Working for a Living

Before the arrival of the railroad, McLean County residents used credit and a bartering system, and trade depended on the Illinois River port in Pekin for both selling and acquiring goods and supplies. Area merchants (mostly grocery, dry goods, lumber, and implement dealers) needed cash for purchasing their goods, but often had to barter and trade goods or services with their customers who typically had little to no money.

Manufacturing jobs increased dramatically after the railroad arrived as needed supplies could be shipped in more easily. Additionally, finished products could be shipped to distant markets.

Many McLean County residents developed varied skills and talents that they used in the field of entertainment.

By the 1910s more dealers were selling cars and more people were driving. Roads were improved, gas stations were opened, and auto mechanics stepped up to make repairs. How we got to work and where we worked changed dramatically.

After World War II advancing transportation and communication technology continued to impact the work place. By the end of the century new technologies, espeically computers, had effected the greatest changes for workers.