Pennsylvania Colony: From Farmyard Funk to Fancy Folk (Just Not Too Fancy)
Ah, the Pennsylvania Colony! Founded by William Penn, a Quaker dude with a serious case of the "religious tolerance" (big ups, William!), this colony attracted a whole mix of folks. But what did these colonists actually do for a living? Let's dive into the not-so-glamorous-but-definitely-interesting world of colonial Pennsylvania jobs.
From Field to Feast: Farming Fun (and a Lot of Sweat)
Pennsylvania was a land of opportunity, especially if that opportunity involved working the land harder than a bull in a china shop. Agriculture ruled the roost, with colonists growing everything from wheat (think artisanal bread, way ahead of its time) to corn (because a good cob never goes out of style). Imagine a scene straight out of a hipster dream: locally-sourced, organic everything!
But it wasn't all sunshine and roses (literally, roses weren't a huge cash crop). Farming was backbreaking work, and the weather wasn't exactly known for cooperating. Still, it kept food on the table (and ale in the mugs... because priorities).
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| What Jobs Did Pennsylvania Colony Have |
Beyond the Barn: Supplying the Folks
Of course, Pennsylvania wasn't just about farms. There were also plenty of folks who made their living by supplying the needs of the colonists. Here's a glimpse into this colonial career fair:
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- Carpenters: These were the rockstars of the colony, building houses from grand mansions to humble abodes. Basically, they were the Chip Gaines of their time (minus the shiplap... and the whole reality TV thing).
- Blacksmiths: The original metalheads! These guys were the go-to people for anything that needed hammering, heating, or, well, blacksmithing. Need a horseshoe for your nag? See the blacksmith! Frying pan on the fritz? Blacksmith's your man (or woman... although female blacksmiths were pretty rare).
- Cobblers: Also known as shoemakers (because apparently, "cobbler" just sounds cooler), these folks kept everyone's feet happy, from the fanciest pumps to the most sturdy work boots.
The Fancy Folk (Well, Kinda Fancy)
Now, let's not forget those who weren't exactly covered in dirt or calluses. Pennsylvania also had some folks living the (slightly) more luxurious life:
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- Merchants: These were the early Jeff Bezoses, importing and exporting goods and making a tidy profit in the process. They hobnobbed with the social elite (whoever bathed the most that week) and probably had the fanciest waistcoats in town.
- Lawyers: For those who loved a good argument (and arguing about quill pens seems to have been a popular pastime), there was always a career in law. Just imagine the courtroom drama, complete with powdered wigs and fainting spells (hopefully not caused by the lead paint).
So, what can we learn? The Pennsylvania Colony wasn't all glitz and glamour, but it was a place where people worked hard, built a community, and (hopefully) had some fun along the way.
FAQ: Pennsylvania Colony Careers
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How to become a farmer? Show up with a strong back, a love for the land, and the ability to ignore the occasional disgruntled cow.
How to become a blacksmith? Find a mentor who can teach you the fine art of metalworking (and how to avoid getting burned... a lot).
How to become a cobbler? Learn to sew, have a knack for working with leather, and be prepared to hear a lot of foot puns.
How to become a merchant? Have a good head for business, a tolerance for seasickness (if you're importing stuff), and a top hat that says, "I mean business!"
How to become a lawyer? Be able to speak eloquently (even if it's about something as dull as property rights), and don't mind wearing itchy clothes (seriously, those wigs look hot).
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