In 1860 Massachusetts, carpenters typically worked six days a week, earning an average of $1.35 per day, amounting to an annual income of $421.20. While federal income tax did not yet exist, their wages were quickly absorbed by the costs of living. Typical expenditures included $2.79 per week for boardinghouse accommodations, $0.23 per pound for coffee, and $0.12 per pound for sausages. Additional essential costs, such as clothing ($1.50 to $5.00 per item) and tools ($1.50 to $3.00 each), further strained their limited budgets, leaving little opportunity for savings or discretionary spending.
The carpenter’s daily routine was characterized by arduous physical labor, with workdays often exceeding 10 hours. Their craft required not only skill but also endurance, as every task, from sawing to assembling, was performed manually. Most carpenters resided in shared boardinghouses to minimize living expenses, consuming simple meals of bread, cornmeal, and other affordable staples. Expenses for heating and lighting, such as firewood and lamp oil, compounded the financial pressures, and recreational activities were infrequent luxuries.
Despite these constraints, carpenters played a pivotal role in shaping the infrastructure of 19th-century America. Their contributions were foundational to the construction of homes, barns, and public buildings that supported the country’s growing economy. Their dedication to craftsmanship and industriousness reflected the broader ethos of the era, highlighting their importance in the nation’s expansion and development.