17 Paper Routes and Other Jobs Kids Used to Have
From delivering newspapers to selling lemonade, kids once mastered a variety of hands-on jobs that not only taught valuable life skills but also sparked entrepreneurial spirit in every neighborhood!
- Alyana Aguja
- 5 min read
In the past, children held a vast array of jobs that taught them responsibility, work ethics, and entrepreneurial skills. Whether it was a paper route, a lawn-mowing business, or working as a caddie, these jobs gave young people the opportunity to learn practical life lessons while earning their own money. These experiences, now mostly a thing of the past, were instrumental in establishing the independence and resourcefulness of a generation.
1. Paper Route Carrier
Image from LinkedIn
Perhaps the most legendary kid job of mid-20th-century America, paperboys (and eventually papergirls) were up early delivering papers on their bicycles or on foot. They’d frequently make a collection on weekly subscription fees door-to-door, gaining customer service and financial management skills. It was a job—and a rite of passage in many communities.
2. Soda Jerk Assistant
Image from Wikipedia
Teenagers in the 1940s and 1950s might have worked a few hours in drugstore soda fountains to help prepare ice cream sodas, milkshakes, and sundaes. Adult “soda jerks” ran the counters, and younger children generally bused tables or restocked. It was a busy, social job involving multitasking and public interaction.
3. Caddie at the Local Golf Course
Image from GolfLux
Caddying was a summer boy job, especially from the 1930s to the 1970s. It involved carrying golf bags and providing club tips. Formal caddie programs existed at some clubs, even offering scholarships. The job was hard work but well-paid and provided good connections.
4. Shoeshine Boy
Image from Pitzl Financial
Children with a box of polish and brushes would stand outside barbershops or in front of busy sidewalks, offering shoe shines to businessmen. This practice was particularly prevalent during the Depression, when families required additional income. Quick hands and a silver tongue were key to earning tips.
5. Pinsetter at Bowling Alleys
Image from Facebook
Prior to automatic pinsetters, bowling alleys employed children (usually boys) to reset pins manually and roll back bowling balls by hand. Called “pin boys,” they were required to be quick and nimble, jumping out of the way of airborne pins while keeping the game moving. It was loud and grueling, and they were paid per game.
6. Farmhand or Field Picker
Image from Mirage News
In the countryside, children tended to work on farms or be employed to harvest crops such as strawberries, corn, or tobacco. Days could start early before dawn and continue late into the day, particularly during harvest time. This gave them a strong work ethic and appreciation of farming.
7. Babysitter
Image from Kids in the House
Babysitting became particularly prevalent following World War II, when suburban growth created more families with young children. Predominantly a teenager’s job, it demanded responsibility, trust, and emergency expertise. Remuneration was low, yet it provided flexible schedules and useful experience.
8. Lawn Mower and Yard Work Helper
Image from Discover NEPA
Prior to lawn care businesses being ubiquitous, children shoveled snow, raked leaves, or mowed lawns for neighbors. They often used hand-pusher mowers and created flyers to promote their services. This work fostered entrepreneurship and dependability.
9. Grocery Store Bagger
Image from Dreamstime.com
Grocery stores in the area tended to hire teenagers to bag groceries, bring them out to customers, and bring back shopping carts. The position might advance to stock clerk or cashier. It offered regular hours and a group atmosphere.
10. Car Washer
Image from ZipRecruiter
In the 1950s to 1980s, children earned extra money washing neighbors’ cars in driveways or assisting in small car washes. For some soap, buckets, and elbow grease, a diligent child could wash multiple cars in a day. It was a cheap start-up with decent tips.
11. Delivering Milk or Ice with a Parent
Image from Stanpac Inc.
Children sometimes assisted parents on delivery routes, particularly with milk or ice wagons during the early 20th century. They’d jump out at every stop, delivering bottles or blocks to front doors. It was not paid but instilled discipline and family cooperation.
12. Newspaper Office Helper
Image from The New York Times
Other than handing out papers, other children worked inside newspaper offices organizing bundles, stuffing inserts, or tidying up. This exposed them to seeing news production from behind. They sometimes received complimentary newspapers or early access to comics.
13. Carnival or Fair Assistant
Image from Pigeon605
Children may be employed to assist in setting up booths, selling tickets, or clearing grounds at summer fairs. Though occasionally on the side, this provided thrills and an atmosphere of festivity. Fairs’ temporary nature made them suitable for summer vacations.
14. Corner Lemonade Stand Owner
Image from webster on the web
A traditional entrepreneurial activity, children establish stands selling homemade lemonade, sometimes with folding tables and hand-lettered signs. It was typically done during summer with parental supervision. Lessons in pricing, sales, and customer service accompanied each cup sold.
15. Library Page or Book Shelver
Image from Get Involved Clearinghouse
Some children earned part-time jobs in public libraries, shelving books or preparing periodicals. Quiet and exacting, these jobs were perfect for book lovers. The benefits included an early peek at new titles and a quiet work environment.
16. Errand Runner for Small Businesses
Image from Home Business Magazine
Back in the pre-digital days, children delivered errands for tailors, florists, or neighborhood offices—picking up lunch, delivering messages, or bringing small packages. This was an informal position of trust and reliability, usually beginning through a family relationship.
17. Amusement Park Vendor
Image from Pinterest
Teenagers—and occasionally younger children—sold popcorn, cotton candy, or trinkets at neighborhood amusement parks. The shift was long, particularly on weekends, but the vibrant atmosphere was enjoyable. It also honed mathematical skills and dealing with customers under stress.