Interesting comment about women running coin presses - 1899 0

[RWB]

In this short letter, mint director George Roberts offers the suggestion that only men should operate coin presses.

 

Feb. 20, 1899.

 Superintendent, U. S. Mint,

Philadelphia, Pa.

 Sir:

 In view of the small force at present employed in the Coining Room, I suggest that you now consider the proposition of employing men only in that room. I believe that nearly all of the women have been transferred to the Adjusting Room and it occurs to me that it would be a favorable time to make the change, or at least, resolve upon it.

I believe that it has been customary to allow two women to each press. They take no interest in the machine; it has to be cared for by someone else and I understand from a number of sources, that there are more or less disadvantages connected with the use of women in this capacity. One man could take a press, run it all day, keep it clean, and care for it in every way. I do not know that you have given this matter any consideration, but I suggest that you do so at this time.

If you should conclude that it is desirable to dispense with women in this room, you could gradually transfer the few who are remaining in the Adjusting room and fill their places with men.

Edited November 9, 2023 by RWB

[Moxie15]

A man could keep something cleaner than a woman... I am speechless

[Henri Charriere]

On 11/11/2023 at 1:44 PM, Moxie15 said:

A man could keep something cleaner than a woman... I am speechless

Well, in all fairness, we're talking about being around well-oiled heavy machinery, toiling in an at-times stifling, oppressively hot atmosphere with limited air circulation amid non-stop pounding vs. cleaning women wielding feather dusters in sedate offices.

Probably prefer a crew of "get-er-done" types to get the job done.  🤣

[powermad5000]

This same letter today would cause a slew of lawsuits being filed for discrimination. How times have changed!

[zadok]

On 11/11/2023 at 8:55 PM, Henri Charriere said:

Well, in all fairness, we're talking about being around well-oiled heavy machinery, toiling in an at-times stifling, oppressively hot atmosphere with limited air circulation amid non-stop pounding vs. cleaning women wielding feather dusters in sedate offices.

Probably prefer a crew of "get-er-done" types to get the job done.  🤣

...if Rosie reads this she will be sticking those rooster feathers up a certain sedate orfice in East Harlem....

[RWB]

Employment stratification by assumed characteristics is common throughout human history.