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Some Special Interests => Occupation Interests => Topic started by: Gibby1968 on Wednesday 07 March 18 15:10 GMT (UK)

Title: Arthur Boulton "wash house jobber" what is that?
Post by: Gibby1968 on Wednesday 07 March 18 15:10 GMT (UK)
I found my 2x great uncle Arthur Boulton on the 1939 register.

His occupation is confusing though.  It says wash house jobber combing.

I have looked up the word jobber and combing is a textile term but I can't fathom what it means.

Any ideas please?

Thanks.
Title: Re: Arthur Boulton "wash house jobber" what is that?
Post by: BumbleB on Wednesday 07 March 18 16:26 GMT (UK)
My interpretation  :-\

Jobber = casual worker
Wash house and combing would be part of the textile industry, probably woollen - not unusual in Keighley.

I don't know whether combing came before or after washing of the wool.

Added:  looking it up, washing came before combing.

Title: Re: Arthur Boulton "wash house jobber" what is that?
Post by: Gibby1968 on Wednesday 07 March 18 17:13 GMT (UK)
So he worked in the textile industry then?

Thanks for clearing that up for me.

I wish they'd write these things so they're easier to understand ???
Title: Re: Arthur Boulton "wash house jobber" what is that?
Post by: BumbleB on Wednesday 07 March 18 17:15 GMT (UK)
But if they did, then where's the fun  ;D
Title: Re: Arthur Boulton "wash house jobber" what is that?
Post by: JenB on Wednesday 07 March 18 17:16 GMT (UK)
I wish they'd write these things so they're easier to understand ???

Arthur would have been asked his occupation, and written or said  'wash house jobber combing'. He knew what it meant  ;D
Title: Re: Arthur Boulton "wash house jobber" what is that?
Post by: Gibby1968 on Wednesday 07 March 18 17:20 GMT (UK)
I don't suppose they thought that anyone would be looking for information on them 100 years later.
Title: Re: Arthur Boulton "wash house jobber" what is that?
Post by: Gibby1968 on Wednesday 07 March 18 17:21 GMT (UK)
For the census I mean.

I realise 1939 is not 100 years ago!