Results: Jobs That No Longer Exist

Elevator operators were responsible for manually opening and closing the doors, controlling the speed of the car and informing patrons of the items or companies on each floor. Have you ever ridden a manually operated elevator?

Crossing sweepers were 19th century maintenance employees who swept the streets throughout the day. Wealthy people would often hire them to prevent contact with waste or to protect their clothes. Were you aware there was ever such a job?

Soda Jerks dispensed soda into glasses from a spigot behind the counter. They also made milkshakes and egg creams, yum! Have you ever had an egg cream?

Employers of the 1900's sure knew how to pamper their employees. Lectors were hired to read books or newspapers aloud to keep the employees entertained. The Lector would stand or sit on an elevated surface so the whole factory could hear. Have you ever heard of this job?

Knocker Uppers were hired to wake people up by making a loud noise before electronic alarm clocks existed. People in the 1800's would hire Knocker Uppers to shoot peas at their windows or tap on the glass with long poles. Hmm, that alarm is starting to look pretty good now isn't it? Were you aware that this job was ever a real thing?