Industrialization
Wagon Making
In early Wisconsin wagons and stagecoaches were the main mode of transportation. Wagon shops were important to small towns because wagons needed maintenance often. Wagon makers were always working to fix wheels, axels, and springs that broke due to rough roads. Wagon makers not only fixed wagons, but made them too. By the late 1800s small wagon shops were being replaced by larger manufacturers due to the fast paced production, but some small shops stayed in business by ordering parts from the growing factories and using them to increase speed and ease of production in their own shops. |
This video, made in England in the present day, is about how a wagon wheel is made. Many of the steps are similar to what Old World's wagon maker would do, except in the 19th century they did not have power tools. You do not need to watch the whole video, just from the beginning to about 1:45.
Shopkeeping/General Stores
General stores, similar to stores today, sold a variety of basics such as canned foods, axes, pails, stockings, coffee, and other items, except all in one location. They also sold fabric because clothes making in the home was still popular. Many of the goods sold were found or produced locally due to the lack of ease in delivery of goods outside of Wisconsin. Once the railroad came to Wisconsin, the amount and variety of goods in general stores increased. |
Blacksmiths
Blacksmiths were a vital part of any town in the 19th century. They were able to make horseshoes, parts for wagons and plows, and make repairs to household items. Blacksmiths also worked with wagon makers to help fix parts. As industrialization and factories began to grow, some local blacksmiths struggled with adjusting to competition from manufactured goods. |
This video is of an Old World Wisconsin blacksmith making a hook.