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Two Men Working on a Maytag Washing Machine in Newton, Iowa, October 1949

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Two adult men in foreground bent over working on washing machines that are closely lined up on an assembly line. Two women and a man are seen in the background also working on a part of the Maytag washing machine.
Courtesy of the State Historical Society of Iowa, October 1949

Description

#3 Occupation: Manufacturing Operative
The Maytag factory in Newton, Iowa, was a pillar of the community for decades. In this photograph, manufacturing operatives work on an assembly line for wringer washing machines. Factories throughout Iowa had good paying, reliable jobs that attracted many people to work off the farm. As farming became more financially risky, people appreciated the reliability of manufacturing jobs.

Source-Dependent Questions

  • What is the working environment for a manufacturing operative?
  • What skills does this manufacturing operative need in order to be successful at his job?
  • Are all of the manufacturing operatives in this photo men?
  • Why did many Iowans leave farming to take jobs in factories?
  • Make a prediction: How might the wringer washing machine have changed daily life for Iowans?