You could argue that the history of humankind is the history of work. In order to thrive, not just survive, people learned to specialize in a wide range of crafts. However, in this day and age, with so many folks working from behind a computer, you can sometimes forget that it’s still working-class people who form the backbone of society. It’s workers who keep civilization running. It’s they who keep the literal and proverbial lights on.
Our team at Bored Panda has painstakingly curated this list of the most impressive and powerful vintage photos of the American working class. Scroll down for a trip into the past and enjoy these old-timey pictures. The details in them are fascinating!
Bored Panda wanted to learn about how current industry trends such as the spread of automation and generative AI might affect the working and middle classes, so we reached out to marketing psychology expert Matt Johnson, PhD, the host of the Human Nature and Psychology of Marketing blogs. You'll find the insights he shared with us below.
#41 Placer Mines, Worker Steaming Water To Assist With Mining Operations, Early 1900s
14points
#43 Construction Of Lower Level Of The State, War & Navy Dept., Close-Up View Of Workers In And Above Pit, 1884
Report
13points
#44 Workers Moving Newly Printed Currency Into A Drying Box Where Sheets Will Dry Before The Next Wetting And Printing At The Bureau Of Engraving & Printing, 1890
13points
#45 Workers Taking Mucilaged Sheets Of Postage Stamps From The Drying Box In The Gumming And Drying Room Of The Stamp Division At The Bureau Of Engraving & Printing, 1895
13points
#47 Interior View Of Northville Hatchery, Clark Boxes In Foreground, 1897
Report
13points
#48 Workers With A Mill Jitney Hauling Lumber, Bordeaux Lumber Company, 1919
Report
13points
#49 Girl Driver On A Motor Mail Truck, Between 1893 - 1945
13points
#50 Toledo Computing Scale Company, Toledo, Ohio, 1905
12points