Colonial Businesses Created by Kristin Dahl

Click on one of the business names to learn more about it! Apothecary Barber/ Wigmaker Cooper Blacksmith Printer/ Bookseller Tavern Owner Grocer Carpenter Cobbler Shipwright Silversmith Milliner

Apothecary A colonial apothecary was considered the doctor in the town. sells medicine, paint, varnish, linseed oil, paintbrushes and window glass, as well as performs surgery.

Barber/Wigmaker A colonial barber and wigmaker makes wigs from horse, goat and human hair. Shaves men, makes wigs, pulls teeth and helps cure illnesses

Cobbler A colonial cobbler or shoemaker is one of the most common colonial businesses. Makes shoes and boots

Cooper A colonial cooper makes barrels, which are used to store goods on ships and in homes. Coopers make casks which: Hold flour, gunpowder, tobacco, and other commodities Store liquids from wine to milk

Milliner A Millinery shop sells cloth, ribbons, lace and similar materials. The Millinery trade was considered a “woman’s” profession, and such businesses were run by women. In addition to selling materials, a milliner would also make shirts, aprons, neckerchiefs, caps, cloaks, hoods, hats, ruffles and trim for gowns. If you worked as an apprentice at a Millinery shop, you could eventually get a job in a gown-making business.

Blacksmith A colonial blacksmith fashioned items from iron and steel for the their fellow tradesmen to use in their work and also made things for household use. Blacksmiths made tools for farmers, iron rims for wheels, fireplace racks, irons, pothooks, locks, utensils, and wrought iron decorations.

Grocer A colonial grocer sells tea, coffee beans, flour, cornmeal, dried beans, cocoa, sugar, molasses, spices and dried fruit. A grocery is usually run by a family. Many of the items sold in the grocer’s store are imported from the Mother Country.

Shipwright A colonial shipwright builds and repairs ships. A shipwright was an important job in cities located near bodies of water.

Printer/Bookseller A colonial printer/bookseller prints pamphlets, newspapers, advertisements, proclamations of the governors, legal forms, religious sermons and schoolbooks. Bind and print books to sell

Tavern Owner A colonial tavern owner runs a place where food and drinks are served. The tavern also provides beds for travelers to stay over night.

Carpenter A colonial carpenter was the most useful of all tradesmen because most structures were built from wood. The carpenter’s job was to cut and join timber and board into sturdy wooden homes and shops. Repair work was also a common job as the cities grew.

Silversmith A colonial silversmith made coffee pots, teapots, sugar bowls, cream pitchers, bowls, utensils, and other items of silver. Silversmiths were thought of as skilled artists. They could be both men and women. Silver has to be heated to over 2,000 degrees to be formed into different shapes!