24 Occupations That Have Vanished Over Time

Numerous roles that were once widespread have now vanished from modern resumes. Some were eliminated due to technological progress, while others, deemed hazardous or undesirable, were eradicated thanks to enhanced labor regulations. The careers listed here were once reliable sources of income but have either completely disappeared or are nearing extinction.

1. MESSENGER ON MOTORBIKES

Dispatch riders were motorcyclists during World War I and World War II tasked with delivering critical messages between military units. At the time, wartime radio communications were unreliable and vulnerable to interception, making swift and dependable motorcycle couriers the preferred choice in these urgent scenarios.

2. FOUNTAIN SERVER

During the 20th century, working as a soda jerk was a popular job for many young individuals. Teenagers, often dressed in bow ties and white paper hats, could be seen operating soda fountains and preparing ice cream and fizzy drinks to order. The rise of fast-food chains and drive-ins contributed to the decline of the classic soda jerk, though many modern eateries now attempt to recreate the charm of these iconic drugstore servers with their unique twists.

3. HERB SCATTERER

The 1600s were not renowned for their cleanliness. To address the pervasive odors, herb strewers were employed to scatter fragrant herbs and flowers throughout royal households, helping to disguise unpleasant smells. Commonly used plants included basil, lavender, chamomile, and roses.

4. TRAVELING BOOKSELLER

During the 18th and 19th centuries, certain booksellers opted to travel from house to house instead of establishing permanent shops. These traveling booksellers carried samples of their books and illustrations to showcase their offerings. Unlike other door-to-door salesmen of the era, such as those selling sewing machines or dubious remedies, book peddlers were generally well-received. In fact, while many states enacted laws to restrict door-to-door sales, book peddlers were frequently granted an exemption. Although a few companies still employ this method today, modern homeowners are far less welcoming to unsolicited visits compared to earlier times.

5. DAGUERREOTYPE PHOTOGRAPHER

The Daguerreotype was the first publicly accessible form of photography. It gained widespread popularity in the mid-19th century, capturing portraits of notable figures such as Abraham Lincoln, Walt Whitman, and Frederick Douglass. Daguerreotypists were skilled in both taking photographs and developing them through intricate chemical processes. However, the advent of more affordable and advanced photographic techniques eventually made daguerreotypists a relic of the past.

6. TELEGRAPH OPERATOR

At the height of the telegraph's popularity, the demand for telegraph operators surged, especially during wartime, offering lucrative salaries. These operators played a crucial role in communication between land and sea. Although the telegraph and Morse code eventually became obsolete with the rise of newer technologies, their contribution to the rapid transmission of information revolutionized the way humans communicate.

7. TOAD HEALERS

While toad doctors are no longer a profession, they were a common part of 19th-century English folk medicine. Individuals suffering from scrofula believed they could be cured by wearing a toad, either alive or dead, in a muslin bag around their neck.

8. BOWLING ALLEY PINSETTERS

Before the invention of automated pin-setting machines, bowling alleys required individuals to manually reset the pins after each roll. These workers, often called pin boys due to the prevalence of young boys in the role, would wait at the end of the lanes to reposition the pins. However, with the introduction of automatic pinsetters in the early 20th century, these manual jobs largely vanished.

9. WATER BEARER

Water carriers, who transported water from sources to households, enjoyed centuries of steady employment. However, as indoor plumbing became widespread in the West, this profession began to decline—a trend still ongoing globally. In 2015, the BBC spoke with a traditional water carrier in India who noted that even three decades prior, hundreds performed this role; he was the last in his region, attributing the decline to the rise of tap water. Similarly, in 2017, South Africa's News24 interviewed a water carrier from Madagascar who revealed she could carry 800 liters of water daily, earning just $1.20.

10. MOUNTED SOLDIERS

Cavalrymen are commonly associated with soldiers on horseback, but historically, they have also ridden camels and elephants. Cavalry units provided tactical advantages such as increased mobility, elevation, and speed. The use of cavalrymen peaked during World War I and World War II, but modern warfare has shifted to armored vehicles, aircraft, and advanced weaponry. However, as depicted in the recent film 12 Strong, soldiers and horses still collaborate in certain regions around the world.

11. RADIO PERFORMERS

Radio dramas were a dominant form of entertainment from the 1920s to the 1950s. This audio-only medium required listeners to use music, sound effects, and dialogue to visualize the stories. The advent of television led to the decline of radio dramas and the careers of radio actors in America, though they remain popular in some regions. Recently, the podcast boom has revived interest in audio storytelling.

12. HUMAN ALARM CLOCK

While modern alarm clocks may be annoying, they are preferable to hiring a knocker-up to tap on your windows or doors. During the Industrial Revolution, knocker-ups were paid to wake workers by using long sticks to knock on their homes. This profession was primarily found in Britain and Ireland, but as alarm clocks became more common, the role faded away—though it persisted in some areas of Britain until the 1970s.

