Thursday, July 7, 2022

1928 Construction Work

This image takes my breath away. No helmets, no gloves, leather bottom shoes, no net, just a few wooden boards to walk on, bucket in the way so must step over it, such danger! I am hyperventilating just looking at this image. 
Workers installing a Greek Revival architectural column on the Civil Courts building in St. Louis, Missouri, 1928. (Photo by W.C. Runder) photo found here

5 comments:

Pam said...

I cannot imagine how anyone could do that type of work! I'm in awe of those window washers who clean skyscraper glass, and they have safety harnesses. I sure hope those workers were well paid, but during those were hard years. The CCC and WPA came after the time that building was erected, but we are always amazed at what minimally trained workers (many very young) were able to accomplish back then with basic tools. Sometimes it's really good to look back at our history. This is a fabulous picture. Hope you're doing well, Rosemary. We are thrilled to have a rainy day. We sure need the moisture! BTW, a few weeks ago I found the L'Oreal Elvive hair product you shared with us. It's really helping my dry hair. Thanks!!!

Content in a Cottage said...

Pam -- I never tire of looking at early construction work and I've never seen this one. The ones in NYC are more familiar to me and I recently saw a photo of a PHOTOGRAPHER taking one of those photos. It was amazing too. You often forget about the person on the other side of the camera.
I am SO GLAD to hear your hair is responding to the product I recommended. It is great for my dry hair too. Have a wonderful weekend. xo, Rosemary

Eileen in Fla. said...

Clearly this project took place before OSHA, federal safety standards, and Labor Unions. I wonder if this was during the Great Depression and men took any job they could find. I've read that many lives were lost during the construction of the Hoover Dam and Golden Gate Bridge.

Content in a Cottage said...

Eileen in Fla. -- This photo was taken one year before The Great Depression of 1929. It makes you wonder what these men were doing one year later doesn't it? Have a great weekend. xo, Rosemary

Anonymous said...

unbelievable!!! absolutely Nothing to keep them safe!
the same as a picture that is more widely known...
three men eating their lunches out of lunch boxes
and they're all lined up sitting without any safety way up on a beam...
of a skyscraper they're building!!! what if they even Sneezed and lost their balance? it's unthinkable.