Big Jo Flour - Sisters were traveling sales women
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Big Jo Flour Early in the 20th century Adelaide McGonigle worked for Big Jo Flour Company. Big Jo Flour was owned by Riverside Mills based out of Oswego, New York. The main plant was located in Wabasha, Minnesota. Big Jo Flour milled wheat from Minnesota and the Dakotas, and touted this flour for its low gluten level. Pillsbury was probably the largest flour distributor. Adelaide was known as ‘Addie’ to her family and friends. Addie’s job required travel and extended stays in distant locales. How long was she employed with Big Jo Flour? Unknown; however, we do know she was working there from 1914 to 1915. Unlike today, traveling women were rare. My how the tongues must have wagged in Belvidere. After all a “real” woman would be thinking of marriage and raising a family. Unchaperoned women were not the norm. News articles do not describe her job duties. So what did she do? What would be considered suitable employment that would not offend delicate sensibilities. Women today work in a variety of jobs: |
So what did she do? What would be considered suitable employment that would not offend delicate sensibilities. Women today work in a variety of jobs: senior politicians, business leaders, scientists, construction, engineers, lawyers, doctors, and office staff positions. That was not the case 100 years ago. Times were different and job choices were limited. Women could not vote for President until 1920!
Was she working in sales? Possibly. Some facts we do know. Addie’s mother, Kate Murrin McGonigle, was an excellent cook and baker. No doubt Kate taught culinary arts to her daughters. After all, a man’s heart is through his stomach. Big Jo Flour Company hired ‘reps’ who put on baking demonstrations using their flour. Reps baked for church groups, ladies groups and organizations, or civic organizations. In today’s world we might consider this activity as ‘sales support’. This might describe Addie’s duties.