Rural Life 1880-1920:
The Impact of Progress on Connecticut
Farming Communities

Goods and Services

Rural towns, although small, were able to support stores that stocked necessities. Farmers were largely self-sufficient and often did not have a great deal of hard currency to buy goods, but some staples could not be made or repaired at home.

< The general store was the place to buy everything that was not made on a farm, including cloth, medicines, and even occasionally treats like toys or candy.

J.M. Miller, Harness Maker
Lakeville, ca. 1880s
Photo CD: 0530 File: Img0069.pcd

< Harness makers specialized in making and repairing saddles, harnesses, and tools. Every family in a farming community needed this equipment.

< Blacksmithing was one of the most important trades, because every family needed farm equipment repaired and oxen and horses had to be shoed

Link to other essays in this Journey:

>> Introduction: Rural Life in Connecticut
>> Farming: A Way of Life
>> Civic Life
>> Connecticut Agricultural College
>> Vacationing in the Country

>> Guideposts
>> Suggestions for further reading