[Huntress]

It made us feel like we were growing up to have jobs and earn some money.

Exactly. I made $3.35 per hour at my first job when I was in high school. It felt GREAT to spend that money because it was mine and I had earned it. More importantly, though I didn't realize until much later, I learned the importance of showing up on time and generally being a dependable employee.

[Buddy B]

Gee, in 1949 J.J. Newberry Co. [five & dime store] in my home-town paid the female sales-clerks 35 cents per hour. Being a store sales-clerk was not an easy job, either.

I was 19 and the store stock-clerk at 50 cents an hour.

[eyedigress]

Those were the days. Hardest work I’ve ever done for 3.35 an hour (Steakhouse). Well, except for the 2 cents a bale in the 70’s.