Historic Photos - Men's Jobs

Men’s Jobs in Agrarian Chesterfield

By Ann Chrissos

In the early days of Chesterfield, men worked long, hard hours.  Most owned land on which cash crops, such as corn, wheat, melons and potatoes, were planted.  Some of these farmers also ran side businesses, like blacksmithing and butchering.  Many area farmers used hired laborers to help operate their farms.  This was definitely true of men who worked at non-farm related jobs.  These jobs included banking, operating a ferry, water delivery, service station owners and attendants, mail carriers, general merchandise store owners and employees of the Water Works Company.  Some men managed to find the time and energy to serve as volunteer firemen and to play on local baseball teams. Chesterfield entrepreneurs helped the area to develop into a vibrant community.

For more information about Chesterfield families go to http://www.chesterfield.mo.us/historical-commission.html