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Crafts and Trades in Colonial America

 

 

Image:  Wheelwright

In colonial times, everything people used had to be made by hand. Craftsmen made furniture, tools, wheels, utensils, glass, and more.  Master craftspeople owned shops in which they sold their products for money or used the barter system of trade. 

Craftspeople did not learn their trades by going to school.  Instead, as youngsters between the ages of 10-15, they learned their craft by being apprentices to master craftspeople.  Apprentices served their masters for 4-7 years.  In return for learning the secrets of a trade, apprentices were provided with clean clothes, a place to sleep, and food. 

At the end of their contract, apprentices had to produce a finished product called a "master-piece" because the product was judged by their master.  If the product passed the master's inspection, the apprentice "passed" his apprenticeship and became a "journeyman". Journeymen traveled to nearby villages, making and repairing goods until they could save enough money to open their own shop.

Occupations/Definitions

Image: Broommaker

  1. Colonial Occupations and Definitions

  2. Colonial Occupations and Definitions

  3. Colonial Occupations and Definitions

  4. Glossary of Colonial Terms

  5. Occupations from Yesteryear

  6. The Economics of Trade

 

Image: Cooper

 

Occupations with Descriptions and/or Photos

 

Image: Wheelwright

  1. Apothecary

  2. Broom Making

  3. Cabinetmaker

  4. Colonial Trades Student Page

  5. Colonial Trades (Bookbinder, Brickmaker, Printer, Silversmith, Wig Maker)

  6. Colonial Trades - Williamsburg (Click on each red word to reveal its description)

  7. Colonial Trades (several)

  8. Dyeing & Weaving

  9. 18th Century Colonial Trades (Blacksmith, Brickmaker, Silversmith, and Wigmaker)

  10. Flax Use

  11. Harnessmaker and Saddler

  12. Leather Working

  13. Old Sturbridge Village Tour

  14. Printing

  15. Silversmith

  16. Silver and Shoes

  17. Tanners

  18. Trades in Colonial NH

  19. Weaver

  20. Wigmaker

Tools with Descriptions and Photos/Movies

Image: Spinner

  1. Colonial Tools

  2. Colonial Tools - Williamsburg (Click on each tool name to reveal pictures and descriptions)

  3. Video Demonstrations of Early American Tools:                

  Hit Counter visitors as of March 5, 2003  Last updated:06/20/2006