Kate: Trials of a Victorian Shop Girl - Part IV
Gossip Column #8
(Missed the first part of Kate’s story? Start from the beginning with Kate: Trials of a Victorian Shop Girl - Part 1)
Most stores in London (and elsewhere throughout the country) hired shop girls strictly on the basis of recommendations from well-known society members (who would no doubt patronize the stores at which the girls they recommended worked). On the rare occasion that a shop advertised for workers, the owner found himself inundated with girls all jostling for the position.
Other shop owners took on female apprentices, but these were pay-as-you-go positions. Specifically, the apprentice (or more typically the apprentice’s father) paid a small yearly sum to the shop owner in exchange for room, board and training. An apprenticeship, especially in the clothing trade, could last for up to seven years. Kate had no intention of parting with her hard earned wages, nor did she intend spend another seven years of her life in indentured servitude. Yet she found herself turned down for a position time and again.
In despair, she wrote to her sister, hoping at least for a bit of sympathy. Instead writing a letter back, Rose sent a cable to her sister.
“Shop girl position at Beth’s Fine Millinery. STOP. Personally recommended you. STOP. Will take you on trial.”
Within two weeks of receiving the cable, Kate had given in her notice and left for the Cotswolds and the start of her new life.
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(Missed the first part of Kate’s story? Start from the beginning with Kate: Trials of a Victorian Shop Girl - Part 1)
Most stores in London (and elsewhere throughout the country) hired shop girls strictly on the basis of recommendations from well-known society members (who would no doubt patronize the stores at which the girls they recommended worked). On the rare occasion that a shop advertised for workers, the owner found himself inundated with girls all jostling for the position.
Other shop owners took on female apprentices, but these were pay-as-you-go positions. Specifically, the apprentice (or more typically the apprentice’s father) paid a small yearly sum to the shop owner in exchange for room, board and training. An apprenticeship, especially in the clothing trade, could last for up to seven years. Kate had no intention of parting with her hard earned wages, nor did she intend spend another seven years of her life in indentured servitude. Yet she found herself turned down for a position time and again.
In despair, she wrote to her sister, hoping at least for a bit of sympathy. Instead writing a letter back, Rose sent a cable to her sister.
“Shop girl position at Beth’s Fine Millinery. STOP. Personally recommended you. STOP. Will take you on trial.”
Within two weeks of receiving the cable, Kate had given in her notice and left for the Cotswolds and the start of her new life.
Want to keep on top of the latest gossip? You can have the "Discovery Lane Gossip Column" delivered straight to your inbox! Just click the "subscribe" button at the top of the page, enter your email address and follow the instructions. You will receive and email from Feedburner confirming your request. You must click the link in that email in order to keep on top of all the Discovery Lane happenings! Enjoy!
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