13. HUMAN CALCULATOR

Before the advent of modern computers, individuals were hired as human calculators. These roles were frequently filled by women who collaborated to solve complex mathematical equations. Human computers tackled challenges in fields like astronomy and trigonometry, but as technology advanced, these positions were replaced by electronic computers.

14. TIMEKEEPER

The role of a clockkeeper has transformed alongside technological advancements. Initially, their duties included ringing a central bell multiple times a day. With the invention of mechanical clocks, their responsibilities shifted to winding and maintaining city clocks to ensure precision. While clockkeepers are no longer as crucial today, as noted in The Turret Clock Keeper's Handbook [PDF], "those who maintain turret clocks understand their significance in local communities, not only for their aesthetic value but also for their timekeeping and hourly chimes—despite the prevalence of quartz watches."

15. MOVIE PROJECTIONIST

The role of a film projectionist is another profession on the brink of extinction. Film-based movie projection in theaters is now a rarity, leaving few skilled in handling film reels. The cost of maintaining film projectors has become excessively high, and with the dominance of digital projection, the craft of threading filmstrips is nearly obsolete.

16. COAL BREAKER BOY

In American coal breakers, breaker boys, typically aged 8 to 12, were employed to remove impurities from coal. The work was grueling, and public outcry against child labor in such conditions grew, though child labor laws were often disregarded. This practice persisted into the early 1920s until stricter enforcement of labor laws and advancements in coal processing technology rendered the role obsolete.

17. ROYAL TOILET ATTENDANT

Everyone, including English monarchs, has bodily needs. Kings of England had a trusted advisor, known as the Groom of the Stool, to assist them in this private matter. Despite its seemingly unpleasant nature, the role became influential and prestigious within the royal court, as kings often shared confidential matters with their Groom of the Stool. The position faded during Elizabeth I's reign, as it was reserved for male rulers (Elizabeth I had a Chief Gentlewoman of the Privy Chamber and numerous attendants). It was revived under King James I and later renamed the Groom of the Stole. Although Queen Victoria's son held the title as a prince, it was discontinued during his reign.

18. SOUND DETECTOR OPERATOR

The development of radar technology revolutionized military air defense strategies. Prior to World War II, the United Kingdom employed aircraft listeners. These individuals used concrete sound mirrors to detect the noise of approaching enemy aircraft. While these acoustic mirrors were effective in capturing sound, they often failed to provide sufficient warning, as enemy planes were already too close by the time they were heard. Many of these sound mirrors have since been restored and preserved as historical landmarks.

19. LIFT ATTENDANT

Modern passenger-operated elevators are far simpler than their manual counterparts, which required skilled operators. Older elevators used levers instead of buttons to control speed, and operators had to ensure precise stops at each floor. While elevator operators still exist today, their role has shifted primarily to ensuring security rather than manual operation.

20. PUBLIC ANNOUNCER

Town criers were tasked with broadcasting official announcements, often by proclaiming them loudly in public spaces to ensure widespread awareness. To capture attention, they would yell "Oyez"—meaning "listen"—and ring a large bell. In England, they were distinguished by their elaborate attire and tricorne hats. Although town criers are no longer common, some still participate in competitions or celebrate royal events in a ceremonial role.

21. HARVESTER OF ICE

Before refrigerators and freezers became commonplace, people depended on large ice blocks to preserve their food and beverages. Ice cutters were responsible for locating, cutting, and transporting these ice slabs. The job was perilous, exposing workers to harsh cold and freezing waters. As technology progressed, the need for ice cutters diminished. Today, the profession survives in niche areas, such as harvesting ice for "artisanal ice cubes" or constructing ice hotels.

22. TORCHBEARER

During the Middle Ages in London, link-boys roamed the streets at night, carrying torches to light the way. Some were hired privately, while others charged pedestrians a small fee for their services. As street lighting became more common, the role of link-boys faded into history.

23. TELEPHONE OPERATOR

In the early days of telecommunication, operators manually connected callers using switchboards. These devices featured circuits that lit up when a phone was picked up, prompting the operator to link the lines for conversation. The role became obsolete as telephone technology advanced, allowing direct dialing without intermediaries. While the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported 80,000 switchboard operators in May 2017, the job has largely shifted to customer service, ensuring callers are directed to the correct department.

24. ARMY CANTEEN WORKER

Women known as vivandières accompanied the French army during conflicts like the French Revolution, the Napoleonic Wars, and even the American Civil War. They supported troops by tending to injuries, sewing, cooking, and carrying supplies, serving as both medics and caretakers. These roles were regarded as honorable and essential. The French War Ministry officially disbanded vivandières in the early 20th century, prior to World War I.