My first job happened when I was thirteen. At that age, we were allowed to work on the tobacco farms in Connecticut. All summer long, we would get picked up at 5:30 a.m. in front of City Hall. We would get to the farm to start work at 7 a.m.
At the beginning of summer, the work started with hoeing the tobacco plants. It was difficult on our hands as it caused severe blisters that we had to tape up. We worked until 5 p.m. and had a lunch break at noon for halfan hour. Water was always available in large metal tanks.
After the first month, the plants needed to be tied to a string that ran across the top of a tent that had been constructed. The work was done as piecework, so based on how many rows we had tied up.
We did this type of work for another month as we had to wind the string around the plants to keep them upright. Once they reached the top of the tent, the male workers would have the task of cutting them down and bringing them into the large sheds.
We used large machines to secure the leaves to a wood strip, and the men then hung them up dry in the higher sections of the sheds. At the end of the summer, all of us were treated to free rides at a local amusement park to thank us for our hard work all summer.
At this job, I made a good sum of money but gave most of it to my mother to help with getting food and things I and my six siblings needed since my parents were divorced.
I did this type of work for three summers and learned that I could be a good worker if I put my mind to it.
Loved this.
Thank you!
Rosemary