Various entries of wheat hauled to Lipton grain elevator in November and December of 1909 show that he was getting about 77 cents per bushel for the wheat. No mention of the grade or other details.
Another entry further down the page shows that Arthur put in 31 days helping on the Chapman and Bradshaw threshing crew and was paid $77.50 for his efforts that harvest of 1909.
This photo shows Arthur standing by the threshing machine with assorted Goodbrands, Bradshaws and Chapmans on what appears to be a cold fall day.
I'd say you wouldn't want any loose garments on around that piece of machinery our you might get a good threshing. Nice old photo.
ReplyDeleteI've heard a few stories of people that were caught in belts and pulleys with disastrous results.
DeleteI figure that pay went a lot further than today's pay would go.
ReplyDeleteI expect it did Gorges. That price per bushel in today's dollars is probably better than what we are getting for our wheat now.
DeleteThe inflation calculator I found only goes back to 1914. 77 cents in 1914 is equivalent to $15.53 per bushel in 2013 dollars. How does this compare to today's prices?
ReplyDeleteArthur was paid $1553 or $50 per day or $5/hr if 10 hr day in 2013 dollars. A bit less than minimum wage today.
http://www.bankofcanada.ca/rates/related/inflation-calculator/
Oh man! If those conversion figures are right I might as well just quit right now. True, wages are a bit higher now but that grain price is more than double what we can get today for the best wheat crop we have grown in years. I believe we are under $5 per bushel today.
DeleteI would guess they likely put in more hours to get the same $ as you though, considering the lower productivity of their machines (more manual labour). Perhaps the price point drops over time along with increased productivity, paying just enough to keep farmers growing it! Or just below enough from your perspective perhaps??
DeleteAlso looks like a screwdriver (or oil can?) in someone's hand on the right. Pausing from working on the machine for the photo.
ReplyDelete