American Stats 1909 Edition

Just in case you’re looking for something to start a conversation here are some numbers and statistics from 100 years ago:

* The average wage was 22 cents an hour and the average worker made
between $200-400 per year although an accountant could earn
$2000, a dentist $2500 and a mechanical engineer about $5000 per
year.
* Sugar costs 4 cents per pound, eggs were 14 cents a dozen and coffee
was 15 cents a pound.
* The average life expectancy was 47 years.
* Two out of every ten adults could not read or write.
* Only 6% of all Americans had graduated from high school
* More than 95% of all births took place at home.
* The maximum speed limit in most cities was 10 MPH, there were
only 144 miles of paved roads and 8,000 cars to drive on them.
* The tallest structure in the world was the Eiffel Tower.
* Canada passed a law that prohibited poor people from entering into
their country for any reason.
* The American flag had 45 stars.
* There was no Mother’s Day or Father’s Day, Crossword puzzles,
canned beer and ice tea had not yet been invented.
* There were about 230 reported murders in the entire country.
* The five leading causes of death were Pneumonia & influenza, Tuberculosis, Diarrhea, Heart Disease and Stroke.
* Marijuana, heroin and morphine were all available over the counter at the local drugstore.

Just try and imagine the differences between now and 2109.