Life in the Early 20th Century Background and context for Our Town

Technology The U.S. becomes a leader in industry and invention. New technologies included: electricity, flight, gasoline engines, etc. However, these aren’t available to everyone for a while Automation changed agriculture practices. More foods could be preserved and served out of season. Technology changed the way people got around, too.

Transportation Early in the 20th century, horses are still used For long trips, trains are used As the century progresses, other ways of getting around are created: Automobiles Electric railways Airplanes

Work Life New technologies brought changes to the workplace Henry Ford introduced moving assembly lines Gas- and electric-powered machines sped up labor Good working conditions became more important. The idea of Saturday as a day off and a national weekend became more accepted and common

Entertainment People able to buy more Radio—information and entertainment Driving for fun Sports (baseball and football popular) Outdoor music Drug stores and Ice-cream parlors

Home Life New technology began improving home life as well. Washing machines Vacuum cleaners Early central heating However, not everyone had these newer things. In the early 1900s, most homes still used kerosene and an outhouse, for instance. People started buying some things from department stores and catalogs Women were the main consumers, as they had been making these products before

New England Towns Three in five Americans lived in a town having a population of less than 2,500 Large immigrant populations coming in to the country People expected to be honest, hard working, God fearing

Small Town Life Milkmen, ice men (summer), mailmen, and garbage men went from house to house on a daily basis. Doctors and dentists made house calls Social stigma for those who gambled or drank Gossip was a form of social control

Daily Life for Men Men were head of the household and society Before the “weekend” was popularized, most men worked six days a week. Daily hours usually between 10-14 hours Weekly pay would be around $12

Daily Life for Women Most states forbade women to have property in their own name More women were finding work outside of their homes Most still stayed at home, however. They were responsible for cooking, cleaning, childcare, etc. New technology and buying pre- made goods did allow for some leisure time.

Mortality Life expectancy for white Americans was 48 years Life expectancy was 33 years for African Americans In 1900 there was a fifty-fifty chance that a family of four would have a child die before the age of 5.