A Useful Trade

In 1800, four-fifths of all Americans worked on farms. During the second half of the century, many abandoned farm life to work in the city, in shops and in manufactories. Some of these people found a better way of life. Others became disillusioned. Out of work pioneers poured over the advertisements in local papers searching for a job. Many unskilled people sought work as electrochemical-platers. Objects like tableware and food containers were coated with a thin layer of metal to prevent corrosion and obtain a hard surface or attractive finish. Sounds exciting!