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1. Elevator operators
Back in the day, people were paid to operate elevators and it was by no means just a push of a button. They were in full control of opening and closing the doors, controlling direction and even the speed of the elevator car. Businesses also used them as a public relations tool and had them familiarise themselves with the building when communicating with the passengers.
Why is it extinct? In the 1960s, electronics spelled the demise of elevator operators and soon everyone started pushing their own floor number.
2. Milkmen
A few decades ago, being a milkman was a decent job where numerous cartons and bottles of milk were delivered door-to-door to households around the world in the early hours of the morning so people could have fresh milk every day. According to The Big Jewel, changes started to occur in the milk delivery services in the late 50s and 60s, mainly due to costs cut in milk production and distribution. In South Africa, you still had milk delivered to your door in the 80s and it phased out around the same time that plastic bottles instead of glass were introduced.
Why is it extinct? People started buying their own milk in convenience stores and the milk delivery trips started becoming an expense towards milk distributors.
3. Switchboard operators
A telephone operator took messages, connected various calls and provided customers with information. This job was mostly filled by women, as they seemed more polite and made customers feel more at ease. According to Engineering and Technology History, from the 1910s to the 1940s, switchboard operators were at their peak with AT&T once having over 350 000 operators managing their various switchboards. We know that this was still quite a popular job up until the late '70s, so we suspect it must have petered out during the '80s, but we're not quite sure when the job died out locally.
Why is it extinct? Automatic switches were put in place, which allowed customers to automatically connect their call without any assistance.
4. Stoker
Also known as trimmers, their main priority was to make sure that the train or ship had a constant supply of coal, which meant shoveling it from one area to the next.
Why is it extinct? Mechanical stokers were introduced and soon electric trains meant that coal wasn’t needed to fuel locomotives.
5. Town crier
In the 18th century, they would go around town chanting the news, as many people couldn’t read and write. They usually served the King and were protected by law, which is where the saying, “Don’t shoot the messenger” originated from.
Why is it extinct? People started getting their news from newspapers and radio.
6. Ice cutters
This was an extremely dangerous job, as some men had to cut ice from frozen lakes and rivers, and deliver them for commercial purposes. Just like in the film Frozen, the ice was cut with either a handsaw or power blade and was generally a male-orientated occupation.
Why is it extinct? Consumers started making their own ice blocks, thanks to electric refrigerators.
7. Lamplighter
The city would usually appoint lamplighter’s to go around streets and ignite the gas or candle lights at night, and make sure they were distinguished in the morning.
Why is it extinct? Electric lights became more popular and the job soon faded out.
8. Human computers
Before the invention of computers or the internet, some people used to be responsible for researching facts and answering questions on all manner of topics, however great or small. This job would usually go to highly intelligent people.
Why is it extinct? Digital computers started programming data and soon people started owning their own machines.
All images: iStock
