A more complete list of occupations, in alphabetical order, from our sample:
Accountant
Actress
Artist
Bank Teller
Bench-Worker
Bookkeeper
Box Maker
Cashier
Cigar Stripper
Clerk
Corset Fitter
Dance Teacher
Dental hygienist
Dietician
Domestic/Servant
Dressmaker
Editor
Floor Supervisor
Furrier
Governess
Hairdresser
Housewife
Janitress
Jeweler
Journalist
Knitter
Laundress
Librarian
Machine Operator
Manicurist
Masseuse
Matron
Milliner
Music Teacher
Musician
Nurse
Paper Censor (Courant)
Photographer
Physician
Printer
Saleslady
Seamstress
Secretary
Slipper maker
Social Worker
Statistician
Stenographer
Student
Tailoress
Teacher
Telegram recorder
Telephone Operator
Tobacco Sorter
Waitress
What were their names?
Names go in cycles. In the mid 1970s, Jennifer and Amy topped the national lists. Right now Olivia and Emma are the most popular. Mary was far and away the most popular name for those registering to vote in 1920. The voting age at the time was 21, so these were women born in 1899 and prior. Below are the results from our sample of approximately 6100 women.
*Denotes multiple spellings of the name
How did they spend the day?
Some of the professions available to women in 1920, such as nurse, department store employee, and teacher, remain options today. Technology and societal changes have decreased the number of dressmakers and stenographers. Among those in our 1920 sample, one was even an undertaker!
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