12.29.08
Oh What a Century
Wrapping up 2008, I enjoyed reading what things were like in 1908… what will people in 2108 think of the things we consider typical for this day and age?
Here are some statistics for the Year 1908:
– The average life expectancy was 47 years.
– Only 14 percent of the homes had a bathtub.
– Only 8 percent of the homes had a telephone.
– There were only 8,000 cars and only 144 miles of paved roads.
– The maximum speed limit in most cities was 10 mph.
– The tallest structure in the world was the Eiffel Tower!
– The average wage in 1908 was 22 cents per hour.
– The average worker made between $200 and $400 per year.
– A competent accountant could expect to earn $2000 per year, A dentist $2,500 per year, a veterinarian between $1,500 and $4,000 per year, and a mechanical engineer about $5,000 per year.
– Ninety percent of all doctors had NO COLLEGE EDUCATION!
The three leading causes of death were:
1. Pneumonia and influenza
2. Tuberculosis
3. Diarrhea
– The American flag had 45 stars.
– The population of Las Vegas , Nevada, was only 30!!!!
– Only 6 percent of all Americans had graduated from high school.
– Marijuana, heroin, and morphine were all available over the counter at the local corner drugstores.