care of range or stove.
- Must understand care of sinks and drains.
- Must understand care of kitchen, cellar, and ice-chest.
- Must understand care of utensils.
- Must understand making bread, biscuit, muffins, and griddle cakes.
- Must understand making soup stock.
- Must understand roasting, boiling, and broiling meats.
- Must understand dressing and cooking poultry.
- Must understand cooking eggs, fish, and oysters.
- Must understand cooking vegetables, fresh or canned.
- Must understand making tea and coffee.
- Must understand making plain desserts.
Waitresses at $3.00 or $3.50 per Week
- Must understand care of dining-room.
- Must understand care of silver, glass, and china.
- Must understand care and attention in waiting on the table.
- Must understand care of parlor and halls.
- Must understand answering the door-bell properly.