Hard to Make Living in Florida Without a Trade, Says Blackwelder, Oct. 31, 1925

Letter from W.R. Blackwelder in Florida. . . Says Florida Is a Tough Place for a Poor Man Without a Trade

West Palm Beach, Fla., Oct. 28

Dear Mr. Editor:

A number of people requested me to let them know the conditions here for working men. So you will do me a favor by publishing this letter.

I arrived here October 21st and went to work at once as a carpenter. Eight hours for $10. It cost me $38 to join the Union, and $13 per week for room and board. I worked two and a half days and was placed as Gen. Supt. for the East Coast Building Service, at $12, with the promise of $15 per day after one month. The ordinary carpenter with no knowledge of a blueprint gets $1.25 per hour. Painters are making the same as carpenters. Masons and plasterers are getting $17 to $20 per day. Common labor $4 to $5. This is a great country for a man with money or a good trade. But a dough place for a poor man without a trade. The cost of living keeps the laborer up against a proposition. It is almost impossible to get a place to sleep. The greatest industry here is gambling on real estate. One person out of every eight is a real estate agent, according to figures published last week.

It is very warm here. To one not used to the heat, it is very oppressive. The nights are pleasant, and the mosquitoes get busy.

Now, this is about all I can say about Florida. If anyone who has a trade wishes to come here, there is plenty to do. I could use six good men now. But if you have no money or trade, banish the thought of shaking money off the trees from your mind.

Hoping to see my old friends in Concord Christmas.

I remain Yours Sincerely, W.R. Blackwelder

From page 2 of the Concord Daily Tribune, Saturday, Oct. 31, 1925

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